The 188A Business Innovation stream is one of the three major categories of the Australian Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa. The Australian government uses this visa to attract professionals and management talent with genuine innovation capabilities to conduct business and entrepreneurship in Australia, injecting capital and creating employment opportunities for the country. It is primarily aimed at four types of applicants: corporate legal representatives, shareholders, contractors, and senior management personnel. The 188A visa is a four-year temporary visa. After the visa is granted, the applicant must operate a business in Australia and participate in daily management. After two years, they may transition to the 888 Business Innovation and Investment permanent residence visa. Before submitting a 188A visa application, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and obtain nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
188A Business Innovation Temporary Visa Application Requirements
1- The primary applicant must be under 55 years of age or obtain an age exemption from the state government; accompanying children must be under 23 years of age (children over 23 who are unable to support themselves due to physical or cognitive disabilities may also accompany the applicant, provided they still meet Australia's health requirements);
2- The score in the SkillSelect EOI system must be no less than 65 points; please refer to the table below for specific scoring criteria;
3- In at least two of the past four fiscal years, the company's annual turnover must have been at least AUD 500,000 (a maximum of two companies can be combined);
4- The applicant and their spouse must own one of the following types of businesses:
(1) For businesses with an annual turnover of less than AUD 400,000, the applicant must hold at least 51% of the shares;
(2) For businesses with an annual turnover of AUD 400,000 or more, the applicant must hold at least 30% of the shares;
(3) For publicly listed companies, the applicant must hold 10% of the shares;
5- Possess a successful business management background and participate in daily management;
6- Demonstrate a genuine intention to operate and manage a business in Australia;
7- If the nominated business provides professional, technical, or trade services, you must spend no more than 50% of your time providing these services compared to the time spent on the overall management of your business;
8- The applicant and their spouse must have net business and personal assets of at least AUD 800,000. These assets must be legally acquired and can be legally transferred to Australia within two years after the visa is granted;
9- You and your spouse have not been involved in illegal business or investment activities.
188A Visa Application Process
Submit EOI online → Apply for state nomination → Obtain state nomination → Receive EOI invitation → Complete asset audit → Submit application materials → Receive interview or interview waiver notice, provide additional documents → Medical examination, pay English language training fee → Obtain 188A visa valid for 4 years and 3 months.
188A Visa Application Timeline
Overall timeline: 75% of applications take 15 months. 90% of applications take 18 months.