Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888) — eligibility, costs & how to apply

What is the subclass 888?

The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) is the permanent stage of Australia's business program. It is for subclass 188 holders who have met the business ownership or investment requirements of their stream.

Qualifying for the 888 is really about the records you have kept since your 188 — turnover, ownership, employment and investment evidence. Applicants who plan the 888 from the start of their 188 generally have a far smoother permanent-residence application.

Eligibility for the subclass 888

To be eligible for the subclass 888, you generally need to meet the following:

• You hold a provisional subclass 188 in the relevant stream
• You have met your stream's business turnover, ownership or investment commitments
• You meet the residence requirement
• Continued state or territory nomination where required
• Health and character requirements met
• Complete evidence of your business or investment activity

How to apply for the subclass 888

1. Maintain and document your business or investment through the 188 period
2. Confirm you meet the residence and stream-specific requirements
3. Lodge the subclass 888 application with full supporting evidence
4. The application is decided and, if approved, you become a permanent resident

Processing time and cost of the subclass 888

A 888 timeframe depends on the stream and the completeness of your business or investment evidence. As a permanent visa it carries a visa application charge. The strongest applications are built on records kept consistently since the 188 was granted. A registered migration agent can confirm the current requirements and help assemble the evidence.

Subclass 888 vs 188

The 188 is provisional and the 888 is the permanent stage that follows it. They are two halves of one pathway — your conduct and record-keeping during the 188 determine whether the 888 succeeds.

Common subclass 888 mistakes to avoid

Many of these matters come down to avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• Not meeting the stream's business or investment commitments
• Gaps in turnover, ownership or employment records
• Falling short of the residence requirement
• Loss of state nomination where it is required

Do you need a migration agent for the subclass 888?

Using a registered migration agent is not compulsory, but the subclass 888 is detail-heavy and a single mistake, missing document or late response can lead to delay or refusal — and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, prepares your evidence, lodges your application correctly and manages any requests from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle the subclass 888 every day, compare their advice, and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.