Subclass 888 – Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent) Visa
What is Subclass 888?
The Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) is the permanent stage of Australia’s Business Innovation & Investment Program. It allows holders of the provisional Subclass 188 visa to continue to conduct business, investment, or entrepreneurial activities in Australia, and settle permanently once they meet certain criteria.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Subclass 888 visa, you must:
- Have held a Subclass 188 visa under one of the streams (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, or Entrepreneur).
- Continue to meet the criteria specific to the stream under which you applied.
- Fulfill the required business/investment commitments and performance obligations laid out when you were granted your provisional visa.
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory (or maintain the nomination from your provisional visa).
- Meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ health, character, and other standard visa requirements.
Streams under Subclass 888
There are several streams through which you may apply for this permanent visa. Each stream has its own set of obligations and performance criteria. The common streams include:
| Stream | Key Requirements | What it Lets You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation | Operate and manage a business in Australia for a required period; meet financial turnover, business asset, employment or other performance measures; maintain ownership interest. | Continue running the business, live permanently in Australia, access services, etc. |
| Investor | Maintain a complying investment (amount set by state/territory + Home Affairs) over the duration of the provisional visa; live in Australia/residence requirement. | Stay permanently, maintain investment, and derive benefits of permanent residency. |
| Significant Investor | Hold a larger complying investment (often higher threshold) for the full term of the provisional visa; meet additional investment contribution criteria. | Similar benefits as other streams, but higher investment, and often stricter monitoring / performance obligations. |
| Entrepreneur | Show entrepreneurial activity has met or exceeded what was proposed under the provisional visa; show innovation, commercialization, revenue, job creation or similar success factors. | Ability to settle permanently and continue the entrepreneurial venture under more stable circumstances. |
State / Territory Nomination Requirements
Because Subclass 888 is tied to state/territory nomination, you must also satisfy the nomination conditions of the state or territory that sponsored your Subclass 188 visa or agree to another state’s nomination (if released). These can include:
- Minimum residential or business presence in the nominated state/territory.
- Proof that you have delivered on your provisional visa’s promises — e.g. business performance, investment made, jobs created.
- Financial thresholds for assets, business turnover, investment amounts relevant to your stream and the nominating jurisdiction.
- Adherence to specific state requirements such as job creation, business growth, innovation, regional activity, etc.
Benefits of the Subclass 888 Visa
Holding a Subclass 888 visa gives you:
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Access to social services and health care (Medicare).
- Opportunity to sponsor eligible family members.
- A pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to standard conditions, including residence).
What WIDEN Can Do for You
At WIDEN Migration Experts, we help you through every step of applying for Subclass 888:
- Assessing if you meet both Home Affairs and your nominating State/Territory’s criteria.
- Reviewing your business or investment performance to ensure compliance.
- Organizing documentation: financial statements, investment proofs, business turnover and employment data, etc.
- Coordinating state nomination release if needed.
- Lodging the visa application with accuracy to avoid delays or refusal.
- Providing clear guidance on obligations you must meet after getting the provisional visa and before applying for the permanent one.
Benefits of the Subclass 888 Visa
Holding a Subclass 888 visa gives you:
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Access to social services and health care (Medicare).
- Opportunity to sponsor eligible family members.
- A pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to standard conditions, including residence).
Steps to Apply
- Check your stream: Identify which stream (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Entrepreneur) fits your profile and which state/territory nominated your provisional visa.
- Meet performance criteria: Ensure that over the provisional visa period you’ve satisfied required business turnover, investments, job creation, or commercialization (depending on stream).
- Fulfill state nomination obligations: Maintain residence/business operations in the nominating jurisdiction; satisfy any specific conditions set by your nominating state or territory.
- Gather documentary evidence: Audited financial statements, proof of investment, business performance, tax records, etc.
- Lodge nomination (if required again) with your state/territory, and then submit the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Wait for decision: Processing times vary. Meeting all requirements clearly and submitting full documentation helps reduce delays.
Important Considerations
- Ensure all promises made under your provisional visa (Subclass 188) are honoured — failure to do so can result in refusal.
- Be aware that state/territory criteria may change; keep updated.
- Some streams or state nomination options may have minimum ages, higher investment thresholds, or additional requirements for older applicants.
- All applicants must meet health, character, and identity requirements.
Why Choose WIDEN
Because migration law and state nomination requirements are complex and changeable, having expert guidance matters. WIDEN offers:
- Up-to-date expertise from registered migration agents.
- Assistance in planning for provisional visa performance to ensure eligibility for 888.
- Help in preparing strong applications to meet both Home Affairs and state expectations.
- Reduced risk of refusal or delays.
- Personalized strategies, especially if your business/investment situation is non-standard or cross-jurisdictional.