Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188

Turn Your Business Idea into Reality — in Australia

Australia's strong economy, sound investment climate, and multicultural society provide a great place for foreign investors and entrepreneurs alike. The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188 is an instrument for the purpose of commencing or carrying on a business, or for the reason of making an available investment in Australia, with an accessible pathway to permanent residence under Subclass 888.

At Apex Immigration, we walk you through the complexity of this visa and are with you from the planning stage right up to when you're applying—step by step.

What Is the Subclass 188 Visa?

The Subclass 188 visa is a business innovation and investment program temporary visa. The visa allows successful business people and investors to live and operate in Australia for a maximum of five years, with the opportunity to settle in permanent residence.

This visa comes in five broad streams, each of which is directed at specific classes of applicants.

The Streams in Subclass 188.

1. Business Innovation Stream:

For seasoned business individuals looking to start or operate a new/existing business in Australia.

2. Investor Stream:

For individuals who are able to invest a minimum of AUD $2.5 million in a qualifying Australian investment fund.

3. Significant Investor Stream:

For those who are willing to put AUD $5 million into Australian compliant investments.

4. Entrepreneurial Stream:

For business innovators with a financing contract for marketing a product/service in Australia.

5. Premium Investor Stream (invitation only):

For individuals who invest AUD $15 million and above in Australian business or philanthropic interests.
 

Major Benefits

- Live, work and have a business or investments in Australia

- Enlist skilled family members.

- Obtain a route to permanent residence through Subclass 888.

- Travel in and out of Australia freely within the visa validity

- Access to Australian education and healthcare (subject to some conditions)

General Eligibility Requirements

- Eligibility varies based on the stream, but the requirements in general are:

- Nomination by a Territory or State government

- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) under SkillSelect

- Attain business ownership or investment levels in your stream

- Show genuine intention to resume business or investment activities in Australia.

- Meet health and character standards.

- Be less than 55 years of age (with exceptions)
 

Documents Needed

- Common documents include:

- Passport and identification.

- Business ownership or investment documentation (asset appraisals, financial reports)

- EOI application and state/territory nomination

- Business Plan (for Innovation Stream)

- Source of funds documentation

- Police clearance and health certificates.

- English language proficiency test (if necessary)

Apex Immigration's team will provide you with a personalized document checklist relevant to the stream you have chosen.

Processing Time

- Processing times depend on the stream you have chosen and the quality of your application:

- Business Innovation & Investor Stream: 12–24 months

- High-Priority Stream: can be slightly faster due to high-priority processing

- Delays can take place if there is incomplete documentation or additional verification required

How Apex Immigration Can Help

Subclass 188 applications are sophisticated and undergo thorough scrutiny — particularly source of funds, business plans, and nomination criteria.

We at Apex Immigration assist you:

- Select the appropriate stream according to your background and aspirations

- Create a strong business/investment profile

- Create business plans and proof of funds

Apply for state nomination

Submit your EOI and visa application in proper form Transition to Subclass 888 when qualifying. 

✨ Begin Creating Your Australian Business Venture With guidance, your future business prosperity can be established in Australia. 

Apex Immigration can help you make that transition with confidence. Let's make your dream come true.