Subclass 888 · permanent stage
Significant Investor Stream
Permanent residence for 188 Significant Investor holders who maintained their AUD 5 million complying investment throughout. Residence is counted in days, not years.
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
Five million, maintained.
Investment rules changed on 1 July 2015. The rules in force when you applied for your 188 stay the same for your permanent visa.
Your 188 Significant Investor visa
You hold a 188 in the Significant Investor stream, or that stream plus a Significant Investor Extension. Three years for invitations from 1 July 2021; four years continuously for earlier invitees (three years and 11 months for applications before 1 July 2015).
Held for the whole period
Your AUD 5 million complying investment (or complying significant investment, for applications from 1 July 2015) maintained for the entire time on your provisional visa, with any transfers reported.
40 days a year, or 180 for your partner
You must have been in Australia at least 40 days for each complete year on your Significant Investor visa, or your spouse or de facto partner at least 180 days a year.
State, territory or Austrade
A current nomination from a state or territory government agency, or from Austrade.
The pathway
Four steps to a decision.
Nomination check
Your nominator confirms the nomination is still current.
Investment evidence
The complying investment's full holding history, including any transfers between investments.
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.