Business Innovation stream
For owners of an established business with net business turnover AUD 750,000+ and personal and business net assets $1.25M+. Most common stream.
Subclass 188 · Four Streams · Provisional Business Visa
The 188 is Australia's provisional business visa.
188 business migration is handled by Sourabh Aggarwal, Gurjeev Bhalla, and Brian Park. Our Brisbane, Darwin, and Gold Coast offices serve business migrants nationally. For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs planning to migrate through business activity. Four streams, each with different capital requirements and business criteria. The 188 leads to Subclass 888 permanent residency after successful business activity in Australia.
The four streams
Business Innovation. Investor. Significant Investor. Entrepreneur.
Each stream suits different profiles and capital levels.
Investor stream
For investors willing to commit AUD 2.5M in Australian investments for 4 years. Direct and complying investment structure.
Significant Investor stream
For investors committing AUD 5M in complying Australian investments. Streamlined requirements. Popular with high net-worth applicants.
Entrepreneur stream
For early-stage entrepreneurs with funding agreement from specified Australian entity. Startup focus.
State nomination
State decisions matter.
The 188 requires state or territory nomination. Each state has its own criteria.
State-specific thresholdsStates sometimes require higher thresholds than the federal minimums. Check each state.
Business intentStates assess genuine intent to operate a business or invest in the state long-term.
State occupation and investment prioritiesStates prioritise investments aligned with their economic development priorities.
Regional bonusesRegional state nomination for business visas can offer additional pathways, concessions, or points equivalents.
Path to PR via 888
Two-stage pathway.
The 188 is provisional. Genuine business activity leads to 888 permanent residency.
Duration
188 is 4-5 years depending on stream. PR pathway via 888 opens after successful business activity period.
Activity requirements
Minimum business ownership, investment commitment, or entrepreneurship activity during 188 period.
888 transition
Lodge Subclass 888 after meeting activity requirements. Evidence of genuine business activity.
The Business Innovation and Investment program has undergone significant change.
Check current program status at time of application. Australia has reviewed the business innovation program significantly in recent years. Some streams have been paused or restructured. Lodgement criteria and state quotas change between years.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For business visa planning, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Can I run my current overseas business from Australia on 188?
188 focuses on Australian business activity. Overseas business continuation is possible but secondary to the Australian business or investment commitment.
Do I need to speak English?
Generally yes. Various streams have English requirements. Some streams have second VAC English concessions.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included on the 188 and transition to 888.
What if my business fails during 188?
888 requires specific business or investment activity evidence. Failure can affect PR pathway. Planning and contingencies matter.
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.