Business Visa - Applying When Already Sold Business?

[sparklinggal]

Hi - I'm hoping to apply for a state sponsored provisional business visa but I'm hoping I haven't left it too late. I sold the business quite a while ago but no so long that I can't provide 2 years out of the last four years accounts, as required.

But I noticed on the application that they also want pictures of the business. I honestly can't say that I took any. And the folk who bought it from me are operating it from a different premises, so I'd feel a bit cheeky going taking pictures of their offices etc.

Is it ok to apply now, or was I supposed to apply before I sold the business? And what do I do about photos if I didn't take any?

[jewels1356]

good luck i did the photos as still have the company well 1/2 of it would love to sell i would think thier no problem so long as you have bank account details etc i found the hardest thing proving was that i actually worked thier
julie

[jason RM0107604]

Often this problem comes up in source of funds arguments as well - how to proove you owned a business and was lawfully operating it but the business is long gone. as a general rule, and particularly for source of funds arguments, the more recent the company/management is, the more documents you need.

Photos are not the be all and end all of proof of businesses. financial reports, invoices, quotes, diaries, correspondence, emails, financial accounts, contracts, associates and other business records can be used to prove ownership, source of funds and management. Historical records from the govenment body who administers company formation and registration records could be a place to start. Articles of association, sharetransfer agreements, other agreements, etc. important documents signed by the applicant. superannuation documents, personal bank account statements are other examples.

when I have a problem like this, i approach it by giving as much documentation and evidnce as i possibly can. also be upfront about it.the worst thing you can do is hide it, because when they investigate and find out its not your busines any more, then you have a problem that is difficult to overcome.

[lizy]

I sold my business 10 months before I applied (Jan 09) and the process has been fine, we are just waiting for the medicals to be cleared then all done hopefully!. Just send as much evidence as you can get together to prove you were involved hands on day to day. eg anything with your signature on, any documents, contracts, certificates of registration (Licence, Limited company) letters from eg accountants, people you did business with etc but these must be related to the 2 years of accounts you choose to use.
Have you got any adverts from your business as photo evidence? Or proof of lease/ownership where you ran the business and explain it is no longer there?
If you need any other help as I went it alone without an agent, please ask...there doesn't appear to be many 163 ers about!
Liz

[sparklinggal]

Thanks everyone. I have quite a bit of documentary evidence - the sale agreement was drawn up by a solicitor and I have bank statements etc , so hopefully that will help. I guess they just want as much proof as possible that you owned the business.

With the exchange rates changing, I think I'm really going to need state sponsorship. Am going to apply to Victoria first, then Perth if they refuse.

Liz - Thank you. It's nice to find someone else who is applying for a 163. I'm not using an agent either - I have plenty free time to do it myself right now. I never thought about adverts. I have things like that.

[JR56]

hi i have just been granted a 165 business visa, the case officer asked for evidence of advertisement that i had managed it myself. this was after all the paperwork had been sent and quite a bit after submission. might be a good idea to send it initially also that i was directly involved in advertising the sale of the businesses myself.
good luck there aren't many of us around unfortunately to ask advice on.