Visas services
188B eligibility requirements
– Investment stream
- Be under the age of 55 yeas old when invited to apply (exemptions may be applicable)
- Have at least 65 points
- Lodged an Expression of Interest in which you have received an invitation to apply for
- Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government
- Have at least 3 years of experience in managing one or more qualifying businesses or eligible investment
- Directly managed the following for at least 1 out of the last 5 fiscal years before you were invited to apply (can be combined with your partner):
- Own at least 10% of a qualifying business** or
- An eligible investment* of at least AUD$2.5 million
- Have total net business and personal assets of AUD$2.5 million that is available to be transferred to Australia within 2 years of visa grant
*Eligible investments include:
- Ownership interest in a business
- Cash on deposit
- Stocks of bonds
- Real estate
- Gold/bullion
- Loan to a business
**Qualifying Business
- An enterprise operated to make a profit through the provision of goods or services and is not operated primarily as a speculative or passive investment.
Updates
As of July 2021, this visa stream is valid for up to 5 years with an available permanent residency pathway after 3 years and 11 months of continued investment activity in the nominating state or territory government.
Points Test
Criteria | Threshold | Points |
---|---|---|
Age | 18 – 24 years old | 20 |
25 – 32 years old | 30 | |
33 – 39 years old | 25 | |
40 – 44 years old | 20 | |
45 – 54 years old | 15 | |
55 years old and older | 0 | |
English Language Skills | Vocational English | 5 |
Proficient English | 10 | |
Educational | Trade certificate, diploma or bachelor degree by an Australian education institute; or a bachelor qualification recognised by an educational institution of a recognised standard | 5 |
Bachelor degree in business, science or technology by an Australian institution or educational institution of a recognised standard | 10 | |
Financial Assets (You and your partner’s Net business and personal assets preceding 2 fiscal years before the time of invitation) | Not less than AUD$750,000 | 5 |
Not less than AUD$1.25 million | 15 | |
Not less than AUD$1.75 million | 25 | |
Not less than AUD$2.25 million | 35 | |
Business Turnover (2 out of the last 4 fiscal years) | Not less than AUD$750,000 | 5 |
Not less than AUD$1.25 million | 15 | |
Not less than AUD$1.75 million | 25 | |
Not less than AUD$2.25 million | 35 | |
Investor Experience | Not less than 4 years | 10 |
Not less than 7 years | 15 | |
Business Innovation | Patents or designed registered not less than 1 year before time of application | 15 |
Trademarks registered not less than 1 year before time of application | 10 | |
Ownership in and day to day participation in the management of one or more main business operated under a formal joint venture agreement/s entered into not less than 1 year before time of application | 5 | |
Ownership interest in a main business(es) that derives no less than 50% of annual turnover from export trade | 15 | |
Ownership interest in a main buisness(es) not more that 5 years before:
|
10 | |
Ownership interest in a main business(es) that received:
|
10 | |
Special endorsement | The nominating State or Territory government agency has determined that your proposed business is of unique and important benefit to the State or Territory where the nominating government agency is located | 10 |
HOW IT WORKS
Application Process
Benefits
Temporary residency
Holders of the Subclass 188B Investor Stream (Provisional) will be able to live in Australia temporarily without having to leave while the visa is valid (duration of 5 years).

Full work & study rights
Holders of the Subclass 188B Investor Stream (Provisional) will be able to live and work in Australia without any limitations.

Travel freely
Holders of the Subclass 188B Investor Stream (Provisional) will be able to travel in and out of Australia without having to apply for another visa while the visa is valid.

Sponsor family members
Holders of the Subclass 188B Investor Stream (Provisional) will be able to add family members as dependents on the application (if eligible).

Apply for permanent residency
You can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888B Investor Stream (Permanent) if all requirements are met after 3 years & 11 months of holding the Subclass Subclass 188B Investor Stream (Provisional).


Fastest Visa Application
Process and prompt response
Did you know that your visa outcome depends on the quality of application made to the Department of Home Affairs? A proper decision-ready application will always bring you a faster decision from the DHA. At Flyworld Migration, our registered migration agents in Melbourne will provide you with tailor made instructions and a checklist of documents, and an application for a visa will be made with a legal submission. This process will assist case officers to cross check your application with relevant legislative provisions and finalise the application.
Book an Appointment
Today
If you need professional assistance from the best immigration lawyers in Melbourne, book a free consultation today with Flyworld Migration. Call us on 03 8783 8138 or submit an online enquiry. We will assign a solicitor to help you apply for a suitable visa so you can live out your dream of studying or working in Australia.