Investor Stream (Subclass 188B)

New legislation in July officially removes ‘investment in government bonds’

The official announcement of Australia’s new legislation for July highlights the following.

– The investment amount will be significantly increased to A$2.5 million

– Removal of 100% capital protected government bonds

– Follow the new 188C investment plan.

*Want to know what investment options are available under the new legislation? Contact us for a free 1-on-1 assessment with an Australian registered immigration consultant!

Introduction

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is part of the Business Innovation and Investment Programme. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and be nominated by a state or territory government before being invited to apply for this Australia Business Visa.

Advantages of Australia Investor Visa

No English and academic requirements
Short approval period
Investment of (50% Balanced Investment; 20% Venture Capital; 30% Emerging Businesses)
12^th of the largest economy, 5^th of Per Capita G·N·P
Allow carrying spouses, children who under 23, are dependent with parent financially.

Australia Investor Visa – Investment Options

Complying Investment of A$2.5 million (held for the duration of the provisional visa)

At least 20% of the capital, i.e. not less than A$0.5M in Venture Capital and Development Private Equity (VCPE) funds;
At least 30% of the capital, i.e. not less than A$0.75M, in Emerging Business;
At least 50% of capital, i.e. not less than A$1.25M in Balancing Investment

Application Requirements

Under 55 years old, Australian immigrants score 65
Net assets of A$2.5 million for the first 2 years of application
Minimum 1 year experience of A$2.5 million in managed portfolio for a in 5 years, and with at least 3 years of investment experience

Processing Time

Around 13-15 months

Application Process

Free consultation ➤ Sign an agreement ➤ Documents preparation ➤ Submit EOI ➤ Apply for state nomination ➤ Interview (if available) ➤ Health and Police Check ➤ Invest ➤ Visa granted

FAQs

Does the investment amount of $2.5 million required by 188B have to be earned?

Not necessarily. All that is required is proof of an investment portfolio of at least A$2.5 million for at least one of the five years.

188B requires applicants to have outstanding investment experience. What is the definition of outstanding investment experience?

The legislation does not specify this, so we usually collect information from our clients first and then arrange an appointment with a registered immigration consultant to conduct a free assessment for you.

If I have not invested in stocks in the past, but I have properties rental or business operations. Does this count towards my investment experience?

We have successfully applied for 188B visas for many clients who have rented out their properties or operated businesses. As each client has a different investment background, we need to have a full understanding of the client’s investment experience before we can assess whether the client meets the requirements of the application.

Can I still apply for 188B at the age of 54?

188B requires applicants to be below the age of 54, but as it takes time to apply, if you reach 55 years old during the application period you will not meet the application requirements. We would advise applicants to process their application as soon as possible at or before the age of 54, otherwise they can only choose the 188C Visa with no age requirement and an investment amount of AUD $5 million.

If I successfully apply for 188B and obtain a temporary residence visa for 5 years, how do I convert to PR afterwards?

Applicants who meet the residency requirement, i.e. two years of residence will be granted PR in Australia.

Do I need to satisfy the residency requirement for the entire family?

Not necessarily, there is flexibility.

Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C)

Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188A)

	Business Stream (188A)	Investor Visa (188B)	Significant Investor Stream (188C)
Age Limit	Below 55	Below 55‎	No Age Limit
Asset Requirements	Minimum AUD $1.25M	Minimum AUD $2.5M	Minimum AUD $5M
Investment Amount	Minimum AUD $0.3M (State requirements to be announced)	AUD $2.5M (50% Balanced Investment; 20% Venture Capital; 30% Emerging Businesses)	AUD $5M (50% Balanced Investment; 20% Venture Capital; 30% Emerging Businesses)
Residency Requirements	The principal applicant must have lived in the nominated province for 1 of the 3 years prior to applying for PR	The principal applicant or spouse must have lived in the nominating province for 2 years	The principal applicant must have lived in the nominated province for average stay 40 days per year
Experience Requirements	- Have successful experience in operating a business - 4 years before the application, at least 2 years have a turnover of AUD750k	- Overall success - Investment experience (at least 1 year managing an investment portfolio of A$2.5 million in 5 years; at least 3 years investment experience) - or Business experience (10% ownership interest; at least 3 years business experience)	N/A
Points Test	At least 65 points	At least 65 points	No Points Test
Processing Time	Around 18 months	Around 13-15 months	Around 12 months
PR Pathway (*Applicants will be granted a 5-year temporary residence visa and apply for PR in the 3rd year at the earliest if they meet the visa requirements)	- Meets turnover and asset requirements - Meets residency requirements (*If the applicant does not meet the business and residency requirements, may apply for 2-year extension once)	- Maintain relevant significant investment for up to 5 years - Meets residency requirements	- Maintain relevant significant investment for up to 5 years - Meets residency requirements (*If the applicant does not meet the business and residency requirements, may apply for 2-year extension twice)

Investor Stream (Subclass 188B)