StartNT Program

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Project Introduction

The Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) program in the Northern Territory of Australia has introduced an application pathway for Australian graduates in the 2022-23 financial year.

StartNT aims to attract Australian graduates with entrepreneurial plans to develop their ventures in the Northern Territory and offers the opportunity to apply for Australian permanent residency.

StartNT Program is for

Graduates holding a 485 visa in Australia (requires at least 13 months of validity)

Australian graduates who have left Australia for more than 2 years

Project Advantages

Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely

Low English proficiency requirements

No business or work experience required.

More than 500 immigration occupations are eligible for application

Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)

Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

Process & Criteria for onshore graduates

Step1 – Provisional Approval by MigrationNT

Sign MINT placement agreement, and commence the StartNT program

Relocate to the NT & make regular attendance at DIH

Must hold SC485 visa valid for at least 13 months from commencing the StartNT program

Meet standard SC190 visa criteria (skills assessment, age, English, point tests)

Meet financial capacity requirements (sufficient funds for PIIF investment, business & living expenses)

Face-to-face interview with MigrationNT

Step2 – Nomination

Investment into PIIF and complete AML checks

Main applicant and sub-applicants must have lived in the Northern Territory for at least 12 months

Satisfactory participation in the StartNT program for at least 12 months

Commit to living in the Northern Territory for at least 3 years after the visa is granted

Continue to meet the standard criteria

Process & Criteria for offshore graduates

Step1 – Provisional Approval by MigrationNT

Enter into MINT placement agreement, and commence the StartNT program

Apply for Visitor 600 Visa to NT and live in NT, make regular attendance at DIH

Must have lived overseas for at least 2 years prior to the start of the StartNT program and have no immediate family living in another state or territory

Meet standard SC190 visa criteria (skills assessment, age, English, point test）

Meet financial capacity requirements (sufficient funds for PIIF investment, business & living expenses)

Face-to-face interview with MigrationNT

Step2 – Nomination

Investment into PIIF and complete AML checks

Satisfactory participation in the StartNT program for 3 years

Commit to living in the Northern Territory for at least 3 years after the visa is granted

Continue to meet the standard criteria

Cost for StartNT Program

Onshore stream

Upfront/invitation letter (visa 600) $14,000 + GST
Upon successful entry into program $41,000 + GST

Offshore stream

Upfront: $55,000 + GST
Upfront: $55,000 + GST

Business Plan (review and mentoring)

Office space rental (year 1)

Office space rental (year 2)

Office space rental (year 3)

Administration

$14,000 (Non-refundable)

$12,000

$5,000

$55,000