Business Innovation activity
Owned and managed a qualifying Australian business for 2+ years. Met turnover and employment thresholds. Evidence of genuine trading.
188 to 888 · Permanent Business Visa · Activity Evidence
The 888 is where business migrants reach PR.
888 PR applications are handled by Sourabh Aggarwal, Gurjeev Bhalla, and Brian Park from Brisbane, Darwin, and Gold Coast. After successfully holding a Subclass 188 and meeting stream-specific business or investment activity requirements, the 888 provides permanent residency. Here is what each stream requires at 888 stage.
Activity requirements by stream
Different tests per stream.
888 eligibility depends on what you did during the 188 period.
Investor activity
Maintained AUD 2.5M in complying investments for the full 188 period (typically 4 years). Investment evidence at 888 stage.
Significant Investor activity
Maintained AUD 5M in complying investments for the full 188 period. Streamlined residency requirements at 888 stage.
Entrepreneur activity
Genuine entrepreneurial activity in Australia during the 188 period. Business progress, funding milestones, or commercialisation evidence.
Evidence standards
Documentary and verifiable.
888 evidence is specific and must be complete.
Financial recordsAudited or management-prepared accounts for the business activity period. Tax returns. ASIC records.
Investment evidenceInvestment statements, compliance with complying investment rules, maintenance throughout the period.
Employment and activityEmployment records for Business Innovation stream. Activity reports for Entrepreneur stream.
Continuing residencyEvidence of maintained Australian residence during 188 period. Affects several streams.
Common issues at 888
Three recurring concerns.
888 applications have specific risk points.
Business failure or downsizing
If the Business Innovation business did not meet thresholds, 888 is at risk. Planning and contingencies matter.
Investment non-compliance
Investments that dropped below complying thresholds or were restructured non-compliantly affect 888.
Residence gaps
Significant time outside Australia during 188 affects some streams. Document all entries and exits.
Genuine business activity evidence is what decides 888.
The Department looks beyond paper compliance to genuine business activity. A business that technically met thresholds but shows no real trading can still struggle at 888. Comprehensive documentary evidence of genuine operations matters.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 888 applications, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
What if my 188 business did not meet thresholds?
888 refusal possible. Alternative pathways may exist (other skilled or sponsored visas). Discuss options.
Can I include family on 888?
Yes. Family members included on the 188 can be included on 888.
Does changing my business during 188 affect 888?
Depends on specifics. Some changes acceptable; fundamental business changes can affect stream eligibility.
What if my investments fluctuated below $2.5M?
Maintenance of the minimum investment throughout the period is required. Brief dips can sometimes be addressed; sustained shortfalls affect 888.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.