Jing Bang (Jim) Zou had run a successful bee farm at Young for seven years. He and his wife Litang Fan had developed a successful market for unique bee products.

But when his working visa ran out, the Federal Government's Migration Review Tribunal refused Mr Zou a distinguished talent visa that would have allowed him to continue to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis.

The tribunal said Mr Zou had not demonstrated he had an ''internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession''.

The government has changed its mind and granted the family permanent residency.

Mr Zou said he was delighted he could stay.