Investor Visas After BIIP Closure – What Still Works?

For many years, Australia attracted investors through the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), including popular investor and business owner streams under visas such as subclass 188 and subclass 132. The Australian Government has now closed these programs to new applications, and the focus has shifted towards visas that combine genuine skills, regional development and real economic contribution.

That change has confused many high-net-worth individuals in the UAE, GCC, India and Sri Lanka. At Cosmos Immigration, we do not sell outdated “invest and forget” schemes. Instead, we help you understand which current, law-aligned pathways can still convert your experience, capital and business plans into a realistic Australian migration strategy.

Who Is This Page For?

  • Entrepreneurs and business owners in the UAE, GCC, India or Sri Lanka who want a structured pathway to live and operate in Australia.
  • Existing or former BIIP applicants who want to understand their options and next steps.
  • Professionals with strong income and capital who can combine skills + investment instead of relying only on passive funds.
  • Families exploring a strategic mix of skilled migration, study and business activity.

Typical Australia Investor & Business Pathways We Assess

The right strategy depends entirely on your age, English level, qualifications, business track record, industry and where you are willing to live and invest in Australia. We assess your profile against current rules published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, then design a route that is realistic, risk-aware and compliant.

1. Business-Backed Skilled & Employer Pathways

  • Structuring or acquiring a genuine business that can support employer-sponsored visas, where criteria are met.
  • Designing roles and salary structures that align with market benchmarks and occupation lists, not just “paper positions”.
  • Planning clear progression from temporary visas to permanent residence where policy allows.

2. Small Business & Regional Strategies

  • Exploring regional programs where owning or managing a business in designated areas can strengthen your case.
  • Combining regional residence, business activity and employment creation in line with published state and territory rules.
  • Coordinating business plans, financials and compliance to withstand scrutiny from both states and the federal government.

3. Study-to-Business & Entrepreneur Tracks

  • Using targeted study in Australia (not generic courses) to enter the ecosystem and prepare for a business or innovation focus later.
  • Aligning course selection, post-study work rights and future business activity with long-term migration goals.

4. Existing BIIP Applicants & Holders

  • Reviewing your current subclass 188 or related status where applicable and evaluating options for permanent residence transitions.
  • Helping you understand documentary expectations for turnover, assets, investments and compliance with your visa conditions.

Key Factors We Analyse Before Proposing Any Plan

  • Verified net assets, their sources and liquidity.
  • Business ownership history, audited financials and industry sector.
  • Age, English proficiency and educational background.
  • Any prior visa history for Australia, Canada or other countries.
  • Preferred regions in Australia and type of business activity.
  • Risk appetite and investment horizon (short-term vs. generational plans).
  • Family structure, children’s education plans and settlement priorities.

If a plan does not pass our internal reality check against current law and policy, we will say so clearly and either redesign the approach or advise you not to proceed instead of forcing a weak file.

Typical Documentation for Australia Investor & Business Cases

Exact document lists depend on the chosen visa pathway and will always follow the latest checklists from official Australian sources. However, most serious investor or business strategies require a core set of evidence:

Identity & Background

  • Valid passports and civil status documents (marriage, birth certificates).
  • Evidence of name changes, where applicable.
  • Police clearances and health examinations as per Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Business & Investment Evidence

  • Company registration documents, share certificates and organisational charts.
  • Audited financial statements, tax returns and bank statements.
  • Proof of ownership or sale of businesses and major assets.
  • Draft or final business plans, including market analysis and job creation projections.

Funds & Asset Trail

  • Evidence of net assets (real estate valuations, investment portfolios, business equity).
  • Clear source-of-funds documentation, especially for larger transfers.
  • Bank statements showing capacity to fund investment and operations.

Skills & Management Capacity

  • Educational credentials and professional memberships.
  • CV highlighting executive and entrepreneurial experience.
  • Evidence of direct management of businesses or large teams.

Our role is to translate this evidence into a coherent, law-aligned narrative and documentation package that can be understood by case officers, state authorities and any relevant third parties – not just a pile of papers.

Why Serious Investors Work with Cosmos Immigration

  • We refuse unrealistic files: if something cannot work under current regulations, we tell you directly instead of taking a fee and “trying our luck”.
  • Multi-country view: we can compare Australia with Canada investor and business options or other routes so you invest where your profile actually fits.
  • Regulated support where required: we collaborate with licensed Australian migration professionals for representation and advice that must legally be provided by them.
  • Transparent fees and scope: we separate professional fees from government charges and third-party costs (legal, tax, accounting, due diligence).
  • End-to-end planning: from initial assessment through business concept design, document collation and submission strategy, we treat your case as a long-term project, not a single application.

If your situation is better suited to a points-based skilled pathway instead of an investor strategy, we will redirect you towards our Australia Skilled Migration service rather than forcing an unsuitable investor narrative.

FAQs on Australia Investor & Business Migration

Is the old Australia Investor Visa (subclass 188 / 132) still available?

No. The main Business Innovation and Investment Program streams have been closed to new applications. Existing holders may still have options, but new investors must look at alternative, current pathways that combine capital, skills and genuine activity.

Can I get PR in Australia simply by investing a fixed amount?

No. Modern Australian migration settings do not grant PR purely for paying a fixed amount. You must meet strict criteria involving skills, business activity, regional needs, compliance and integrity checks. Any promise of “automatic PR against payment” should be treated with extreme caution.

How much do I need to invest to make a serious plan?

There is no single magic figure. We typically work with clients who can show substantial, legitimate assets and are ready to build or acquire a genuine business or high-value role. During your consultation, we map your assets and goals against current options and give you a clear picture before you commit.

Do you also help with tax or corporate structuring in Australia?

We are an immigration-focused advisory firm. For tax, corporate structuring and regulatory matters, we can coordinate with or refer you to qualified professionals, ensuring your migration strategy and business/legal structures are aligned but handled by the right experts.

How do I start?

Begin with a structured consultation. We will review your current businesses, assets, family profile and time horizon, then propose either an Australia-focused plan or a multi-country comparison. If the picture is weak, we will say so and help you plan improvements instead of filing a poor application.

Saturday to Thursday · 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (UAE Time)

Ready to Explore a Serious Australia Plan?

Share your business history, assets and family goals, and we will tell you exactly where you stand—without shortcuts or false guarantees.

Call: +97143577796

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