Preparing a Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) application
The subclass 188 visa is a provisional visa that allows business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to conduct business or investment activity in Australia. After meeting the requirements on the provisional visa, holders can apply for a permanent subclass 888 visa. Each stream has distinct criteria around business turnover, net assets, or investment amounts.
This is an 8-step workflow for preparing a subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa application. The visa has multiple streams (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Premium Investor, and Entrepreneur) and requires a state or territory nomination plus a qualifying points score or investment threshold.
Before you start
- Client identification and initial assessment of which stream is most suitable
- Preliminary check of the client's business or investment history
- Confirmation the client meets the age requirement (under 55, unless state waiver applies)
The workflow
Identify the correct stream
Assess the client against each 188 stream — Business Innovation (turnover AUD 750k+), Investor (AUD 2.5M designated investment), Significant Investor (AUD 5M complying investment), Premium Investor (AUD 15M), or Entrepreneur (endorsement from a state). Select the stream that best fits the client's profile.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect, selecting the appropriate 188 stream. Accurately declare business ownership, turnover, net assets, and investment history. The EOI must be live before a state or territory can issue a nomination.
Obtain state or territory nomination
Apply to the relevant state or territory government for nomination. Each jurisdiction has its own criteria and priority sectors. Prepare the state nomination application with a business plan or investment proposal tailored to that state's requirements.
Prepare financial and business evidence
Compile audited financial statements, business ownership records, personal net asset statements, and tax returns. For the Investor and Significant Investor streams, provide evidence of the source of funds and the proposed investment structure.
Obtain the points test assessment (if applicable)
For the Business Innovation stream, calculate and evidence the innovation points test score (minimum 65 points). Factors include age, English language ability, qualifications, business experience, personal and business net assets, and turnover.
Arrange health and character checks
Complete medical examinations through a Bupa panel physician for the main applicant and all family members included in the application. Obtain police clearances from every country of residence (12+ months in the past 10 years).
Compile and review the application package
Assemble all documents — EOI confirmation, state nomination approval, financial evidence, points test evidence, health and character documents, passports, and photographs. Conduct a final review for completeness and consistency.
Lodge via ImmiAccount
Lodge the subclass 188 application through ImmiAccount after receiving the invitation to apply. Upload all supporting documents and pay the visa application charge (currently AUD 6,085 for the main applicant).
What you will have at the end
A complete subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa application lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, supported by state nomination, financial evidence, and a clear pathway to the permanent subclass 888 visa.
Common issues
- Insufficient evidence of genuine business ownership or management involvement
- Net asset valuations that do not meet the threshold when properly audited
- State nomination application rejected due to weak business plan
- Points test miscalculation, particularly around business turnover or English language claims
- Source of funds documentation that does not adequately trace the investment capital
Run this workflow on a real matter
Quillio helps analyse which 188 stream best fits the client, reviews financial documentation for gaps, and drafts the business plan narrative for state nomination applications. See /practice-areas/immigration-lawyers or start a free trial.
This workflow is a general guide for the subclass 188 visa. Stream requirements, investment thresholds, and state nomination criteria change regularly. Always verify current requirements and consider specialist migration and tax advice.
Try this workflow with Quillio.
Quillio can run this workflow on a real matter, with citations to current AU authority on every step. The free trial requires no credit card.
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