188 visa

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) is a part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa Subclass 188 allows successful applicants to do the following:

• own and manage a business in Australia (the Business Innovation stream)
• conduct business and investment activity in Australia (the Investor stream, the Significant Investor stream and the Premium Investor stream).
• undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia (Entrepreneur stream).

This visa consists of five visa streams

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) is a part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program.

This visa consists of five visa streams. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and be invited to apply.

The five business visa streams are:
Business Innovation stream: Applicants must plan to establish, develop and manage a new or existing business in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Investor stream: Applicants must make a designated investment of at least $1.5 million AUD. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Significant Investor stream: Applicants must make an investment at least $5 million AUD. Applicants can be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade on behalf of the Australian government.

Premium Investor stream: Applicants must invest a minimum of $15 million AUD.

Entrepreneur stream: Applicants must have a funding agreement from a third party for at least $200,000 AUD. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government.

Significant Investor Stream  

• 75% of applications: 19 Months
• 90% of applications: 22 Months

Business Innovation Stream

• 75% of applications: 33 Months
• 90% of applications: 36 Months

Investor Stream

• 75% of applications: 41 Months
• 90% of applications: 42 Months

Entrepreneur Stream

• 75% of applications: 9 Months
• 90% of applications: 13 Months

Premium Investor Stream

Processing times are not available

Last updated 15 Apr 2023.

Bring your family

Applicants can include or add the following family members to their 188 Visa:

• Married or de facto partner
• Dependent children/step-children

AGE
Children 23 years and over cannot be included in your application. (Unless there are exceptional circumstances)

HEALTH & CHARACTER
All family members must meet the health and character requirements. All applicants over 16 must provide police clearances.