Difference Between Business Visa and Work Permit

November 23, 2022    Immigrationlawyers
Difference Between Business Visa and Work Permit

Business Visa VS Work Permit

Employers can send their employees to various countries for multiple corporate activities, including training, attending conferences, work projects and networking. Both an Australian business visa and a work permit can allow foreign nationals legal entry into Australia to conduct activities, but both visas have different purposes.

A business visa usually allows the holders to participate in works that are usually not considered gainful employment or work. On the other hand, a work permit allows visa holders the ability to perform work that might be considered productive in the host location. In this particular guide, you will learn more about a work permit and a business visa.

What is a Business Visa?

The Australian government issues business visas to travellers who want to conduct permissible business activities and attend meetings that do not include employment or labour in a specific country.

Some of the common activities that you can perform on a business visa are as follows:

  • Attending meetings
  • Attending business events and conferences
  • Investigating various business opportunities and ventures

One of the most important elements in an Australian business visa is that they usually involve business relations and logistics, not actual labour or services. But the permission granted to a business visa holder will differ from country to country. For example, some countries allow business visa holders to perform the installation of goods after a sale, while in other countries, you might need a work permit.

A business visa is not the same as a work permit, as they are only granted temporarily for a short-term period. But a work permit can be granted for a much longer time. It is known that most business visas are valid for 30 to 90 days under the 180-day period. But some business visas can also be granted for as less as 15 days.

What is a Work Permit?

The Australian government authorities usually issue work permits to foreign nationals who earn income or forms of compensation via work performed overseas. They can also help provide temporary services in the host location, and the context of productivity can be different based on the activity and host country.

Some of the reasons to apply for a work permit are as follows:

  • To get a full-time or part-time employment
  • Activities based on the project
  • Working under contract
  • To transfer from a host entity to an affiliated entity located in a different country

Work permits can allow foreign nationals to participate in paid work, contracted labour, or other activities that any country can interpret as needing income or compensation. The duration of the work permit can differ based on the country, and though some remain valid for six months, there are those that are longer than a year.

The process of acquiring a work permit is usually longer and more in-depth compared to an Australian business visa. The timeline and application process will also differ based on the country. Each country’s requirements will be different for applying for a work permit. This is why before you move forward with the Australian visa application process, you must ensure to hire a lawyer.

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