State Nomination Criteria for Visa 888: NSW, Victoria vs QLD

Compare state nomination criteria for Visa 888 in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. Understand requirements, debunk myths, and get concise FAQs.

State Nomination Criteria for Visa 888: NSW, Victoria, QLD Compared

Introduction: Unpacking Visa 888 Nomination Myths

Migrants often believe that the state nomination process for the Visa 888 (Business Innovation and Investment – Permanent) is uniform across Australia or insurmountably difficult. In fact, nomination criteria and application experiences can vary significantly by state. This comparison clears up misconceptions, focusing on real differences and setting realistic expectations for NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.

Myth 1: “All States Require The Same Investment and Job Creation Levels”

Reality: State-Specific Thresholds and Job Criteria

New South Wales (NSW):

• Asset Requirements:
  • Net personal and business assets:
    • A$1,500,000 for Sydney
    • A$600,000 for Regional NSW
  • Net business assets:
    • A$600,000 for Sydney
    • A$200,000 for Regional NSW
• Business Investment:
  • A$500,000 into the business (Sydney)
  • A$300,000 (Regional NSW)
• Job Creation:
  • Minimum 2 new full-time jobs for Australian citizens/Permanent Residents or eligible New Zealanders (not family members)
• Growth for Purchased Businesses:
  • Demonstrate at least a 10% increase in turnover or 25% asset growth
• Exemptions:
  • If business is highly innovative or based in targeted regional sectors, some requirements can be waived.

Victoria:

• Investor Stream (888B):
  • Maintain compliant investments of at least A$2.5 million in Victoria.
  • Meet nomination conditions, live in Victoria, and maintain investment for required time (generally at least 3 years).
• Business Innovation Stream (888A):
  • Own and manage a business in Victoria.
  • Show business growth, present financial statements (2 years), provide evidence of business activity and employ at least 1 local full-time staff (for innovation stream).
• Compliance:
  • Fulfill specific business or investment obligations, including export restrictions and maintaining residency within the state.
• No Application Fee and a 20 business day processing time.

Queensland (QLD):

• Investor Stream:
  • Transfer a minimum A$3 million to Queensland (after 1 July 2021) with A$2.5 million held in a “complying investment” for the duration of the 188 provisional visa.
• Business Innovation Stream:
  • Transfer at least A$1.25 million, invest at least A$400,000 (Greater Brisbane/Gold Coast) or A$300,000 (regional) in qualifying businesses.
• State Commitment:
  • Must demonstrate genuine ties (e.g., buy a family home, children’s study, or additional business investments).
  • Residency: Live in QLD for at least 2 years (investor stream) or 1 year (innovation stream).
• Industry Restrictions:
  • Imports must offer innovation or add value (basic trading not supported), and property development is ineligible.

Myth 2: “You Can Easily Switch States or Use a General Nomination Path”

Reality: Strict State Loyalty and Transfer Requirements

• If you were nominated by a state for your provisional (subclass 188) visa, you must seek that state’s endorsement for your 888 nomination.
• Transferring state nomination requires formal consent (letter of release) from the original nominating state, using the Home Affairs’ Form 1414, and providing clear justification for switching1.
• Generally, states seek evidence of your genuine commitment to their local economy, not just a nominal investment.

Myth 3: “The Process is Too Complicated or Unachievable for Most Applicants”

Reality: Structured, Transparent, and Achievable Process with Right Preparation

• NSW: Includes an online application and set fee (A$1,452 within Australia; A$1,320 outside).
• Victoria: Straightforward, free online application with supportive government contact.
• Queensland: Direct registration of interest; list of clear documents required for proof of investment, residency, and business activity.
• Documentation: All states require thorough paperwork: passport, evidence of residence, business financials, investment proofs, and compliance declaration.
• Support: Many states offer post-nomination business support, networking, and relationship management for business migrants.

Table: Key Differences in State Nomination Criteria for Visa 888

Conclusion

The state nomination process for Visa 888 is detailed but accessible with the correct information and preparation. Understanding each state’s unique criteria is essential for successful and strategic business migration to Australia.