Quick answer
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is closed to new applicants [1]. However, holders of a subclass 188 visa can apply for the permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) to continue their entrepreneurial, investor, or business ownership activities and live permanently in Australia [2]. The entrepreneur stream of subclass 888 is designed for those who have continued to operate their business in South Australia and meet nomination obligations [3].
Key facts
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
Must hold a provisional subclass 188 Business Innovation stream visa nominated by South Australia, or have a completed release from the original nominating state or territory.
Your primary residence and business location must have been in South Australia for a minimum of two years prior to the subclass 888 nomination application.
Provide evidence that your business or investment activity has materially benefited South Australia, considering your age and business location.
You must meet the Department of Home Affairs visa criteria for the subclass 888 Business Innovation stream.
Documents you'll need
Business evidence
- Evidence of business operation in South Australia for at least two years (e.g. financial statements, tax returns) [5].
Residence evidence
- Proof of primary residence in South Australia (e.g. lease, utility bills) [5].
Benefit to state
- Evidence that your business has materially benefited South Australia (e.g. employment, exports, investment) [5].
Entrepreneur stream obligations
- Details of entrepreneurial activity and participation in scheduled activities as required by the state [6].
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Apply for state nomination from South Australia (Skilled & Business Migration) [4].
- 2
Lodge a subclass 888 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs [4].
- 3
Provide all required documents, including evidence of business, residence, and benefit to state [5].
- 4
Comply with any ongoing monitoring or obligations set by the state and Department [6].
Frequently asked questions
Is the subclass 188 visa still open for new applicants?
No. The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is closed to new applicants. The Australian Government has not allocated nomination places for this visa in 2023-24 [1].
Can I apply directly for subclass 888 without holding a subclass 188?
No. You must hold a valid subclass 188 visa (in the relevant stream) to be eligible for the permanent subclass 888 visa [2].
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Subclass 188 closed to new applicants
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Subclass 888 permanent visa for existing 188 holders
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Entrepreneur stream definition
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
State nomination process
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
888 Business Innovation stream nomination requirements
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
Entrepreneur stream obligations
Business and Innovation Visa | Move to South Australia · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Australia's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Australia's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.