Overview of the 188A Visa
The Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) is a provisional visa designed for entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to establish, develop, and manage a new or existing business in Australia. It allows visa holders to stay in the country for up to 5 years.
Important Notice (2026 Update): As of 31 July 2024, the Australian Government closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) to new applications. Currently, the Department of Home Affairs only processes applications lodged prior to this closure, as well as 188A Extension stream applications for existing holders seeking additional time to meet permanent residency requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To be considered for this stream (for existing applicants or those applying for extensions), you must meet the following financial and business benchmarks:
- State Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency.
- Business Turnover: You must have had an ownership interest in up to two businesses that had a combined turnover of at least AUD 750,000 in each of the two fiscal years out of the four fiscal years immediately before you were invited to apply.
- Personal and Business Assets: You and/or your partner must have net business and personal assets of at least AUD 1.25 million.
- Points Test: A minimum score of 65 on the points test is required (based on age, English language ability, qualifications, and business experience).
- Age: Generally, you must be under 55 years of age, though some states may waive this for exceptional economic benefit.
Application Costs and Fees
The following rates are the standard Department of Home Affairs Base Application Charges for the 2025–2026 financial year. Note that these fees do not include costs for health checks, police certificates, or biometrics.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | $10,000 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $5,000 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $2,500 |
Note: A second instalment fee of AUD 9,795 may be required for applicants aged 18 or older who have less than "Functional English."
Current Processing Times
Processing times for the 188A stream are currently impacted by the transition to the National Innovation Visa framework. Based on the latest 2026 benchmarks from the Department of Home Affairs, the following timelines apply:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 12 months.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 24 months.
These times are subject to change based on the volume of applications in the backlog and the completeness of the documentation provided. Applicants are encouraged to use a Mobile device to access the ImmiAccount portal for real-time status updates.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The 188A visa is the first step toward the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888A). To transition to permanent residency, you must generally demonstrate:
- Continuous Residence: You have been in Australia for at least 1 year in the 2 years immediately before applying.
- Business Ownership: You have had an ownership interest and a direct management role in a main business in Australia for at least 2 years.
- Financial Thresholds: You meet specific turnover and asset requirements within your Australian business.
If you require more time to meet these requirements, you may apply for a one-time extension of 2 years under the 188A Extension stream, provided you have held your original visa for at least 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a new 188A visa in 2026?
No. New applications for the 188A Business Innovation stream are no longer accepted as of July 2024. If you are a new business migrant, you should explore the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) or the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa as alternative pathways.
What is the "Extension Stream"?
The Extension stream is for current 188A visa holders who need more time to qualify for the subclass 888 permanent visa. It allows you to extend your stay in Australia for an additional 2 years, bringing the total potential stay to 7 years.
Do I need to live in the state that nominated me?
Yes. State nomination is a commitment to contribute to that specific state's economy. Moving to a different state without approval may jeopardise your pathway to permanent residency.
Is there an English language requirement?
While you do not need "Proficient English" to apply, the main applicant and all adult dependants must have at least "Functional English" or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge.
