Subclass 888 · permanent stage
Investor Stream
Permanent residence for 188 Investor stream holders whose investment was held to term. The investment type and holding period follow your invitation date.
Policy update New subclass 188 applications closed on 31 July 2024. This stream remains open to existing 188 holders, and the settings shown are those the Department publishes for current applicants.
Open to 188 holdersEligibility
An investment, held to term.
Partners of primary holders can apply as secondary applicants, with the same holding and residence pattern.
Your 188 Investor visa
You are the primary holder of a 188 in the Investor stream. For invitations from 1 July 2021, you must have held it for at least three years, with two years in Australia in the three before you apply.
A complying significant investment
AUD 2.5 million invested in a complying significant investment, held for the whole period of your provisional visa, with any transfers between investments reported to the Department.
A designated investment
AUD 1.5 million in a state or territory designated investment, held continuously in your name (or jointly with your partner) for four years, or three years and 11 months for applications made before 1 July 2015.
A current nomination
Your state or territory confirms your nomination is still current. No new Expression of Interest is needed.
The pathway
Four steps to a decision.
Nomination check
Your state or territory confirms the nomination is still current.
Investment evidence
The holding history of your designated or complying investment, documented end to end.
Lodgement
A decision-ready application, lodged with every requirement addressed.
Decision
We respond to the Department through to its decision. Permanent residence if granted.
General information only, not immigration advice. Your circumstances matter. Visa requirements, fees and processing times change regularly. Facts on this page last reviewed 15 July 2026. Check current details with the Department of Home Affairs , or speak with us for advice on your situation. Website terms.
Begin with a conversation.
Speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Melbourne about your pathway. Book a time that suits you.