Your Pathway to Permanent Residency as a Business Owner or Investor
The Subclass 888 Visa grants permanent residency to holders of the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation & Investment – Provisional) Visa who meet ongoing business or investment requirements. It is the final step for entrepreneurs and investors seeking long-term settlement in Australia.
Key Benefits of the 888 Visa
✅ Permanent residency status in Australia
✅ Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
✅ Access to Medicare and social benefits
✅ Sponsor eligible family members
✅ Pathway to citizenship (after 4 years)
✅ No further investment requirements after grant
Eligibility Requirements by Stream
1. Business Innovation Stream
For 188 Business Innovation holders who have successfully operated a business in Australia.
Requirements:
✔ Held a Subclass 188 Business Innovation visa for at least 2 years
✔ Owned and managed a business in Australia for at least 2 years
✔ Meet two of the following for the past 12 months:
- Annual turnover of AUD 300,000+
- Employed at least 2 Australian workers (full-time)
- Business & personal assets of AUD 600,000+ in Australia
- Business assets of AUD 200,000+ in Australia
2. Investor Stream
For 188 Investor Visa holders who maintained their complying investment.
Requirements:
✔ Held a Subclass 188 Investor visa for at least 4 years
✔ Maintained a complying investment of AUD 2.5M for the entire period
✔ Lived in Australia for at least 2 years (cumulative)
3. Significant Investor Stream (SIV)
For 188 Significant Investor Visa holders who maintained their AUD 5M investment.
Requirements:
✔ Held a Subclass 188 SIV visa for at least 4 years
✔ Maintained AUD 5M in complying investments
✔ Lived in Australia for at least 40 days per year (or spouse for 180 days)
4. Entrepreneur Stream
For 188 Entrepreneur Visa holders who developed their business in Australia.
Requirements:
✔ Held a Subclass 188 Entrepreneur visa for at least 4 years
✔ Met business development milestones
✔ Generated AUD 300,000+ in revenue or secured AUD 200,000+ in funding
How the 888 Visa Process Works
- Meet Provisional Visa Requirements – Fulfill business/investment obligations
- Gather Financial & Business Evidence – Tax returns, employment records, investment proofs
- Lodge Visa Application – Submit via ImmiAccount
- Visa Grant – Processing time: 12-18 months
Why Choose the 888 Visa?
🔹 No points test or English test (for most streams)
🔹 Family included in the application
🔹 No restrictions on work or study
🔹 Citizenship eligibility
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Verification – Confirm you meet all criteria
✅ Document Preparation – Financial statements, business proofs
✅ Application Lodgement – Avoid common refusal reasons
✅ Post-Visa Support – Citizenship pathway guidance
Ready to Apply for Permanent Residency?
Book a Free Consultation Today
Official Resources:
Home Affairs – 888 Visa
Business Visa Requirements
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Comparison: 188 vs 888 Visa
| Feature | Subclass 188 (Provisional) | Subclass 888 (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary (5 years) | Permanent |
| Investment Lock-in | Required | Released after PR |
| Business Obligations | Must establish operations | Must prove 2+ years of activity |
| Processing Time | Check with agent | Check with agent |
| Pathway to Citizenship | No | Yes (after 4 years total residence) |