If you own a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa in the Business Innovation stream, this 188A Business Innovation Extension stream visa lets you extend your stay in Australia for 2 years or up to 4 more under COVID-19 concessions (if applicable). Learn more about this provisional visa!
Stay Duration
You are allowed to extend your stay in Australia if you hold the Business Innovation Extension stream subclass 188A visa.
How Long You Can Stay
Without the Business Innovation Extension stream subclass 188A visa, you can stay in Australia for 6 years after your prior Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation stream was first granted.
Stay Longer
Or, you can stay for 8 years—or 2 years longer—after your Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation stream was first granted if you had the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa in the Business Innovation Extension stream at the time of application and were affected by COVID-19 concessions.
With This Visa, You Can
This extension visa allows you to:
- Bring eligible family members with you
- Run a new or existing business in Australia
- Apply for a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) subclass 888 visa in the Business Innovation stream
You Must
If you hold this extension visa, you must:
- Hold, or in specific circumstances, have previously held a temporary Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa in the Business Innovation stream.
- Hold, or in certain situations, have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa in the Business Innovation Extension stream.
- Must have maintained the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Innovation stream for a minimum of three years.
- Should not have been granted more than one Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) subclass 188 visa in the Innovation stream.
- Must be endorsed by a State or Territory government agency.
Processing Times
After completing the subclass 188A visa requirements, you can process the application. The processing time varies depending on the number of new applications submitted and the number of applications in the system.
The processing time for visas under the 188A Business Innovation stream can range from 17 to 19 months.
When You Have This Visa
The subclass 188A visa has several limitations for the holder. From coming to Australia to leaving Australia, here’s a guide for you.
Coming in Australia
Before taking off for Australia, you must bring your valid visa and other travel documents, such as a valid passport, to enter the country.
Arriving in Australia, you must complete an Incoming Passenger Card given to you onboard the plane.
In Australia
With this provisional visa in Australia, you are allowed to do these in the country:
- Run a new or existing business (there may be a business activity survey)
- Bring eligible family members with you
- Apply for permanent residence with the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) subclass 888 visa in the Business Innovation stream
- Meet your business obligations
- Follow Australian workplace laws
- Tell the Australian government if there are changes to your phone number, email, address, passport, relationship status, and childbirth
Leaving Australia
Before you leave the country, please ensure you bring the required travel documents, such as a valid passport.
Conclusion
Applying for a Business Innovation Extension stream subclass 188A visa is a must if you want to stay longer with a provisional visa while running a business in the country.
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