Business Visa – Significant Investor Stream
Subclass 188C
(Temporary)
Overview
-
As a 5-year provisional visa, Subclass 188B visa is for overseas investors and business owners to invest AUD 5 million in Australia.
-
The holder of this visa can become eligible for permanent residency through Business Visa – Significant Investor stream (Subclass 888C) upon having maintained the investment for 4 years.
-
Major advantage 1: quite different from Business Visa – Innovation stream (Subclass 188A) and Business Visa – Innovation stream (Subclass 188B), there is absolutely no requirement in terms of age, points test, English competency, business turnover or business/investment experience.
-
Major advantage 2: low residence requirements when applying for permanent residency – 40 days per year for primary applicant or 180 days per year for partner.
-
This visa is invitation-based, meaning the Immigration generally pick the top-calibre (highest-scored) applicants in each round based on their submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI) and issue them invitations to apply for this visa.
-
You may include your family in your visa application so your entire family can migrate together.
Process
Step 1 – Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for invitation from state/territory government or Austrade
Step 2 – Apply for State/territory nomination once invited
Step 3 – Submit application for Subclass 188c visa when nomination is approved
Eligibility
Receive invitation from the Immigration
Obtain nomination from state/territory government or Austrade
Have not had involvement in unacceptable business or investment activities
Meet health and character requirements
Have functional English (or a second instalment of application fee applies)
The funds used to make the investment must be unencumbered and lawfully acquired.
you must make a complying significant investment of at least AUD 5 million when invited and the investment must be maintained for the duration of your Subclass 188C visa. It must be invested in the following proportions:
- at least AUD 1 million in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
- at least AUD 1.5 million in approved managed funds. The managed funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
- a ‘balancing investment’ of at least AUD 2.5 million in managed funds
Special Notes
Investment Further Explained
-
The managed funds can invest in a range of assets, including companies listed on the Australian stock exchange, Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities and commercial real estate.
-
Direct investment in residential real estate is prohibited. Indirect investment in residential property through managed funds is strictly limited.
Residence
Applicants must reside for at least 2 years in the nominating State/territory following the grant of the visa.
Location
Applicants may be in or outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant.
Duration of Stay
This visa is valid for 5 years. You may apply for an extension of 2 years if eligible.
Benefits
With this visa, you may:
-
migrate to Australia together with your family
-
apply for permanent residency through Subclass 888A visa in only 2 years if eligible
-
potentially bring your extended family members to Australia permanently on parent visa or visa intended for other relatives
-
stay in Australia for 5 years without having to leave
-
access Australia’s public health care scheme (Medicare) which essentially provides free medical consultations, operations and hospitalization for a wide range of medical conditions
-
travel overseas and back to Australia without limitations for any purposes (e.g. overseas holiday, visiting family and/or attending family matters in home country)
-
study in Australia without any limitations
-
attend free English language course provided by Australian government
Application Fees
You may include your family in the application so your family can migrate to Australia together.
First Instalment
Main applicant: $9195
-
Each secondary applicant aged 18 or over: $4595
-
Each secondary applicant under 18: $2300
Second Instalment
If any applicant at least 18 is assessed as not having functional English at the time of invitation, a second instalment applies:
-
Main applicant: $9795
-
Each secondary applicant: $4890
Please note: you may incur third-party charges, for example, for assets valuation, translation, English test, police certificate and health exam.
Processing Time
Kindly note the processing time constantly varies. Please contact us for update.
-
75% of applications: 18 months
-
90% of applications: 25 months
Please note a client refers to a visa applicant, their family members or a sponsoring employer where applicable.
