A Business Visitor may be the holder of a Subclass 651 eVisitor, 601 Electronic Travel Authority, or a Subclass 600 visa in the Business stream. These visa types are subject to condition 8115, which permits the visa holder to undertake ‘business visitor activities’ while in Australia.
A ‘business visitor activity’ is defined in law and allows for the following activities:
- Attending business meetings relating to the person’s employment overseas
- Making a general business or employment inquiry, including investigating suppliers or opportunities to open an Australian business/branch
- Investigating, negotiating, entering into, or reviewing a business contract
- An activity carried out as part of an official government-to-government visit
- Participation in a conference, trade fair or seminar in Australia unless the person is being paid by the organiser.
Business visitor activities do not include:
- Undertaking any sort of employment or highly specialised work in Australia – a Subclass 400 Temporary Work visa may be more appropriate
- Providing ongoing services to an organisation or other person based in Australia
- Undertaking retail activity in Australia (the sale of goods or services to the general public)
- Being paid by an organiser as a presenter, performer or guest speaker at a ticketed event.
Business Visitors are welcome to enjoy tourism activities following the meeting or event, providing the original purpose of their trip was for business reasons.