Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa — Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188A)

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

The Subclass 188A Business Innovation stream is designed for successful business owners who want to establish, develop or manage a new or existing business in Australia. It is a provisional (temporary) visa, valid for 4 years and 3 months, with a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa.

Points Test

Applicants must score at least 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment points test, which differs from the standard skilled worker test. Points are awarded for:

• Business financial turnover
• Net assets of the business
• Net personal and business assets
• Business innovation factors (patents, registered designs, export earnings, joint ventures)
• Age
• English language ability
• Qualification in business, technology or science
• Nominated by state/territory government

Key Financial Thresholds

• Net assets of at least AUD 800,000 (personal and business combined)
• Turnover of at least AUD 500,000 per annum in at least 2 of the past 4 fiscal years
• Ownership of at least 51% of business (or 30% for a business with AUD 400,000+ annual turnover)

State/Territory Nomination Required

You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each state publishes its own additional eligibility criteria and may require a preliminary expression of interest through their state agency.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

After holding the 188A for the required period and demonstrating ongoing business activity in Australia, you may apply for the Subclass 888 for permanent residence.