Subclass 888 – Investor Stream - Permanent Visa

Transition from your 188B visa to permanent residency by maintaining your investment in Australia.

🔎 Quick Visa Facts

Visa/Subclass Subclass 888 – Investor Stream

Who it suits Investors holding a 188B visa who maintained a designated investment of AUD 1.5m for 4 years

Stay period Permanent residency

Work rights Full work rights

Study allowance Permitted

Location rules Nationwide

Key risks Not meeting residence requirement, early withdrawal of investment, incomplete compliance records

Visa Overview

The Subclass 888 – Investor Stream is for holders of the Subclass 188B visa who have maintained a designated investment of AUD 1.5 million in Australia for 4 years. It provides permanent residency once residence, investment, and compliance requirements are satisfied. 

🎯 Key Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Hold a valid Subclass 188B Investor visa.

Maintain a designated investment of at least AUD 1.5 million for 4 years.

Meet residence requirement: generally lived in Australia for at least 2 of the last 4 years.

Comply with Australian tax and regulatory obligations.

Meet health and character requirements (including dependants).

🔍 Step‑by‑Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Subclass 888 visa: 

1
Check Eligibility
ensure you held a Subclass 188B visa and maintained AUD 1.5m investment for 4 years.
2
Meet residence requirement
(generally at least 2 years in Australia during the 4-year investment period).
3
Prepare investment evidence
(statements, bank records, government investment certificates).
4
Gather supporting documents
passport, AFP check, health insurance, identity, and family documents.
5
Submit your application online via ImmiAccount.
6
Attach all required documents accurately.

📝 Required Documents

Passport and national ID documents

Evidence of Subclass 188 visa grant

Investment evidence (government bond certificates, statements, or equivalent)

Proof of residence (utility bills, leases, ATO records)

Tax returns and compliance documents

Family identity and character documents

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeAmount
Base Application FeesAUD3,500.00
Additional Applicant 18 and overAUD1,755.00
Additional Applicant Under 18 FeesAUD875
Processing time:typically 3–5 months, depending on caseload and evidence quality.

Family Members

You can include your partner and dependent children (including financially reliant over 18).

Family must meet health and character requirements.

Subsequent entrant applications are permitted after visa grant.

Common Mistakes & Red Flags

Withdrawing investment before the required 4 years

Not meeting residence requirement

Incomplete or inconsistent investment records.

Not paying tax obligations related to income or investments.

Missing AFP or health check evidence.

🧰 Resources & Tools

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence 

Download Investor Stream Migration Pack
Download Investor Stream Migration Pack
Download
ATO Tax & Compliance Guide for Investors
ATO Tax & Compliance Guide for Investors
Discover

❓FAQs

Holders of a Subclass 188B visa who have maintained a designated investment of AUD 1.5 million for 4 years. 

You must generally have lived in Australia for at least 2 of the last 4 years during the investment period. 

Yes. You must hold the investment continuously until your visa is granted. 

Yes, partners and dependent children can be included. 

Generally, 3–5 months, depending on evidence quality and caseload. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.