The Significant Investor Visa (SIV) offers a four-year pathway to permanent residency for entrepreneurial and high net worth individuals willing to make substantial complying investments in areas of the Australian economy that will drive innovation and the commercialisation of Australian ideas.

A new complying investment framework for the SIV came into effect on 1 July 2015.

The Migration Regulations can be accessed at https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00963

The Migration Instrument can be accessed at https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L01012

How to apply for a SIV

The advantage of state or territory government nomination is the ongoing support provided to SIV investors, including assistance with settlement and connecting investors to support services and local information after arrival. Please contact the relevant state or territory government agency for more information.

Potential applicants interested in being nominated by Austrade should contact Austrade at investorvisas@austrade.gov.au

SIV Fees

Austrade charges a non-refundable fee of $1,000 for applications for SIV nomination. States and territories charge lesser fees and some do not charge any fees.

Home Affairs Review of Business Innovation and Investment Program

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) is undertaking a review of its Business Innovation and Investment program, which includes the Significant Investor Visa, with the aim of maximising returns to Australia’s economy from these visas.

Home Affairs is seeking written submissions in response to a number of consultation questions and will be arranging meetings with industry to discuss the review. Submissions are due by COB 14 February 2020.

For further information on the review, please go to the Home Affairs website.

Useful links

The SIV complying investment framework is available in English and Chinese.

SIV complying investment frequently asked questions.

The Migration (IMMI15/100:ComplyingInvestments) Instrument 2015 and accompanying Explanatory Statement.

Department of Home Affairs' SIV webpage.

Register for periodic updates on the complying investment framework for the SIV.

Contact

Questions about the SIV complying investment framework or Austrade nomination for a SIV can be directed to Austrade’s Investor Visa Unit by emailing investorvisas@austrade.gov.au .

Any questions about the expression of interest and application process for the SIV, including the assessment of complying investments, should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs by emailing business.innovation@homeaffairs.gov.au.

Disclaimer

This is for information only and is not advice. Austrade does not guarantee its accuracy, currency or completeness. Any person relying on this information does so entirely at their own risk and Austrade urges any user to seek professional advice before making any decision. Austrade denies liability for any loss arising from reliance on information provided on this website.