Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) – Visa Aid Australia
The Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) visa is a temporary visa designed for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who wish to establish or manage business and investment activities in Australia.
This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa, subject to meeting business and investment performance requirements.
Visa Aid provides professional guidance to help applicants understand eligibility, streams, and compliance obligations under Australian migration law.
Important Update
The Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the Business Innovation and Investment visa program. Certain streams are now closed to new applicants, while transitional arrangements apply to existing visa holders.
Visa Aid recommends confirming current eligibility before proceeding with any application or business planning.
Business Innovation Stream (188A)
The Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188A) is designed for experienced business owners who wish to establish, develop, or manage a business in Australia.
This visa is a temporary visa and provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 888 visa, subject to meeting business performance requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally:
Own or manage a successful business
Meet minimum business turnover requirements
Hold sufficient personal and business assets
Achieve the required points test score
Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government
Demonstrate genuine intention to operate a business in Australia
Exact financial thresholds and criteria may vary depending on state nomination requirements.
Pathway to Permanent Residence (Subclass 888)
After operating a business in Australia on the 188A visa, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency if they:
Hold the 188A visa for the required period
Actively manage an Australian business
Meet business turnover requirements
Meet asset and employment benchmarks
Continue to satisfy State or Territory nomination obligations
Additional Business Performance Criteria
Applicants must generally meet at least two of the following:
Maintain minimum business asset levels in Australia
Maintain minimum personal and business asset levels
Employ Australian workers in their business
Important Note
Business and investment requirements are assessed individually. Visa Aid recommends professional assessment before business planning or visa submission.
Investor Stream (188B)
This stream is for applicants willing to make a designated investment in Australia and meet asset and investment requirements set by the nominating State or Territory Government.
Significant Investor Stream (188C)
The Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C) is designed for high-net-worth individuals who make a complying investment in Australia.
This stream does not require a points test or English language test. Applicants must meet investment and compliance requirements set by the Australian Government and the nominating State or Territory.
This visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency under the Subclass 888 visa.
The following table explains how points are awarded for different eligibility factors.
The following table includes the criteria used to determine how many points are given out. Except where otherwise noted, all factors are taken into account at the time you are invited to apply for this visa.
Age
Points are awarded based on the applicant’s age at the time of invitation.
proficiency in English
English requirements depend on the visa stream and exemptions may apply.
You are of British, American, Canadian, New Zealand, or Irish descent, and you currently possess a valid passport from one of those countries.
Proficient English – 10 points
Show proof that you achieved one of the following scores in the three years prior to receiving our invitation to apply for the visa to demonstrate that you speak English proficiently:
Qualifications
Points may be awarded for recognised Australian or overseas qualifications.
Investing or business experience
Applicants must demonstrate relevant business ownership or management experience.
Net assets, both personal and business
Applicants must hold legally acquired personal and business assets meeting minimum threshold requirements.
Business turnover
Business turnover points are awarded based on financial performance in recent years.
Commercial innovation
Points may be awarded for innovation activities such as export trade, patents, or business growth.
Special approval
- Special approval may apply in limited circumstances at the discretion of the nominating authority.
Not sure which Business visa stream suits you?
Book a consultation with Visa Aid for personalised guidance.
Visa requirements are subject to change under Australian migration law. Visa Aid recommends professional assessment before application submission.