188C: Significant Investor Stream

BASIC INFORMATION ON VISA 188C

Visa 188C (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) – Significant Investor stream) is an Australian temporary investment visa.
The investment requirements for the Australian 188C visa differ significantly from other types of temporary investment visas. Therefore, this visa is referred to as the Significant Investor Visa.
Visa 188C is for foreign investors who have at least 5,000,000 AUD to invest in portfolios regulated by the Australian Government.
After obtaining this visa, the investor needs to maintain their investment in Australia for at least three years to move on to phase 2 – applying for the 888C visa and settling down.

NOTABLE BENEFITS OF THE SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR VISA 188C

The benefits that the Australian 188C visa offers to entrepreneurs and their accompanying family members are very attractive. Specifically:

• Residency rights: Entrepreneurs are granted temporary residence in Australia for five years.

• Social welfare rights: Entrepreneurs are entitled to certain Australian social welfare benefits.

• Family sponsorship rights: Entrepreneurs can sponsor accompanying family members if they meet the requirements.

• Travel rights: Entrepreneurs can enter and exit Australia as many times as they wish within the validity of the visa.

• Work and study rights: Entrepreneurs and accompanying family members can work and study in Australia.

• Free English language tuition: Families are entitled to 510 hours of free English language classes.

• Permanent residency application rights: If eligible, entrepreneurs can apply for the 888C visa to settle in Australia under the investor stream.

ADVANTAGES OF THE SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR VISA 188C AUSTRALIA

Compared to other types of Australian temporary investment visas, the Significant Investor Visa 188C Australia waives the following conditions:

• Age requirement for visa application

• Immigration points

• Education/ business experience requirements

CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING FOR VISA 188C AUSTRALIA

To help you understand the pathway of the 188C visa with visa 188C, AOC specifically lists the conditions you need to meet when applying for the 188C visa.

• Investment: Entrepreneurs must have invested at least 5,000,000 AUD in investment portfolios regulated by the Australian Government, including:

  • At least 1,000,000 AUD in Australian venture capital funds or private equity funds. These funds must contribute to small and start-up companies.

  • At least 1,500,000 AUD in managed funds or Listed Investment Companies (LICs). These are newly listed companies on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

  • At least 2,500,000 AUD in managed funds or LICs that invest in assets such as other ASX-listed companies, corporate bonds, or real estate in Australia.

• English language: IELTS score of at least 4.5, or an equivalent result (certificate valid for at least one year). If you do not meet the required score, AOC can provide suitable solutions.

• Health and character: Meet the requirements according to the assessment criteria of the Australian Government.

• Background:

  • No illegal business and investment activities in Australia.

  • No debt to the Australian Government.

  • No particularly serious criminal record.

PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR THE SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR VISA 188C

Understanding the process for applying for the Significant Investor Visa 188C is a wise step before submitting an application. AOC provides detailed information about the visa application process for your reference:

• Step 1: Assess the eligibility to apply for the visa

• Step 2: Prepare documents and assess investment capital

• Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Step 4: The state/territory in Australia issues a nomination letter

• Step 5: Entrepreneurs submit the application and pay the visa fee

• Step 6: The Australian Department of Immigration requests additional documents (if any)

• Step 7: Entrepreneurs invest in the nominating state/territory

• Step 8: Visa 188C Australia is granted

DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE FOR VISA 188C AUSTRALIA APPLICATION

• Identification documents:

  • 2 passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm).

  • Valid passport (certified copy).

  • Birth certificate (certified copy).

  • Valid ID card/ CCCD (certified copy).

  • Documents proving marital status (certified copy).

  • Evidence of any name changes (if any).

• Nomination letter: Complete form 1414 and send it to the state/territory where you invest to receive the nomination letter. AOC clients will be guided by a migration consultant.

• Commitment to business and investment:

  • Summary of current business and investment activities.

  • Outline future long-term business and investment plans in Australia.

• English: Provide evidence of meeting the requirements according to the 188C visa.

• Criminal record:

• Family sponsorship documents (if any):

  • Identification documents of accompanying family members.

  • Proof of relationship with the entrepreneur.

  • Evidence of meeting Australia's health and character requirements.

If the application is incomplete or outdated, the Australian Department of Immigration will request additional documentation. AOC clients are advised, assessed, and supported in preparing their applications.
AOC's online courses are worth considering if you have accompanying family members who do not meet the English language requirement. Call AOC's hotline immediately for more information about this course.

OBLIGATIONS OF ENTREPRENEURS HOLDING VISA 188C AUSTRALIA

In addition to the significant benefits that 188C offers, entrepreneurs holding this special visa must also fulfill the following obligations to proceed to apply for the 888C permanent residency visa:

• In business:

  • Reside in the nominated state or territory of Australia for the required time.

  • Maintain business operations in Australia.

• In investment:

  • Maintain a minimum investment of 5,000,000 AUD for at least three years.

  • Pay taxes on any income derived from the investment according to Australian law.

• In enterprise: The rules of the enterprise (in Australia) that the entrepreneur operates must comply with Australian labor laws (if applicable).

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