188A WA

Western Australia (WA) has a non-restrictive business activity policy for State nomination as long as it meets the qualifying business definition of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Business activities can include:

• encouraging export businesses that generate sales of at least $300,000, specifically exporting WA products and/or services, and
• property development businesses cannot be done in partnership with any other party and must propose a project of at least three dwellings that generate the required $300,000 DHA turnover in sales within the term of the visa; and
• Other priority business sectors in WA include:
  • Agriculture and farming
  • Health and child care
  • International education
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional and technical services
  • Renewable energy and new technologies
  • Transport, logistics and warehousing
  • Tourism
  • Wholesale trade.

Applicants must:

• Submit a business proposal with their visa subclass 188 application, including a detailed budget to support the net assets in business, employment, and total net assets in WA for inclusion in their State nomination agreement for the visa subclass 888 application; and
• Clearly demonstrate how the business will contribute positively to the Western Australian economy; and
• applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in WA.

Non-restrictive Business Activity Policy

WA has a non-restrictive business activity policy for business migrants relocating to this state. Business migrants can undertake the business activity of their choice, providing it meets the qualifying business definition of the DHA.

Business activities include:

• export businesses are encouraged and will need to export WA products and or services that generate sales that meet the DHA $300,000 turnover requirement; and
• property development businesses cannot be undertaken in partnership with any other party and have to propose a project of at least three dwellings which will generate the required $300,000 DHA turnover in sales within the term of the visa; and

Business proposals submitted for State nomination will be competitively assessed based on the:

• viability of the proposed business
• realistic business activity
• contribution to the Western Australian economy

Property Development Qualifying Business Policy

For property development qualifying business policy under the State nomination visa subclass 188 Business Innovation stream, applicants must propose a project with at least three dwellings that generate the required turnover amount in sales within the visa term as required by the DHA. Property development business activities cannot be undertaken in partnership with others.

Age Waiver or Additional 10 Points Policy

Applicants can only apply for either the waiver or the points for state nominations. Applicants are assessed on a competitive basis and need to submit a minimum proposal for:

• Visa subclass 188 Business Innovation Stream – Net assets in WA of at least $1,500,000 of which at least $500,000 is invested in business and the creation of equivalent of one new full-time job.
• Visa subclass 188 Investor Stream – Complying investments of $2,500,000 plus additional $1,250,000 in net assets in Western Australia.

Recycling of Businesses Policy

Recycling of businesses is not supported by the Business Migration Centre (BMC) for any visa subclass as WA aims to attract new investment and economic benefits from business migrants. Applicants will not be selected for State nomination if the business has previously been used by another business migrant to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

International Trading Business Activity Policy

An international trading business activity policy states that a business sourcing products or services internationally and selling to overseas clients, with payments and income going through a business in WA, will not be selected for State nomination. The majority of products or services must be sourced from WA and exported internationally for the business to be considered for State nomination.

State Nomination Application to more than one State or Territory Government Policy

Generally, applicants will not be selected for State nomination if they have made an application to another State or Territory of Australia, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Second State Nomination Policy

Applicants who have previously been granted State nomination or had an incorrect Expression of Interest (EOI) when nominated will generally not be selected for a second nomination, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Change of Business Proposal Policy

Approval must be sought from the BMC in writing to change the business proposal of an approved State nomination application. Changes in the business proposal may require an increase in business investment and/or employment depending on the business activity.

Connection to Western Australia Policy

Preference will be given to applicants who have visited WA or have family, friends, or business associates in the state.

Other Business Visa Policies

Business research policy:

Applicants for State nomination under the visa subclass 188 Business Innovation stream are expected to have conducted thorough research on their business proposal. They should be able to explain how they determined the viability of their proposed business activity, investment amount, and the number of new or retained employees. It is necessary for them to demonstrate their experience in undertaking the business activity and their understanding of the current economic climate, major competitors, and propose a realistic business plan that aligns with the existing business environment.

Policy for family members residing or studying in another State or Territory of Australia:

Applicants and their family members (dependents) who are already living in Australia are required to reside and study in Western Australia. Generally, applicants for Western Australia who have family members or relatives living or studying in another State or Territory of Australia, or have investments in another jurisdiction, will not be selected for State nomination. However, applicants can request a review of their application, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The decision will depend on the provided information regarding the reasons why the family is living in different jurisdictions within Australia.

Policy for WA State-nominated applicants wanting to relocate to another State or Territory:

Applicants who have been nominated by the Western Australian government and wish to relocate to another State or Territory need to submit a formal application stating their reasons for wanting to move. Each application will be assessed on an individual basis, typically requiring applicants to attend an interview at the Business Migration Centre in Perth. Approval for relocation will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

188A Business Visa
Australian Business Innovation Visa 
188A NSW | 188A VIC | 188A QLD | 188A SA | 188A WA