Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program, designed to attract experienced business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to Australia. This visa allows individuals to establish or manage a business, make eligible investments, or engage in entrepreneurial activities within Australia.

Key Points about the Subclass 188 Visa:

1. Purpose: The subclass 188 visa is a temporary visa that enables successful business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to conduct business and investment activities or undertake entrepreneurial ventures in Australia.
2. Streams: There are five main streams under the subclass 188 visa, each catering to different business and investment purposes:
   • Business Innovation Stream: For individuals with business skills who want to establish, develop, or manage a new or existing business in Australia.
   • Investor Stream: For individuals willing to make a designated investment of at least AUD 1.5 million in an Australian state or territory and maintain business or investment activity in Australia.
   • Significant Investor Stream: For individuals making a significant investment of at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia while maintaining investment activity.
   • Premium Investor Stream: For individuals nominated by Austrade who make a premium investment of at least AUD 15 million in Australia.
   • Entrepreneur Stream: For individuals with funding of at least AUD 200,000 from an approved funding entity to undertake entrepreneurial activities in Australia.
3. Eligibility: Applicants must meet the criteria specific to their chosen stream, which may include business experience, minimum investment thresholds, net business assets, or access to approved funding.
4. Temporary Residence: The subclass 188 visa provides temporary residence in Australia for a period generally between two and four years, depending on the stream.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The subclass 188 visa serves as a pathway to the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888). To qualify, applicants must meet specific business performance, investment, and residency requirements while holding the subclass 188 visa.
6. Business Obligations: Visa holders are expected to actively manage their business or investment activities, comply with visa conditions, and contribute to Australia’s economic growth during their stay.