Business Innovation Points Test

Applicants for the Provisional Subclass 188 Visas will need to meet the pass mark of 65 in the Innovation Points Test.

- Age

Points are awarded based on the applicant's age bracket. However, once an applicant reaches the age of 55, no points are granted for age. In such cases, the relevant state or territory government must request a waiver of the age limit for individuals over 55.

Factors	Description	Points
Age	18–24 years	20
	25–32 years	30
	33–39 years	25
	40–44 years	20
	45–54 years	15
	55 and older	0

English Language Ability:

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

Vocational English: 5 minimum in each of the 4 components of IELTS

Proficient English: 7 minimum in each of the 4 components of IELTS

Factors	Description	Points
English Language Ability	Vocational English	5
English Language Ability	Proficient English	10

Qualifications:

Applicants with trade qualifications, diplomas, or bachelor’s degrees—especially in business, science, or technology—are eligible to receive points. The qualification must be awarded by an Australian institution or a recognized overseas institution.

Factors	Description	Points
Qualifications	Australian trade certificate, diploma or bachelor degree by an Australian education institute; or a bachelor qualification recognised by an education institution of a recognized standard	5
Qualifications	Bachelor degree in business, science or technology by an Australian institution; or a bachelor qualification by an education institution of a recognized standard	10

Special Endorsement by State/Territory Government:

State and Territory Governments can support applicants by endorsing that their proposed business offers a unique and significant benefit to the respective state or territory.

Factors	Description	Points
Special Endorsement	The nominating state or territory government agency could decide that your proposed business is of unique and important benefit to the state or territory where the nominating government agency is located	10

Financial Assets:

Points will be awarded for net personal assets held for the last 2 financial years:

Factors	Description	Points
Financial Assets	Net business and personal assets of you, your partner or you and your partner combined in each of the preceding two years of at least.
	AUD800,000	5
	AUD1.3 million	15
	AUD1.8 million	25
	AUD2.25 million	35

Business Turnover:

Points will be awarded based on the business turnover achieved by the applicant. To qualify, the net turnover must meet the required threshold for at least 2 out of the 4 years immediately preceding the application.

Factors	Description	Points
Business Turnover	Annual turnover in your main business during a period of at least two years of the preceding four fiscal years of at least:
	AUD500,000	5
	AUD1 million	15
	AUD1.5 million	25
	AUD2 million	35

Business Experience:

Points will be awarded for work experience that is relevant to the specific visa stream being applied for. Experience as a business owner is considered relevant and can contribute to the overall points score.

Factors	Description	Points
Business Experience	You have held one or more businesses before you were invited to apply for the visa for:
	Not less than four years within the preceding five years	10
	Not less than seven years within the preceding eight years	15

Innovation:

Points can be awarded in a number of factors, for instance:

Registered Patents or Designs: Points are available for holding registered intellectual property.

Registered Trademarks: Points can be earned for owning registered trademarks.

Joint Ventures: Participation in joint ventures is eligible for points.

Export Trade: Businesses with at least 50% of turnover from exports are eligible for points.

Gazelle Business: Businesses with 20% annualized growth over the last three financial years may earn points.

Grants or Venture Capital Funding: Receiving government grants of at least AUD 10,000 or venture capital funding of at least AUD 100,000 can earn points.

Factors	Description	Points
Business Innovation Qualifications at the time of invitation to apply for the visa	Evidence of registered patents or registered designs	15
	Evidence of registered trademarks	10
	Evidence of formal joint venture agreements	5
	Evidence of export trade	15
	Evidence of ownership interest in a gazelle business	10
	Evidence of receipt of grants or venture capital funding	10

Special or Territory Nomination:

Factors	Description	Points
State or Territory Nomination	Special endorsement (limited places)	10

For more information on business migration please contact us.

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Business Innovation Points Test