Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)
The Significant Investor Stream of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is a pathway for high-net-worth individuals who are interested in making a significant investment in Australia. This pathway offers a quicker route to permanent residency in Australia compared to other business visas and is designed to encourage foreign investment in the country.
To be eligible for the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
Be willing to invest at least AUD$5 million in complying investments in Australia
Have a genuine and realistic commitment to maintaining investment in Australia
Meet health and character requirements
Once granted, the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa allows the applicant to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. During this time, the visa holder can travel in and out of Australia, study, and sponsor eligible family members for temporary residency.
The investment of AUD$5 million must be made in eligible investments in Australia, which include Australian securities exchange listed assets, eligible managed funds, bonds issued by the Commonwealth government or Australian state or territory governments, and direct investment in Australian proprietary companies. The investments must be made and maintained for a minimum of four years.
One of the benefits of the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa is that it provides a quicker pathway to permanent residency in Australia compared to other business visas. After holding the visa for at least four years and meeting the eligibility criteria for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888), applicants may be able to apply for permanent residency in Australia.
Another benefit of the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa is that it allows for flexibility in investments. Applicants can invest in a range of eligible assets, which means they can diversify their investment portfolio and potentially receive a return on investment.
To apply for the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the online application system for skilled migration to Australia. Once the EOI is submitted, it will be assessed by an Australian state or territory government agency, which will determine whether the applicant is eligible for nomination. If nominated, the applicant will be invited to apply for the visa.
Investors who are interested in applying for the Significant Investor Stream of the subclass 188 visa should be aware that the investment requirements are quite high. The minimum investment amount is AUD$5 million, and the investments must be made in complying investments in Australia. Additionally, applicants must have a genuine and realistic commitment to maintaining an investment in Australia for the required four-year period.
We at TooRoo Migration can guide you in navigating the complex requirements of the Significant program by assisting with:
Advise on eligibility requirements and options for the different streams under the subclass 188 visa program.
Assist with the preparation and lodgment of the visa application, including providing guidance on required documents and evidence to support the application.
Help navigate the nomination process by liaising with relevant State or Territory government authorities.
Advise on business and investment opportunities in Australia and provide assistance with establishing or purchasing a business in Australia.
Provide ongoing support and assistance with meeting visa conditions and complying with Australian immigration and business laws.
Represent clients in dealings with the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant government agencies.