Why applying for a 188 visa in Australia?
With this visa, you have the opportunity to operate a new or existing business in Australia, contributing to the country’s economic growth and innovation. Additionally, you are granted the flexibility to travel to, enter, and stay in Australia for a duration of 6, 7, or 8 years from the date of grant of the original Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (Subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream. Furthermore, you can include eligible family members in your visa application, allowing them to accompany you during your stay in Australia. Moreover, you are eligible to apply for a permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) in the Business Innovation stream, subject to meeting specific requirements.
Cost overview
The visa application fee for the main applicant is AUD1,135.00.
Additionally, there is a fee for each family member included in the application:
- Additional applicant over 18 years old: AUD575.00
- Additional applicant under 18 years old: AUD285.00
An additional charge applies for applicants aged 18 or older with less than functional English, unless they have already paid this charge for a previous subclass 188 visa application. This charge is known as the second installment, payable only upon request. If the visa is not granted, we will refund the charge.
The second installment charges are:
- Main applicant: AUD9,795
- Family members: AUD4,890
To determine the exact cost of your visa, you can use the Visa Pricing Estimator. Note that the estimator does not include the second installment or other associated costs such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Visa processing times
Visa processing times may vary depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, the number of applications received, and the complexity of individual cases. You can check visa processing times on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs Australia using the following link: Visa Processing Times.
Duration of your stay
The duration of your stay in Australia under the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream depends on the date you were invited to apply:
- If invited on or after 1 July 2021: You can travel to, enter, and remain in Australia for up to 7 years from the date of grant of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream that you held at the time of application.
- If invited before 1 July 2021: You can travel to, enter, and remain in Australia for up to 6 years from the date of grant of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream that you held at the time of application.
- If COVID-19 concessions apply: You can travel to, enter, and remain in Australia for up to 8 years from the date of grant of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream.
This visa is provisional and is granted with multiple entries, allowing you to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as desired while the visa remains valid. The visa validity starts from the date it is granted.
Our team at Luminedge Legal Group is here to guide you every step of the way. Book a meeting today with one of our lawyers. And discover more about your visa options and Immigration success
Include family members
You have the option to include members of your family unit in your visa application at the time of applying. Additionally, you can add your dependent child to your application before a decision is made.
Family members applying for the visa must fulfill our health and character requirements.
For the primary applicant to be granted the visa, family members who are not planning to relocate to Australia must meet our character requirements, and they may also need to meet our health requirements.
Your obligations
You and your family members who are part of your application must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Learn more about conditions for this visa.
You must also meet certain business obligations and obey Australian workplace laws.
Health Insurance
It is advisable to obtain health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses during your stay in Australia. You are responsible for all healthcare costs incurred while in the country, and having insurance can mitigate financial risks.
To ensure adequate coverage, please review our recommendations for suitable health insurance options. Additionally, learn more about health insurance for overseas visitors to understand your options better.
Certain countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. For more information on these agreements, visit the Department of Human Services website.
Meet your business obligations
As the holder of this visa, you are required to:
Maintain a substantial ownership stake in a business in Australia.
Demonstrate a genuine and realistic commitment to actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business at a senior level.
Within the business, you must engage in at least one of the following activities:
Contribute to commercial activity and competitiveness within the Australian economy.
Foster business connections with international markets.
Employ individuals within Australia.
Export Australian goods.
Introduce new or enhanced technology.
Produce goods or services that would otherwise be imported into Australia.
Travel
While your visa is valid, you have the freedom to travel outside Australia and return as frequently as you wish. It’s important to note that the duration of your time spent outside Australia does not affect the validity of your visa.
Visa label
Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport. You will not receive a physical label in your passport.