The Subclass 188 visa is divided into the following five streams. Each has unique eligibility criteria and investment requirements:

1️⃣ Business Innovation Stream

This stream is for people with established business skills who want to establish, develop, or manage a new or existing business in Australia.

Key Requirements:

• Under 55 years of age (unless exempt).
  
  

• Own at least one or more businesses with AUD 750,000 turnover for 2 of the last 4 years.
  
  

• Minimum net business and personal assets of AUD 1.25 million.
  
  

• Must meet the points test (minimum 65 points).
  
  

• Requires state or territory nomination.

Benefits:

• Bring eligible family members.
  
  

• Establish and operate a business.
  
  

• Apply for permanent residency through Subclass 888 after meeting requirements.

2️⃣ Investor Stream

Ideal for experienced investors willing to invest AUD 2.5 million into a complying investment in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Under 55 years (unless waived).
  
  

• Three years of experience in managing investments or a business.
  
  

• Net assets of at least AUD 2.5 million.
  
  

• State/territory nomination.
  
  

• Commit to investing AUD 2.5 million into an approved investment fund.

Pathway to PR: After 3 years of maintaining your investment, you can transition to the Subclass 888 Investor stream.

3️⃣ Significant Investor Stream (SIV)

Designed for high-net-worth individuals, this stream requires an investment of AUD 5 million into complying significant investments.

Key Advantages:

• No age limit or points test.
  
  

• Faster processing and flexible residency requirements.
  
  

• Only 40 days of residence per year required (main applicant).
  
  

• Eligible family members can be included.

Investment Breakdown:

• At least AUD 1 million in venture capital and private growth equity funds.
  
  

• At least AUD 1.5 million in approved managed funds investing in emerging companies.
  
  

• Balance in managed funds (real estate investment trusts, infrastructure, etc.)

4️⃣ Entrepreneur Stream

This stream is for individuals with innovative business ideas and support from a designated body to commercialize them in Australia.

Requirements:

• Agreement with an approved funding body (minimum AUD 200,000).
  
  

• Must be under 55 years old.
  
  

• Business plan and endorsement from a state or territory government.
  
  

• Meet health, character, and English language requirements.

Path to PR: After establishing a successful entrepreneurial venture, apply for Subclass 888 Entrepreneur Stream.

5️⃣ Premium Investor Stream (Currently Closed)

This stream was previously available to ultra-high-net-worth individuals investing AUD 15 million. However, it has been closed to new applicants as of recent policy updates.