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188 A and B Points test (Business Innovation)

188 A and B Points test (Business Innovation)

188 A and B Points are awarded based on the applicant’s age bracket. However, once an applicant reaches 55 years of age, no points are awarded for age. Additionally, state or territory governments must apply for an age limit waiver for applicants aged 55 and over.

Points Age Bracket
20 18 to 24
30 25 to 32
25 33 to 39
20 40 to 44
15 45 to 54
0 55 and over

English Language Ability
There is no minimum English language requirement for the new business migration subclasses. However, applicants with less than functional English must pay an English Language Charge before their visas can be granted.

Points are awarded as follows:

  • Vocational English (minimum score of 5 in each of the 4 IELTS components): 5 points
  • Proficient English (minimum score of 7 in each of the 4 IELTS components): 10 points

Qualifications
Applicants with trade qualifications, diplomas, or bachelor’s degrees will receive 5 points. These qualifications must be awarded by either an Australian institution or a recognised overseas institution.

An additional 10 points are available if the qualification is in the fields of business, science, or technology.

Experience in Business or Investment

Points are awarded based on relevant experience for the stream being applied to. For example, for the Business Innovation stream, experience as a business owner would be considered relevant.

Business Owner 188 A and B Points

Business Owner Points (188A)

Points are awarded based on the length of business ownership prior to the invitation:

  • 10 points: Owned a business for at least 4 of the last 5 years prior to invitation.
  • 15 points: Owned a business for at least 7 of the last 8 years prior to invitation.

Investor Points (188B)

Points are available for investors who have held eligible investments of at least AUD 250,000 prior to the invitation:

  • 10 points: Held eligible investments for at least 4 years.
  • 15 points: Held eligible investments for at least 7 years.

Net Personal Assets

Points are awarded based on net personal and business assets held over the past 2 financial years:

  • 5 points: Assets of at least AUD 1,250,000.
  • 15 points: Assets of at least AUD 1,750,000.
  • 25 points: Assets of at least AUD 2,250,000.
  • 35 points: Assets of at least AUD 2,750,000.

Business Turnover

Points are awarded based on business turnover over the last 4 fiscal years:

  • 5 points: Annual turnover of at least AUD 750,000.
  • 15 points: Annual turnover of at least AUD 1,250,000.
  • 25 points: Annual turnover of at least AUD 1,750,000.
  • 35 points: Annual turnover of at least AUD 2,250,000.

Innovation Points

Points are awarded for business innovation achievements:

  • 15 points: Registered patents or designs used in the business for at least 1 year.
  • 10 points: Registered trademarks used in the business for at least 1 year.
  • 5 points: Ownership and management in a joint venture for at least 1 year.
  • 15 points: Ownership of a business that generates at least 50% of its turnover from export trade.
  • 10 points: Ownership of a business that, within the last 5 years, had:
    • An average turnover growth of more than 20% per year for 3 consecutive years, and
    • Employed at least 10 full-time-equivalent employees during at least one of those years.
  • 10 points: Ownership of a business that received:
    • A government grant of at least AUD 10,000 for start-up, product commercialization, or business expansion, or
    • Venture capital funding of at least AUD 100,000 within the last 4 years.

Special Endorsement by State/Territory Government

Applicants can receive 10 points if a State or Territory Government endorses their business as being of unique and important benefit to that region.

Other 188 Visa Eligibility Streams

  1. Business Innovation – For business owners planning to establish operations in Australia.
  2. Investor – For individuals willing to invest AUD 1.5 million in State or Territory bonds.
  3. Significant Investor – For individuals willing to invest AUD 5 million into complying investments in Australia.
  4. Premium Investor – For individuals willing to invest at least AUD 15 million into premium complying investments in Australia.
  5. Entrepreneur – For individuals with a third-party funding agreement of at least AUD 200,000 for a complying entrepreneurial activity.

Note: Business migration can be complex, and determining eligibility across various categories may require careful consideration. You may qualify under different business migration streams.