1. What is the Subclass 888 visa?

The Subclass 888 is the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa. It’s a permanent residency visa for people who held a Subclass 188 provisional visa and have met their business or investment commitments in Australia.

It’s the second and final stage of Australia’s business visa program, granting you the right to live in Australia indefinitely and eventually pursue citizenship.

2. Do I need a Subclass 188 visa to apply for 888?

Yes. You cannot apply directly for the 888 – you must hold the corresponding Subclass 188 provisional visa first:

• 188A → 888A (Business Innovation)
• 188B → 888B (Investor)
• 188C → 888C (Significant Investor)
• 188E → 888E (Entrepreneur)

You must also have met all requirements of your provisional visa before transitioning to permanent residency.

3. Can I apply from outside Australia (offshore)?

Yes. You can apply for the 888 visa whether you are onshore in Australia or offshore overseas.

If applying onshore, ensure your current visa is valid at the time of application – you’ll receive a Bridging Visa to remain lawful during processing. Many applicants prefer to apply onshore to continue managing their business or investments.

4. What are the requirements for the Business Innovation (888A) stream?

For 888A, you need to demonstrate successful business operation in Australia:

• Own and operate business for at least 2 years
• $300K+ annual turnover (may be waived in regional areas)
• Meet 2 of 3 criteria: $200K business assets, $600K total assets, 2 FT employees
• 12+ months residence in Australia in the last 2 years
• State/territory nomination

VisaTasker helps compile the financial statements, BAS, tax returns, and employment records needed to prove these requirements.

5. What investment is required for the Investor (888B) and Significant Investor (888C) streams?

888B Investor:

• Maintain $2.5M investment in complying funds for 4 years
• 2+ years residence in Australia out of 4

888C Significant Investor:

• Maintain $5M complying investment for 4 years
• 40 days/year in Australia (or spouse: 180 days/year)
• No age limit or points test – more flexible residency

Both streams require state nomination and demonstrating your investment benefited Australia.

6. How long does 888 visa processing take?

Current processing times are approximately 20–24 months:

• 75% of applications processed in ~20-23 months
• 90% processed in ~23-24 months

Times vary by stream and individual circumstances. Lodge your application well before your 188 visa expires. You can remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa during processing.

7. Do I have to stay in the nominating state?

Until 888 is granted, yes. You are generally expected to continue business or investment activity in the state that nominated you for the provisional visa.

Most states require 2+ years of residence and business operation in their state before 888 nomination. Once the 888 is granted, you can live anywhere in Australia.

8. Can I include my family on the 888 application?

Yes. Eligible family members who were included in your 188 visa (or new family members like a spouse or newborn) can be added to your 888 application.

Family members will need to meet health and character requirements. Once granted, they also become Australian permanent residents with full rights.

9. What does the 888 visa cost?

Government fees:

• Primary applicant: ~$3,310
• Additional adult (18+): ~$1,660 each
• Child under 18: ~$825 each
• Second installment (non-English adults): ~$4,890

VisaTasker service fee: $6,000–$9,000 depending on complexity, covering full end-to-end application management.

10. Is the 888 visa permanent? Do I need to renew it?

The 888 is a permanent visa – you can live in Australia indefinitely without renewal.

However, it comes with a 5-year travel facility. After 5 years, if you haven’t become a citizen, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to travel internationally and return as a PR.