Why is the investor visa not available anymore in Australia?

Answers

• 

  Lisa De Leon

  Australian Visa Options

  April 25, 2023

  There are currently two streams of the 188 visa category that are 'investor visas'. The 188B Investor visa, requiring an investment of AUD $2.5 million, and the 188C Significant Investor visa, which requires AUD $5 million. Under the 491 Regional State Nominated visa category there is also a Small Business Owner option available in 3 states which involves a smaller investment, but requires the visa applicant to live and work in a regional area of Australia for 3 years to obtain permanent residency. The current government is reviewing the business visa program with changes expected to be implemented in the new migration program year which commences in July. It is unknown if these visa streams will continue past July, but it is still possible to lodge visa applications under the current rules. You need to contact a Registered Migration Agent soon to start preparing your application within the next 8 weeks.

• 

  James Hall

  ANZ Migrate

  March 23, 2023

  The business and investment program experienced a significant increase in planning levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 6,660 places made available to the states and territories to nominate new applicants in 2020-21, 6,860 places in 2021-22, but in the current program year, 2022-23, this has been reduced to 810 places. The government is currently in the process of a review of the migration system including a specific focus on business and investment migration. The outcomes of this review are due to be publicly announced in April 2023 with resulting changes likely to be implemented to start July 2023. Although we do not yet know the outcome, it is likely there will continue to be investment pathways for Australia, although I personally expect major changes to the Subclass 188 Investor and Subclass 188 Business Innovation pathways.

• 

  Venkateswaran Palat Krishnan

  Ven Waran

  March 23, 2023

  Australia offers significant investor visas (subclass 188) for people who invest at least AUD 5 million in  Australian investments that meet certain requirements, maintain investment activity in Australia, and are nominated an Australian State or Territory government agency or Austrade before being invited to apply for this visa.  Applicants can be of any nationality and do not need any previous investment experience.  If you are applying from the People’s Republic of China, Macau (SAR), Hong Kong (SAR) or Taiwan, you can refer to the specific document checklist available at the Australian Consulate General, Hong Kong to ensure the appropriate documents are submitted.