Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa
Permanent residence visa for 188 provisional holders who meet stream-specific business or investment performance criteria.
The Subclass 888 is the permanent residence visa for applicants who have held a Subclass 188 provisional visa and now meet the criteria for permanent residence in their corresponding stream.
This visa recognises business operators and investors who have demonstrated sustained commitment and financial capability through the provisional 188 period. Applicants must complete the appropriate residence period and meet stream-specific business or investment performance tests.
Grant of the 888 confers permanent residency, allowing the holder and eligible family members to live, work and study indefinitely in Australia.
Visa Streams
888A Business Innovation
888B Investor
888SIV Significant Investor
888PIV Premium Investor
Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold (or have held) a Subclass 188 provisional visa
- Meet the PR criteria specific to your corresponding 888 stream
- Demonstrate ongoing business operation or investment compliance
- 888A: 2 years residence + business turnover ≥ AUD 300,000 + employment of Australians
- 888B: 2 years residence + maintain qualifying investments
- 888SIV: 1–3 years residence + $5M complying investments maintained
- 888PIV: 12 months residence + $15M complying investments maintained
- Residence in Australia during the 188 period (varies by stream)
- Compliance with all 188 visa conditions during provisional period
- Application lodged before 188 expiry where applicable
Application Process
Step 1: Maintain 188 Compliance
Throughout your 188 period, maintain compliance with stream-specific business or investment obligations.
Step 2: Meet Performance Tests
Achieve the business turnover, investment maintenance, or residence requirements specific to your stream.
Step 3: Compile Evidence
Gather business financials, investment statements, employment records and residence evidence.
Step 4: Lodge 888 Application
Submit the 888 application before your 188 expires, with full supporting documentation.
Step 5: PR Grant
Upon approval, transition to permanent resident status with ongoing residency rights and pathway to citizenship.
Costs & Processing Time
Processing Time
Processing times vary by stream. Lodge well before 188 expiry to avoid status gaps.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Closed to New 188 Applications
The 188→888 pathway requires you to hold a 188 visa. The 188 has been closed to new applications since 1 July 2024 — only existing 188 holders can progress to 888.
Performance Tests Vary by Stream
888A requires business turnover + Australian employment; 888B/SIV/PIV require investment maintenance + residence. Match your evidence to the right test.
Lodge Before 188 Expires
Lodge your 888 application before your 188 expires to avoid a status gap. Last-minute lodgements significantly increase risk.
About the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa
Permanent residence visa for 188 provisional holders who meet stream-specific business or investment performance criteria.
Articles for this visa are coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 188 visa before applying for 888?
Yes — the 888 is designed exclusively for holders of corresponding 188 provisional visas who meet PR criteria.
What's the difference between the four 888 streams?
The four streams target different profiles: 888A (active business operators), 888B (investors), 888SIV ($5M+ investors), 888PIV ($15M+ investors).
Can I change streams from 188 to 888?
Generally no — you apply for the 888 stream corresponding to your 188 stream. Cross-stream transitions are uncommon and require professional advice.
How long is the residence requirement?
Varies by stream — 888A/B: typically 2 years residence in the 188 period; 888SIV: 1–3 years; 888PIV: 12 months.
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