Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888)
Transition from temporary to permanent residency with your business or investment in Australia.
Visa Overview
The Subclass 888 visa is the permanent stage of Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program. It allows holders of eligible Subclass 188 visas to transition to permanent residency after meeting business, investment, or entrepreneurial requirements.
🎯 Key Benefits
- Permanent residency for you and eligible family members
- Full work and study rights
- Access to Medicare and eventual citizenship eligibility
- Pathway to sponsor family members
- No points test requirement
Streams in Subclass 888
The visa is divided into multiple streams depending on your business or investment activity:
888 Investor
Stream
for holders of 188B who maintained an AUD 1.5m investment for 4 years
888 Significant
Investor Stream
for holders of 188C who invested AUD 5m in complying investments
888 Entrepreneur
Stream
for holders of 188E who carried out successful entrepreneurial activity
Stream Comparison Table
This table provides a quick comparison of the Subclass 888 visa streams (A–E), to help applicants understand the key differences.
| Feature | 888 – Business Innovation | 888 – Investor | 888 – Significant Investor | 888 – Premium Investor | 888 – Entrepreneur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa pathway | 188A → 888A | 188B → 888B | 188C → 888C | 188D → 888D | 188E → 888E |
| Investment/Turnover | Business turnover AUD 300k+ / year | Maintain AUD 1.5m investment for 4 years | Maintain AUD 5m in complying investments | Maintain AUD 15m in premium investments (Austrade invite) | Show commercialisation / entrepreneurial outcomes |
| Residence requirement | 1 year in the last 2 years | 2 years in the last 4 years | 40 days per year (or 180 via spouse) | 1 year during the investment period | 2 years during 188E visa |
| Work/Study rights | Full rights | Full rights | Full rights | Full rights | Full rights |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Processing time | 3–5 months | 3–5 months | 3–5 months | 3–5 months | 3–5 months |
| Base VAC (2025) | AUD 3,500 | AUD 3,500 | AUD 3,500 | AUD 3,500 | AUD 3,500 |
🔍 Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to transition from Subclass 188 to Subclass 888:
1
Confirm your stream
2
Check timing
3
Prepare business, investment, or entrepreneurial evidence.
4
Ensure residence and turnover/investment thresholds are met.
5
Gather supporting documents (identity, AFP check, health insurance, tax records).
6
Submit your application online through ImmiAccount.
7
Pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) and await DHA decision.
Eligibility Criteria
Hold an eligible Subclass 188 visa in the corresponding stream.
Meet residence requirement: generally, at least 2–4 years in Australia, depending on stream.
Business owners: meet minimum turnover and maintain ownership requirements.
Investors: maintain designated investments (AUD 1.5m, 5m, or 15m as applicable).
Entrepreneurs: demonstrate successful commercialisation or entrepreneurial outcomes.
Family members must also satisfy health and character checks.
Required Documents
Current passport and identity documents
Evidence of Subclass 188 visa grant
Business or investment evidence (financial statements, shareholding records, bank statements)
Tax and compliance records with ATO
Proof of residence in Australia (utility bills, leases)
AFP National Police Check
Health insurance evidence
Family members’ identity, health, and character documents
Fees & Processing Times
| Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Base Application Fees | AUD3,500.00 |
| Additional Applicant 18 and over | AUD1,755.00 |
| Additional Applicant Under 18 Fees | AUD875 |
| Processing time | typically, 3–5 months depending on stream and caseload. |
Family Members
You can include your partner and dependent children (including those over 18 if financially dependent).
Family must meet health and character requirements.
Subsequent entrant applications are permitted after the grant.
Common Mistakes & Red Flags
Not meeting residence requirement.
Failing to maintain the required investment for the full holding period.
Incomplete or inconsistent business/tax records.
Not matching the correct stream when applying.
❓ Subclass 888 Business Innovation
Investor Visa FAQs
Holders of eligible Subclass 188 visas who meet the residence and business/investment requirements.
There are 5 streams: Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Premium Investor, and Entrepreneur.
No. Unlike Subclass 188, Subclass 888 does not require a points test.
Yes, partners and dependent children can be included.
Generally 3–5 months, depending on the stream and caseload.
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.