Subclass 188A COVID-19 Concessions

New COVID-19 concessions are now available for Subclass 188 and Subclass 888 visa applicants and holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia and have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Generally, applicants for Subclass 888 visas must have been physically present in Australia for at least one year in the two years immediately before applying.

However, wit during the COVID concession period that commenced on 1 February 2020, the Department may count the time spent overseas as time spent in Australia if the applicant held one of the following visas:

• Subclass 188 – Business Innovation stream
• Subclass 888 – Business Innovation Extension stream

The first visa in the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream must have been granted on or before 30 June 2019.