Know What Is Investor or Australia Investment Visa?
Australia’s investor visas were part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). Investors first held a provisional visa (subclass 188) and could later apply for a permanent visa (subclass 888) once they met the investment and residence conditions. The program had several streams, including the Investor stream and the Significant Investor stream, which required an investment of AUD 5 million.
Australia closed the BIIP permanently to new applications on 31 July 2024. There is currently no open federal investor visa route to Australia, so a new subclass 188 application cannot be lodged from the UAE or anywhere else.
Australia Investment Program
Under the BIIP, Australia did not grant permanent residence at the first stage of an investment. It used a step-by-step visa structure instead, whatever the size of the investment. Investors who already hold a subclass 188 visa can still apply for the subclass 888 visa when they meet its requirements. The Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405), once used by older investors, closed to new applicants in 2018.
Why Invest in Australia?
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Robust economic growth and a stable political climate that is friendly to business
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Booming resources industries (iron ore, gas and coal), agriculture and tourism
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Australia is a stable financial centre of the Asia-Pacific region
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Developed infrastructure and communications
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A skilled workforce and a comfortable lifestyle
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High standards of living (education, healthcare, housing and more)
Routes That Remain Open for Business People and Professionals
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National Innovation visa (subclass 858): a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa on 6 December 2024, and you need a nominator and an invitation to apply.
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Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): an employer-sponsored temporary visa that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024.
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Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
XIPHIAS Immigration is a leading migration specialist in the UAE. We work with a registered migration agent (MARA 1680615) and can help you assess which Australian visa fits your profile from the UAE. Call +971 52 727 5101 or email [email protected].