Business Innovation and Investment Visa FAQ

1. What is the difference between the 188 and the 888 visa?

   The Business Innovation and Investment (188) visa is a Provisional visa, whereas the Business Innovation and Investment (888) visa is a Permanent Visa.

2. What are the different Streams under the Business Innovation and Investment Visa?

There are 5 different Streams:

• Business Innovation Stream
• Investor Stream
• Significant Investor Stream (SIV)
• Premium Investor Stream (PIV)
• Entrepreneur Stream

1. How do I meet the English Language Requirements for the Business Innovation Stream?

   You can meet the English language requirement by achieving an overall score of 5 in IELTS (with minimum 5 in each component) to prove Vocational English while an overall score of 7 (with minimum 7 in each component) to prove Proficient English.

2. If I want to apply for a Significant Investor Stream, do I need to be get nominated by a State or Territory Government?

   There is no other option to apply for a significant investor visa. Since it is a government nominated program, you must be nominated by the State or territory government or Austrade to apply.

3. Can this visa lead to Citizenship?

   Holders of permanent residency business visas (subclass 132 or 888) are eligible to apply for Australian Citizenship once certain requirements have been met.

4. What is a Business Talent (132) Visa?

   This is a permanent visa designed for high calibre business people who are owners or part owners of an overseas business and have a genuine and realistic commitment to participate in the management of a new or existing business in Australia.

• For information on the Provisional Stage (subclass 188) click here. 
• For information on the Permanent Stage (subclass 188)click here. 
• For the current Visa Costs by the Department of Home Affairs, please click here.
• For the current Visa Processing Times by the Department of Home Affairs, please click here.