The Australian Government is no longer accepting new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188). Accordingly, Migration Tasmania will also longer accept Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for subclass 188 nomination.
The Australian Government has stated that subclass 188 and subclass 132 visa applications that have already been lodged will continue to be processed in line with Government priorities and the Migration Program planning levels.
Subclass 188 visa holders who meet the relevant criteria for the grant of the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888) visa will still be able to continue on this pathway after July 2024.
Tasmania continues to offer endorsement for the subclass 888 visa. More information on the subclass 888 endorsement process is available below.
You may be eligible for continuing nomination from Migration Tasmania for the purposes of the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) if you:
- are able to meet the Department of Home Affairs’ residence and business or investment activity requirements
- can demonstrate that you are operating a business or have developed a business concept that is genuinely benefitting Tasmania’s economy through:
- innovation and new technologies
- enhancing industry capabilities
- are delivering on the business/investment/entrepreneurial activity, undertaking and commitments, upon which your subclass 188 nomination was provided (or agreed to in any subsequent changes)
- intend to continue your business activity in Tasmania in the long-term.
To apply for subclass 888 nomination, you will need to provide the information listed below to business@migration.tas.gov.au. If your nomination is approved, Migration Tasmania will complete the relevant section of Form 1414 and return it to you for inclusion in your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Business Innovation Stream
- A completed Form 1414 Nomination – Business Skills class
- Evidence that you have lived in Tasmania for at least one year in the two years immediately before you apply (or that Department of Home Affairs’ COVID-19 concessions apply).
- Evidence that you have delivered on the nominated business proposal, undertakings, commitments, and the anticipated benefits upon which 188 nomination was provided.
- A description of:
- your contribution to the Tasmanian business community and economy
- your future intentions in relation to business activity in Tasmania.
- If you do not meet the Department of Home Affairs visa requirements for business turnover, assets and employees, a description of any “exceptional circumstances” that may justify Tasmanian nomination, with supporting evidence.
- If you are using a migration agent: a completed and signed Department of Home Affairs Form 956 (advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance).
Investor Stream
- Evidence to demonstrate that you have lived in Tasmania for at least two of the four years immediately before you apply (or demonstrate that you meet the Department of Home Affairs COVID concessions.)
- A completed Form 1414. For a copy of the form, go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/pdf-forms
- Evidence that you invested AUD $1.5 million in Tasmanian Treasury bonds and have held it for at least four years (or demonstrate that you meet the Department of Home Affairs COVID concessions.)
- Evidence that you have undertaken and maintained active business activities, undertakings, commitments, and delivered on the anticipated benefits upon which 188 nomination was provided,
- A description of:
- your contribution to the Tasmanian business community and economy
- your future intentions in relation to investment and business activity in Tasmania.
- If you are using a migration agent: a completed and signed Department of Home Affairs Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.
Significant Investor Stream
- Please email Migration Tasmania regarding subclass 888 nomination.
Entrepreneur Stream
- Please email Migration Tasmania regarding subclass 888 nomination.
What if I need more time to deliver on my commitments to be eligible for the permanent (subclass 888) visa?
Migration Tasmania may agree to a Business Innovation Extension stream (subclass 188) nomination. You will, however, need to demonstrate your progress towards delivering the commitments and anticipated benefits upon which your original Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) nomination was provided.
Additional information
Post-arrival obligations, support, and monitoring
It is important that you contact Migration Tasmania within a month of your arrival in Tasmania by emailing business@migration.tas.gov.au
Migration Tasmania may ask you to provide updates in relation to your business plans and activity. You must also complete regular surveys to help us understand the experience of business migrants in Tasmania.
Changing your nominated business proposals
Migration Tasmania recognises that some business migrants may need to change their business proposals due to circumstances outside of their control. It is important that you keep Migration Tasmania updated on progress and contact us in relation to any changes you are planning to make to your nominated business proposal.
Migration Tasmania may not re-nominate for a subclass 188 visa, Business Innovation Extension Stream visa, subclass 888 visa or provide positive subclass 132 monitoring feedback if you are not delivering on the commitments you made when nominated, or have not obtained approval from us for any changes to the nominated business proposal.