Are you thinking of starting or growing a business in Australia? Or are you looking to invest smartly in Australia, one of the world’s developing economies? Then, you are in the right place.
Welcome! We will help you with a simple guide to learning about the Business Innovation and Investment Provisional Visa (Subclass 188). This powerful visa allows you to live, work, and do business in Australia with the option to become a permanent resident.
🚀 What Is the Subclass 188 Visa?
Suppose you are a business enthusiast, owner, or investor. In that case, this visa is for you to live in Australia and to get a chance for permanent residency after five years through the Subclass 888 visa.
“Come here, invest, grow — and if you’re serious, stay for good.”
🎯 Which Stream Fits You Best?
Here’s a quick table to help you find your match:
| 💼 Visa Stream | 👤 Best for | 💰 What’s Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation | Small–mid business owners | Own a business & have AUD 1.25M in assets |
| Investor | Experienced investors | Invest AUD 2.5M in Australia |
| Significant Investor | High-net-worth investors | Invest AUD 5M (no age or English test!) |
| Premium Investor | Ultra-high-net-worth (by invite only) | AUD 15M investment |
| Entrepreneur | Innovative startup founders | No set funds, but must be endorsed |
✅ Are You Eligible?
Let’s keep it real: Australia’s got high standards — but if you’re genuinely ready, you’ve got this.
Here’s what every applicant must meet:
- 👤 Be under 55 (some exceptions apply)
- 🇦🇺 Get nominated by an Australian state or territory
- 📄 Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- ✅ Pass health and character checks
- 🚫 No dodgy visa history
🔍 Stream-Specific Snapshot
💼 Business Innovation Stream:
- Run a business with AUD 750K turnover (2 of last 4 years)
- Own at least 30% of the business
- Have personal/business assets worth AUD 1.25M
- Score 65+ points
📈 Investor Stream:
- 3+ years of investment experience
- Net assets of AUD 2.5M
- Invest AUD 2.5M into an approved Aussie fund
💸 Significant Investor Stream:
- Invest AUD 5M into designated funds
- No age limit or English test – ideal for global HNWIs
🚀 Entrepreneur Stream:
- Have an innovative idea
- Be endorsed by an Australian state/territory
- No fixed funding is needed, but it must be scalable
🧮 Points Test (for Business & Investor Streams)
It’s a bit like a scoring game — the more you offer, the better your chance!
| 📌 Category | 🏅 Points You Can Score |
|---|
| Age | Up to 30 |
| Business Experience | Up to 15 |
| English Proficiency | Up to 10 |
| Assets & Turnover | Up to 35 |
| State Nomination | Bonus points for alignment |
📍 Need 65+ points to be eligible (but aim higher for high success).
🛣️ Step-by-Step Process
Here’s how the journey goes:
1. ✨ Choose Your Stream
Pick the visa stream that best fits your business or investment background.
2. 📝 Submit an EOI
Log into SkillSelect, share your details, and wait to be invited.
3. 🏛️ Get State/Territory Nomination
Each region has unique industries it supports (tech, tourism, agriculture, etc.).
4. 📬 Receive an Invitation to Apply
If nominated, you’ll get the green light to apply for your visa.
5. 📤 Lodge Your Visa Application
Head over to your ImmiAccount, upload your documents, and pay the fee.
6. 🩺 Health + Character Checks
You’ll do a medical exam and provide police clearance certificates.
7. ⏳ Wait for Your Visa Decision
Processing takes time — but if all goes well, you’re off to Oz!
📁 Document Checklist — Keep It Tidy!
Here’s your quick doc list that you’ll need:
| 📄 Document | 🧾 Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport & ID | Basic identity proof |
| Business ownership proof | Show control of your business |
| Financial statements | Prove turnover and profits |
| Asset valuation | Show you meet the wealth requirement |
| EOI and Nomination letter | Official invitation |
| Police clearance | From each country you’ve lived in 12+ months |
| Health check records | Show you’re fit to enter Australia |
| English test result (if needed) | For points or requirement |
🔖 Hot Tip: Keep scanned copies of everything — in colour, in English, and certified where needed!
💰 Visa Fees & Processing Times
| 🛂 Visa Stream | 💸 Main Applicant | 🕰️ Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation | AUD 6,395 | 18–30 months |
| Investor | AUD 6,395 | 16–28 months |
| Significant Investor | AUD 9,195 | 12–24 months |
| Entrepreneur | AUD 6,395 | 12–18 months |
🎯 Add around AUD 3,200 for adult dependents and AUD 1,600 for children.
🏦 Show Me the Money: Required Funds
| 💼 Stream | 💵 Minimum Financial Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business Innovation | AUD 1.25 million in assets |
| Investor | AUD 2.5 million investment + assets |
| Significant Investor | AUD 5 million investment |
| Premium Investor | AUD 15 million (by invitation) |
📌 Assets must be legally owned, traceable, and transferrable to Australia.
🎁 What Do You Get from This Visa?
Here’s the sweet side of the deal:
✅ Live and do business/invest in Australia
✅ Bring your family with you
✅ Send your kids to top Aussie schools
✅ Travel in and out of Australia freely
✅ Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 888)
✅ Build roots in one of the world’s most stable economies
⚠️ Limitations — Keep These in Mind
Let’s keep it real — no visa is without rules:
- You must commit to your business/investment stream
- Changing streams later? Not allowed
- Healthcare access may be limited unless you get PR
- PR isn’t automatic — you must apply separately (Subclass 888)
- Kids and spouses need to meet health/character checks, too
🌐 Useful Links You’ll Need
🔗 Resource📍 Link
Official Visa Info immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
SkillSelect Portal (EOI) skillselect.gov.au
Visit a trusted Immigration Consultant Services: Visas Abroad
Help Line 📞 +91 8744852222
Mail to: info@VisasAdviser.com
🤔 FAQ – Quick Answers
Q: Can I bring my family with me?
✅ Yes! Your spouse and children can also come.
Q: Is this a permanent visa?
🚫 No — it’s temporary. But it leads to permanent residency via Subclass 888.
Q: Can I live in any part of Australia?
🟡 Depends on which state nominates you. Some have conditions attached.
Q: What if I don’t speak English well?
🟡 Some streams are lenient, but you may need to pay a second instalment fee.
Q: What happens if my business fails?
😬 Risk is part of business — but having a strong plan upfront reduces that chance.
🎓 Expert Tips — From People Who’ve Been There
🗣️ “We moved to Australia under the 188 Business Innovation stream. Our biggest advice? Get professional help early, have a solid business plan, and choose your state wisely.” —
💬 “Don’t wing the paperwork. The right migration consultant can make or break your application.”