Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa
Four-year provisional visa for entrepreneurs and investors. Four streams (188A/B/SIV/PIV) leading to PR via the 888 visa.
The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Provisional Visa is a four-year temporary visa offering four distinct streams tailored to different business and investment profiles.
Each stream serves a specific applicant type: 188A targets business innovators establishing new ventures, 188B focuses on investors with significant capital and management experience, 188SIV requires $5 million minimum in complying investments, and 188PIV accommodates premium investors committing $15 million or more.
This provisional visa is the gateway to permanent residency, allowing successful applicants to transition to the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment Permanent Visa once they meet stream-specific business or investment performance criteria.
Visa Streams
188A Business Innovation
188B Investor
188SIV Significant Investor
188PIV Premium Investor
Eligibility Requirements
- Demonstrated business or investment background appropriate to chosen stream
- Ability to establish, develop or manage business operations
- State or territory government nomination required (188A/B/SIV)
- 188A: business establishment or development investment + net assets ≥ AUD 1.25M
- 188B: investment of AUD 2.5M in complying Australian investments
- 188SIV: AUD 5M in complying investments + balanced portfolio mix
- 188PIV: AUD 15M in complying investments
- Maintain business and investment activity in Australia throughout the 4-year period
- Meet all visa conditions and stream-specific obligations
- Investments must remain compliant per Home Affairs definitions
Application Process
Step 1: Determine Stream
Assess which of the four streams aligns with your business profile and investment capacity.
Step 2: Secure State/Territory Nomination
Obtain nomination from a state or territory government (required for 188A/B/SIV).
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Compile business plans, investment evidence, audited financials, and professional credentials.
Step 4: Lodge Application
Submit the visa application with supporting documentation to Home Affairs via ImmiAccount.
Step 5: Activate & Operate
Upon approval, activate your 4-year provisional visa and commence business / investment activities.
Costs & Processing Time
Processing Time
Processing times vary by stream and case complexity. Contact us for current Home Affairs timeframes.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Closed to New Applications
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), including Subclass 188, was closed to new applications from 1 July 2024. Existing applications continue to be processed. Verify current status before commencing.
Four Distinct Streams
Choose the stream matching your profile: Innovation (188A), Investor (188B), Significant Investor (188SIV) or Premium Investor (188PIV).
State Nomination Matters
State priorities differ — some states favour SIV/PIV, others 188A. Nomination strategy materially affects approval probability.
About the Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa
Four-year provisional visa for entrepreneurs and investors. Four streams (188A/B/SIV/PIV) leading to PR via the 888 visa.
Articles for this visa are coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the validity period of the 188 visa?
The Subclass 188 is a 4-year provisional visa allowing you to establish and develop business or investment activities in Australia.
Can I transition from 188 to PR?
Yes — successful applicants can transition to the Subclass 888 Permanent Visa after meeting stream-specific business or investment performance criteria during the provisional period.
Which stream should I apply for?
Selection depends on background: 188A (entrepreneurs), 188B (investors), 188SIV ($5M+ investors), or 188PIV ($15M+ investors). Professional advice is highly recommended.
What are 'complying investments'?
Complying investments are defined by Home Affairs and must meet specific portfolio composition rules — typically a mix of venture capital, emerging companies and balancing assets.
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