Nigeria → Australia: the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) roadmap
Important: the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa is closed to new applications. Home Affairs stopped accepting new 188 applications and Expressions of Interest from 31 July 2024, and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is being wound down; only applications lodged before that date are still processed, and existing holders can transition to the permanent subclass 888. For new business, investor and exceptional-talent applicants, the replacement pathway is the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), introduced December 2025, a points-test-free visa granting direct permanent residence to people with an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in priority sectors. Exact 858 figures (visa application charge and processing times) vary between sources, so confirm current numbers on the official Home Affairs page before relying on them.</summary> </invoke>
Moving from Nigeria
- You apply for the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) at the Australia consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Nigeria, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Nigeria usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Australia's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Nigeria documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Nigeria passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Nigeria to Australia applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Australia.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Subclass 188 is closed: only applications lodged before 31 July 2024 are still processed; no new EOIs or state nominations are accepted
- For the replacement 858: an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a priority sector (technology, science, energy, advanced manufacturing, health/medical research)
- Be nominated by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen, or an Australian organisation
- Generally able to earn at/above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (~AUD 175,000/yr); recent PhD holders may be exempt if exceptional talent is shown
- Demonstrate the expertise will benefit Australia and that you remain prominent in your field
- Meet standard health and character requirements (no points test or formal English test for the 858)
Your step-by-step roadmap
Confirm the right visa (188 is closed)
- Verify subclass 188 is no longer open: new applications and EOIs not accepted since 31 July 2024
- If you hold a 188 lodged before that date, plan transition to the permanent subclass 888 (extensions available for some streams)
- For new applicants, assess fit for the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)
Prepare the 858 case
- Gather evidence of an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in a priority sector
- Secure an eligible Australian nominator (citizen, PR, eligible NZ citizen, or organisation)
- Compile evidence of earning capacity at/above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (or PhD exemption evidence)
Submit Expression of Interest and apply
- Lodge an Expression of Interest; if invited, lodge the 858 application online
- Pay the visa application charge (from ~AUD 4,985 main applicant) and provide health and character documents
- Include eligible family members, who also receive permanent residence if granted
Grant and settlement
- On grant, receive permanent residence immediately with full work rights and Medicare access
- Maintain residence in Australia toward the citizenship requirement
Permanent residence to citizenship
- Live in Australia for 4 years on valid visas, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident
- Keep absences within limits (max 12 months over 4 years; max 90 days in the final year)
- Apply for citizenship, sit the citizenship test, and attend the ceremony
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: End to end via the replacement 858 pathway: typically several months to prepare evidence and secure a nominator, then roughly 6-18 months for invitation and processing, after which permanent residence is granted immediately, with citizenship possible about 4 years after settling.
Citizenship: The 858 grants permanent residence on grant (no provisional stage), and citizenship can be applied for after 4 years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least the final 12 months held as a permanent resident.
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.