188D Visa

Premium Investor Subclass 188D Visas

The Australian Government’s decision to close the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) on 31 July 2024 has disrupted the migration plans of many business owners and entrepreneurs. This change has compelled prospective migrants to explore alternative pathways, such as self-sponsorship under the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa and small business owner Subclass 491 visas, another potential option could be the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa.

These alternatives demand investment, legal compliance, and a clear understanding of visa criteria. Engaging a professional migration agent or legal advisor is strongly recommended to increase your chances of success. Book a consultation to evaluate your visa options and pathways here.

188D Premium Investor (PIV) Stream

This visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an AusTrade.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people who want to invest at least AUD 15 million into complying investments in Australia. After maintained an investment in Australian for 1 year, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia: Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

General Requirements:

Applicants must make an investment of at least AUD 15 million in a “premium investment” prior to grant of the visa. A “premium investment” for the purposes of the Premium Investor Visa includes:

Australian securities exchange listed assets
Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes
Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchange listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an AFS licenced debt rating agency
Australian proprietary limited companies
Real property in Australia excluding residential property
Deferred annuities issued by Australian registered life companies
State or territory government approved philanthropic contribution

Advantages:

· No residence requirement

· Fast-track 12 months pathway to permanent residency

Other 188 Visa eligibility streams:

A. Business Innovation –
for business owners seeking to establish business operations in Australia
B. Investor –
for people who are willing to invest $1.5 million in an Australian State or Territory bonds
C. Significant Investor –
for people willing to invest $5 million into complying investments in Australia
D. Premium Investor –
for people with significant funds who are willing to invest at least $15 million into complying premium investments in Australia.
E. Entrepreneur –
for people who have a funding agreement from a third party for at least AUD200 000 to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity

Note that business migration can be extremely complex, and even determining whether you have a good chance of qualifying can be difficult. In addition, you may be able to qualify in a number of different business migration categories.