Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream
The Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream is designed for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in Australia and contribute to its economy. By investing a minimum of AUD $5 million in complying investments, applicants can gain provisional residency for up to 4 years and 3 months.
The investment can be made in various sectors, such as government bonds, direct business investments, and other approved economic activities, allowing for portfolio diversification. After the visa period, applicants may apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa if they meet the requirements.
Family members, including partners and dependent children, can also be included in the application, with rights to live, work, and study in Australia. This visa offers a pathway for individuals seeking financial growth and a prosperous future in Australia, while contributing to the country’s economy.
What You Can Do with the Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream Visa
The Subclass 188C visa provides you with the opportunity to live, work, and invest in Australia for up to 5 years. It allows you to engage in significant economic activities that contribute to Australia’s growth while also offering a pathway to permanent residency. Here’s an overview of what you can do with this visa:
Live and work in Australia for up to 5 years
The Subclass 188C visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 5 years while you focus on your investment activities. You can explore business opportunities, contribute to the Australian economy, and build a future in the country. You may also apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa once you meet the criteria.
Invest in various Australian economic sectors
As a visa holder, you can invest in various Australian economic sectors, including bonds, private equity, and managed funds. This is your chance to contribute to Australia’s growing economy through a diversified portfolio. The minimum investment requirement is AUD 5 million, and you can make investments in bonds, venture capital, and managed funds that focus on Australian business development.
Bring eligible family members
You can bring your partner and dependent children with you to Australia. Your family members will have full work and study rights, giving them the opportunity to pursue their careers and education while living in Australia with you.
Apply for permanent residency via Subclass 888
After fulfilling the investment and residence requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa. This pathway allows you to stay in Australia permanently and take full advantage of the social, healthcare, and economic benefits the country offers.
Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa?
To qualify for the Subclass 188C visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Australian government. These requirements ensure that applicants are genuinely committed to making a positive economic contribution to Australia while meeting health and character standards.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nomination by State or Territory Government | Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This ensures that your investment aligns with regional and economic priorities. |
| Minimum Investment | To qualify for the visa, you must invest a minimum of AUD 5 million in complying Australian investments such as government bonds, managed funds, or direct investments in Australian businesses. |
| Health and Character Requirements | All applicants must meet specific health and character standards to ensure they do not pose a risk to Australian public health or security. Required medical examinations and police checks will be conducted. |
| Genuine Intention to Reside in Australia | You must prove that you intend to reside in Australia during the provisional visa period, contributing to the Australian economy and community through your investment. |
| No Involvement in Unacceptable Business Activities | Applicants must not have been involved in any business activities deemed unacceptable, such as money laundering, tax evasion, or illegal business practices. The government ensures that your business history is clean. |
Eligible Investment Options for Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream
To meet the AUD 5 million investment requirement, applicants must allocate their funds into approved Australian investment categories. These options are designed to ensure that the investment contributes to Australia’s economic growth.
| Investment Area | Investment Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Bonds | AUD 1 million | Invest in government-issued bonds that contribute to the stability and development of Australia’s economy. |
| Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds | AUD 1.5 million | Fund startups and emerging businesses through high-growth potential investments. |
| Managed Funds Focused on Australian Investments | AUD 3 million | Invest in managed funds that target Australian companies, focusing on sectors such as technology and resources. |
These eligible investment options offer a flexible and diverse way to meet the criteria for the Subclass 188C visa while supporting Australia’s economic development.
5 Steps to Apply for the Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream
The Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream visa is for individuals who wish to invest at least AUD 5 million in Australia and contribute to the country’s economy. This visa allows you and your family to live, work, and invest in Australia on a temporary basis, with a pathway to permanent residency. To help you through the process, here’s a clear breakdown of the 5 steps to apply for this visa.
Prepare Your Investment Plan
Ensure that you have a detailed and compliant investment plan, demonstrating your intent to invest a minimum of AUD 5 million in eligible Australian investments such as bonds, venture capital, and managed funds.
Secure State or Territory Nomination
Submit your investment plan to a State or Territory government. You must be nominated before applying for the visa.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, indicating your investment proposal and nominating the State or Territory.
Apply for the Visa
Once invited, submit your visa application online within 60 days. Include all necessary documents and pay the visa application fee.
Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will process your application and notify you of the decision, usually within 3 to 6 months.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | $9,795 |
| Additional Adults | $4,895 |
| Additional Children | $2,445 |
Processing Time for Subclass 188C – Significant Investor Stream
Applications for the Subclass 188C visa typically take 3 to 6 months to process, though the time frame can vary based on case complexity and document submission.
Factors influencing processing time include:
State or Territory Nomination: Time to secure a nomination can differ by region.
Document Submission: Prompt and complete document submission can speed up the process.
Case Complexity: Additional information may be requested, potentially causing delays.
Application Volume: The volume of applications can also affect processing time.
While the process typically takes a few months, applicants should prepare for any potential delays and ensure they provide all necessary documentation to help expedite the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to invest?
The minimum investment required is AUD 5 million. This must be allocated across different areas:
AUD 1 million in Australian bonds
AUD 1.5 million in venture capital and private equity funds
AUD 3 million in managed funds focusing on Australian investments.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will also be able to live, study, and work in Australia while on the Subclass 188C visa.
Can I work in Australia on this visa?
Yes, the Subclass 188C visa allows you to work in Australia without any restrictions, as long as it aligns with your investment activities and complies with visa conditions.
Is there a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes, the Subclass 188C visa provides a pathway to permanent residency. Once you meet the criteria, including maintaining your investments and meeting residence requirements, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.
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