FMH

On 30/01/2024 at 02:34, Steve Elliott said:

No problems at all.

My personal perspective is that the door has been closed for anyone considering applying for a business visa (188). Given the 188 is a provisional visa pathway which leads to a 888 after a qualifying period, holders of a 188 will still be able to apply for the PR 888.

For those "locked out", all I can suggest, in the absence of other pathways, is to wait until the government reveals details of what I believe will be a new visa or dramatically redesigned 188, which will look very different. The only clues we have are comments the Government liked some aspects of the Significant Investor Stream which I suspect means they liked the flow of new funds flowing into Venture Capital and Private Equity. They weren't as keen on the investor stream as it really didn't create jobs, encourage innovation. Likewise the business innovation stream had relatively low thresholds and I suspect post visa grant surveys/analysis would have revealed the majority of businesses invested in and or created were not the innovative, high growth, job creating business hoped for.  

Given Government has indicated the migration program should be demand driven, (demand from Australia and NOT the applicant), I suspect thresholds will rise significantly and some streams as we know them today will unlikely never resurface. I think also, in line with International trends, having big pots of money to bring to Australia, simply won't be enough. Quite often big pots of money seeking a new home can indicate ulterior motives, which is why Australia has some very rigorous AML/CTF (Anti Money Laundering/Counter Terrorism Funding) legislation.

When I have something solid to post, I will do so.

Suffice to say, If any forum members have an undecided 188 in the system,  feel free to reach out.

Any news at all? Applied in 2021 ( WA)

Anyone got any knowledge of current processing times? Lodged application 12 months ago haven’t heard anything. Timelines of those who have recently got a case officer?

TIA

Has anyone received this visa recently? How long did it take? Any information/advice on when an application submitted in June 2021 might be considered? TIA

What info is required for the medical for someone with type 2 diabetes? Any other relevant information to share please?

On 22/04/2021 at 16:52, 3together said:

YESSSSSSS: We got our visa today! 188B! Took 29 month from application till today. 

Congratulations - you have waited so long

5 hours ago, Redkpu said:

Hi spherical , did u get visa a188? U applied in Dec 2019?

Hi spherical - when did you get a CO and when did you have to do medicals and police clearance?

Thank you. It’s WA

Hi everyone - Would welcome any advice on preparing my CV/ resumé for EOI.

Hi everyone - I am trying to find out which States will consider an age waiver on this visa if one exceeds the standard State nomination designated investment of AUD 1.5 m. (The Significant Investor visa with AUD5 m investment is not an option).So far I have NSW - won’t consider. WA will consider with AUD 2.25m investment. Please - any advice, comments, info will be appreciated regarding other States requirements. Needing to choose where to submit EOI & find an agent. Thank you

Can anyone on the forum assist with interest rates on designated investments  for example in Qld & WA.

Have seen a figure of 0.05% for WA. Seems very low if one is needing an income from an investment

4 hours ago, Alan Collett said:

Qld - https://migration.qld.gov.au/business-visa-options/subclass-188b/

For WA - https://www.businessmigration.wa.gov.au/business-migration/provisional-business-visas/visa-188-business-innovation-and-investment-investor-stream

Interest paid on State Government issued Designated Investments is usually at a fixed rate, and is paid every 6 months.

If you are a couple from a tax mitigation perspective it is usually best to have joint account holders for the DI so the interest is split on a 50/50 basis.

Best regards.

3 hours ago, Alan Collett said:

For Qld - https://migration.qld.gov.au/business-visa-options/subclass-188b/

For WA - https://www.businessmigration.wa.gov.au/business-migration/provisional-business-visas/visa-188-business-innovation-and-investment-investor-stream

Interest paid on State Government issued Designated Investments is usually at a fixed rate, and is paid every 6 months.

If you are a couple from a tax mitigation perspective it is usually best to have joint account holders for the DI so the interest is split on a 50/50 basis.

Best regards.

Thanks Alan. We are over 55 yrs & understand that WA will consider an age waiver & that NSW does not. Do Qld or any other states consider age waivers?

We’re in initial stages of finding out about 188b. Can anyone please advise where to go to find specific State requirements for Qld & WA? Also the return on State bonds - is it a fixed percentage?

We have recently lodged a contributory parent sc 143 application. Subsequently via this forum we’ve now become aware of the very long wait ( probably 10 years).

Is it acceptable if I now want to make enquiries with other agents regarding our eligibility for the Investor visa 188 b?

Also can one apply for 2 different visas using 2 different agents if that is the route we decide to go? Thanks for any advice - don’t want to break any rules or protocol.

9 hours ago, Ollie1234 said:

We did think carefully and the application has been submitted based on the information we had at the time. I don't think I'm 'doing the kind thing for my parents', they are very capable of making their own decisions. I'm just trying to help them with the process. 

Fully understand your frustration & disappointment, feel the same

9 hours ago, Ollie1234 said:

We did think carefully and the application has been submitted based on the information we had at the time. I don't think I'm 'doing the kind thing for my parents', they are very capable of making their own decisions. I'm just trying to help them with the process. 

We have just submitted our 143 application (60 & 61 years old) & only in the last week through this forum have we come to know the reality of the long wait. Had no idea it would be so long, we have an agent & also have done a lot of research