Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO) Breakdown

Understanding the Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO)

The Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO) is one of the nomination streams available under the Subclass 491 Regional Visa. It is designed for skilled migrants who have successfully established and operated a business in Tasmania. This pathway enables eligible business owners to secure a Tasmanian nomination for a Skilled Regional Visa, providing a long-term opportunity to live and work in the state.

491 TBO – Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO), applicants must meet a series of mandatory conditions:

• You must have established and operated a business in Tasmania for at least 12 months. The company must be solely owned or co-owned with your spouse.

• Your business must remain profitable after paying yourself a salary of at least 85% of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently $65,037).

• The income must come from genuine business activity, not supported by savings, loans, or external funding.

• You must demonstrate knowledge of fair employment practices by completing units from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online learning centre.

• Owners of massage therapy businesses must hold a related skills assessment and a valid health fund provider number.

• Subcontractors and independent contractors are not eligible under this pathway.

491 TBO – Priority Attributes

The Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway uses a priority ranking system to assess applicants.

• There are no Gold or Green priority attributes for this pathway.

• Applicants with at least one Orange-Plus priority attribute are classified as high priority and will be the first among Orange pass candidates invited to apply for nomination.

  
  

This ensures that only the most competitive business owners are considered for nomination under the TBO stream.

Orange Plus	Points
You have earned a personal income of at least $102,956 per year or $38.72 per hour from your business for over 12 months, and your business remains profitable.	40
In the last financial year, your business generated a turnover of over $500,000.	25
Your business has a workforce of over 10 employees who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of provisional visas.	25

Orange	Points
You possess a skills assessment that is directly relevant to the operation of your current business.	12
In the past year, you earned personal income from your business exceeding $76,515 but below $102,956, and your business continues to operate profitably.	12
Over the past year, you earned between $68,863 and $76,515 from your business, which remains profitable.	10
You possess a qualification of at least Certificate III that is directly related to your current business activities, excluding those gained through online study or Recognition of Prior Learning.	5
Your spouse has worked in Tasmania for the past six months in a position with an annual salary of at least $57,000 or a minimum base hourly wage of $28.85.	4
You have been running your business in Tasmania continuously for over 18 months.	3
You employ a minimum of three full-time workers who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of provisional visas.	3
You have lived in Tasmania without interruption for at least three years.	3
You possess Proficient or Superior English skills, or you are exempt from the English language requirement due to your passport country.	2
You have lived in Tasmania continuously for a period of two years but less than three.	2

491 TBO – Required Documents

Applicants must provide comprehensive and verifiable documentation to support their Registration of Interest (ROI) and nomination application. Failure to provide the required documents may result in the rejection of your application.

MandatorIn the last financial year, your business generated a turnover of over $500,000.y Documents

1. Personal and Identity Documents

   • Passport (bio-data page)

   • Department of Home Affairs International Movement Record

     
     

2. Skills and English Evidence

   • SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

   • Skills assessment (issued within the last three years)

   • English language test result (valid within three years) or passport from exempt countries (UK, USA, NZ, Canada, Ireland)

     
     

3. Employment and Financial Records

   • Employment contracts, pay slips, ATO income statements, and superannuation records

   • Proof that wages meet Fair Work Ombudsman standards and local market rates

     
     

4. Residency Proof in Tasmania

   • Travel itinerary to Tasmania

   • Rental agreements or statutory declarations listing addresses and periods of residence

   • Bank statements showing living expenses and income deposits

     
     

5. Business Operation Documents

   • ABN/ASIC certificate and current company extract

   • 12 months of business bank and personal account statements

   • Business Activity Statements (BAS) for the operational period

   • ATO Income Statement and Notice of Assessment

   • Photographic evidence of business location and operations

   • Statement of Distribution (if operated as a partnership with a spouse)

Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO)

The Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO) offers a robust pathway for skilled migrants operating successful businesses in Tasmania to secure state nomination under the Subclass 491 visa. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria, providing genuine evidence of business operations, and maintaining compliance with employment laws are crucial for success.

If you’re operating a business in Tasmania and aiming for permanent residency, this pathway could be your next step.

Ready to apply or need expert assistance with your TBO application?

Book a Consultation with RACC today to ensure your nomination meets all Tasmanian and federal requirements.

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