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For applicants instates where the study-abroad-to-migration pathway has traditionally been difficult— such asQueensland—,the Queensland Subclass 491 small-business streamwas once a rare and valuable alternative route to migration. However, the small-business stream has its own characteristics and limitations: first, it is restricted to the Subclass 491 visa only; second, it carries a minimum threshold for self-employment that not everyone can meet.
But in this financial year, the MINT onshore graduate pathway programme has arrived like a timely rain, offering international students who have been searching for a migration route a brand-new option —
Advantages of the MINT Onshore Graduate Pathway
No need to chase a high points score (including Subclass 190 state nomination bonus points),
an EOI of 65 points may be enough to secure a Subclass 190 nomination!
Invitation rounds are stable and policy certainty is high,
landing in as little as 1.5 years!
How Do Australian Graduates Apply for MINT?
Applicant Requirements
The MINT Start-Up Graduate Program is divided into two categories:
Graduates who have been in Australia in recent years:Those who are about to graduate, or have already graduated, in Australia =applicants who are about to obtain, or have already obtained, a Subclass 485 visa(for those who already hold a Subclass 485 visa, it must have at least 13 months remaining validity)
Graduates of Australian study programmes who have been outside Australia in recent years: those who previously studied in Australia,but have since returned home — applicants who have been outside Australia for the 2 years prior to application — may enter Australia on a Subclass 600 visitor visa.
When you count it up:a large proportion of (former) international graduates are eligible to apply for the MINT Graduate Pathway.
Nominated Occupation Requirements
Since the new policy took effect on 1 July 2022, the MINT programme covers all occupation lists administered by the Department of Home Affairs, including the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL lists — a combined total of more than 500 occupations. Any occupation on those lists is eligible for a MINT programme application.
For the most current occupation lists, see:MINT Programme Significantly Expanded for the New Financial Year! All Migration Occupations Now Eligible, Including Multiple Finance / IT / Engineering / Marketing Roles! International Graduates May Also Have an Opportunity!
Programme Fees and Investment Security
MINT Graduate Pathway applicants are required topay the start-up programme feeswhich include:
Of that total,the $515,000 investment amountis broken down as follows:
80% invested in state government bonds,approximately2%annualised return; principal and interest fully guaranteed,returned in full after 5 years
20% invested in DIH precinct innovation companies,estimated annualised12%VC investment return;returned after 8–10 years
Investment security:
Some applicants may have concerns about the safety of funds invested in the MINT programme. In fact, MINT carries a high degree of investment security — the MINT programme is backed by the Northern Territory State Government,with 80% of invested funds placed in AAA-rated state government bonds, providing 100% principal and interest security.
MINT Graduate Pathway vs Queensland Subclass 491 Small-Business Stream
The MINT programme and the Subclass 491 small-business stream each have their own distinct characteristics. MINT suits applicants who want to obtain permanent residency quickly (as fast as 1.5 years),while the Subclass 491 small-business stream suits applicants with a slightly tighter budget. You can use this comparison table to choose the option that best fits your situation.
If you are weighing up between the two programmes, or have other questions about MINT programme investments and application requirements, please contact our team directly to arrange a one-on-one assessment!
For graduates currently onshore, detailed application process
1. Sign the Start-Up NT Program Agreement and pay the start-up programme fees
2. Relocate from another state to the NT
3. Attend an interview with the MINT 3-person expert panel and NT Government migration officer
4. Upon passing the interview, sign the Reservation Agreement with the fund company and pay the A$33,000 reservation fee. After receiving the Paspalis-signed Reservation Agreement, confirmation of a successful reservation is provided within 2–3 business days.
5. Lodge the state nomination application within 30 days of receiving the reservation confirmation letter.
6. Complete the transfer of the A$515,000 investment amount within 30 days of receiving the state government’s letter of conditional approval.
7. Cooperate with the fund company in a source-of-funds and anti-money-laundering investigation, and notify the state government upon completion.
8. Reside in the NT for 12 months concurrently and implement the start-up plan
9. The state government will conduct residency checks within 12 months
10. After 12 months, the NT State Government issues a Letter of Commitment for the applicant to sign; after signing and returning it, the NTState Government formally approves the nomination
11. Lodge the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
For graduates currently offshore,detailed application process
1. Sign the Start-Up NT Program Agreement
2. Enter Australia on a Subclass 600 visa and pay the start-up programme fees
3. Attend an interview with the MINT 3-person expert panel and NT Government migration officer
4. Upon passing the interview, sign the Reservation Agreement with the fund company and pay the A$33,000 reservation fee. After receiving the Paspalis signed Reservation Agreement, confirmation of a successful reservation is provided within 2–3 business days.
5. Lodge the state nomination application within 30 days of receiving the reservation confirmation letter.
6. Expect to receive the NT State Government’s letter of conditional approval in approximately 1 month; complete the transfer ofA$515,000 investment amount within 30 days of receiving the letter of conditional approval.
7. Cooperate with the fund company in a source-of-funds and anti-money-laundering investigation, and notify the state government upon completion.
8. The NT State Government issues a Letter of Commitment for the applicant to sign; after signing and returning it, the NT State Governmentformally approves the nomination
9. Finally, lodge the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
# MINT Frequently Asked Questions
1
How many places does the MINT programme have in total? How are they allocated?
A: The official announcement is 50 places in total, of which 30 are allocated to purely offshore applicants,and 20 are allocated to the onshore and offshore international graduate pathway.
2
How does locking in those 20 places work?
A: Simply pass the interview and pay the A$33,000 reservation fee plus the start-up programme fee of A$60,500 — and your allocation for that year is secured.
Whether you are currently onshore or offshore —
as long as you are, or were, an international student in Australia —
the MINT Graduate Programme
is a brand-new option for you to fast-track your path to an [Australian Subclass 190 permanent visa]
Scan the QR code now to speak with our team in detail ~
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