Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188 / 888)
Invest, innovate, and build your future in Australia.
The Business Innovation Investment Visa Australia is designed for experienced business owners and high-net-worth investors who want to grow their business or investment in Australia and access a pathway to permanent residency. At Bay Migration we provide expert advice on the various visa streams, eligibility criteria and application process from start to finish.
What is the Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188 / 888)?
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is designed to attract successful entrepreneurs and investors who can drive economic development in Australia.
Subclass 188 – Temporary visa allowing you to own and manage a business or investment in Australia for 4 years.
Subclass 888 – Permanent visa for holders of Subclass 188 who have met business or investment criteria during their stay.
These visas encourage innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship while offering strong pathways to Australian permanent residency and citizenship.
Streams Under the Business Innovation & Investment Visa
Business Innovation Stream
For business owners who want to establish or manage an existing business in Australia.Investor Stream
For individuals willing to invest at least AUD $2.5 million in Australian state or territory investments.Significant Investor Stream
For investors who commit at least AUD $5 million into complying Australian investments.Entrepreneur Stream
For individuals with a funding agreement of at least AUD $200,000 to commercialise an innovative idea or business in Australia.Premium Investor Stream
For investors nominated by Austrade investing AUD $15 million or more into compliant Australian investments or philanthropy.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for a Business Innovation or Investment Visa if you:
Are nominated by an Australian state, territory, or Austrade.
Have a proven record of business or investment success.
Meet the minimum investment or business ownership thresholds for your chosen stream.
Score at least 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment Points Test.
Have a genuine commitment to maintain business or investment activity in Australia.
Meet health, character, and financial requirements.
Visa Benefits
Establish, manage, or invest in an Australian business.
Live, work, and study in Australia temporarily (Subclass 188).
Bring eligible family members with you.
Transition to permanent residency via Subclass 888.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after permanent residence.
Access to world-class infrastructure, business networks, and investment opportunities.
Costs & Scholarships
Tuition Fees: AUD $12,000 – $20,000 per year (depending on level and institution).
Living Costs: Approx. AUD $24,000 per year (as per DHA requirement).
Additional Costs: Safety equipment (PPE), tools, and materials.
Scholarships
Fee discounts for early applicants.
Merit-based scholarships offered by some institutions.
Flexible payment plans to support financial needs.
We help you identify the best scholarships and funding options based on your profile.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide:
Proof of business ownership or investment history.
Evidence of net business and personal assets (ranging from AUD $1.25M to $5M+).
Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
State or territory nomination approval.
A detailed business plan or investment strategy.
Health and character documents.
Costs & Processing Time
Visa Application Charge: From AUD $6,270 (varies by stream and family members).
Processing Time: Typically between 12–24 months, depending on stream and complexity.
Bay Migration assists you with a precise, well-documented application to avoid costly delays and maximise approval success.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 888)
After holding a Subclass 188 visa and meeting specific business or investment criteria, you may qualify for the permanent Subclass 888 visa, which allows you to:
Live in Australia indefinitely.
Continue operating your business or investments.
Sponsor eligible family members.
Apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Our Process – How We Help You
Detailed Eligibility Assessment
We analyse your business, financial background, and investment goals to identify the most suitable stream under the BIIP.
Business & Investment Strategy Planning
Our experts assist in creating a compliant, well-structured business or investment plan aligned with state or territory nomination requirements.
Documentation & EOI Preparation
We manage your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission, ensuring all financial, business, and asset documentation meets Australian immigration standards.
State Nomination Support
Bay Migration works closely with state and territory agencies to prepare and submit your nomination application effectively.
Visa Lodgement & Monitoring
Our registered migration agents handle every stage of your Subclass 188 and 888 visa lodgement, providing regular updates throughout the process.
Transition to Permanent Residency
Once business and investment obligations are met, we assist you in preparing and applying for the Subclass 888 visa to secure your permanent residency.
Build Your Future in Australia with Bay Migration
Take the next step in your business journey with Australia’s most trusted investment migration experts.
Book a consultation today and let us help you turn your business success into a permanent Australian opportunity.
FAQ
What is the difference between Subclass 188 and Subclass 888?
Subclass 188 is a temporary visa that allows you to establish or manage your business in Australia, while Subclass 888 is the permanent visa that follows once you meet specific requirements.
How much do I need to invest to qualify?
The required investment varies by stream — starting from AUD $200,000 (Entrepreneur Stream) up to AUD $15 million (Premium Investor Stream).
Do I need to live in Australia full-time?
Yes, depending on your stream, you or your spouse must spend a minimum amount of time in Australia managing your business or investments.
Can I include family members in my application?
Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children in both 188 and 888 visa applications.
How long until I can apply for PR?
You can apply for Subclass 888 permanent residency once you’ve met the required business or investment criteria, typically after 2–4 years on your Subclass 188 visa.
Can Bay Migration assist with both 188 and 888 visas?
Absolutely. We offer end-to-end support, from your initial eligibility check to obtaining permanent residency and beyond.
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