We’ve recently seen a growing number of inquiries about 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa extensions. This trend is largely due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, which delayed business development and made it harder for some visa holders to meet the criteria for the 888 Permanent Residency visa.
What is a 188 Business Visa Extension?
A 188 Business visa extension allows eligible holders of the Business Innovation stream to extend their stay in Australia. This additional time gives them the opportunity to meet the requirements for the subclass 888 visa, which is the permanent residency pathway.
Why Might You Need a 188 Visa Extension?
Many applicants request an extension because they haven’t yet met the 888 visa criteria, such as business turnover, asset requirements, or operational timelines. An extension gives them the time they need to continue growing and managing their Australian business.
Who Can Apply for a 188 Business Visa Extension?
You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Hold a subclass 188 Business Innovation stream visa
- Are actively managing a business in Australia
- Have a main ownership interest in one or two Australian businesses
- Maintain daily involvement in the business operations
What’s Involved in the Extension Process?
The extension process involves two key stages:
- State Nomination – You must first obtain nomination from the relevant state or territory government.
- Visa Application – Once nominated, you can lodge your extension application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Key Requirements for the 188 Visa Extension
- You must hold a valid 188 Business visa
- Reside in Australia and be actively managing your business
- Demonstrate continued business activity and growth
- Provide strong supporting evidence of business operations
- Secure state or territory nomination before applying
Who Typically Applies?
We’ve recently helped clients from Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh successfully extend their 188 Business visas. These extensions have allowed them to remain in Australia while continuing to build their businesses toward permanent residency.
See below for some examples of when a business can request a 188 visa extension:
Property Developer needing more time:
Small Business Owner needing to increase turnover:
Small Business - A 188 visa holder established a restaurant on their arrival. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mandatory closures and reduced customer capacity significantly impacted revenue, making it difficult to meet the turnover required for a 888 permanent visa. The business owner is now seeking an 188 Visa Extension to allow at least two years for the business to become eligible and meet the 888 visa’s criteria.
Australia Produce Exporter with more planned shipments:
Wine Export – A wine export business was established after the applicant's first arrival of the 188 visa. However, in 2020, China imposed significant tariffs (up to 212%) on Australian wine imports as part of broader trade tensions. This made the business model unsustainable, as profit margins disappeared, and Chinese buyers turned to alternative suppliers. The applicant has to change their business plan and need additional time to demonstrate that the new business model was viable and met visa requirements. A 188 extension visa will be their best option.
Need Help with a 188 Business Visa Extension?
If you or someone you know needs to extend their 188 Business visa, don’t wait until the last minute. Early preparation is essential to ensure a smooth process.
Contact our team today for tailored advice and support with your extension and your pathway to permanent residency.
