I am eligible and meet all the requirements for applying for Australia's 888 permanent business innovation visa, but I haven’t received the x188 provisional visa yet, which I applied for 17 months ago. Should I still apply for the 888? When should I receive my x18 since it's supposed to expire in November?
The rule of thumb is that you must be holding a current subclass 188 visa before you apply for a subclass 888, without which you are ineligible to do so. If you are currently on a bridging visa waiting for a subclass 188 ( assuming it is for an extension of subclass 188), you need to get that granted first before you can move on to subclass 888. You are highly advised to get in touch with a migration professional on business migration to ensure you have the correct process in place.
You must hold a 188 visa for at least 3 years before applying for an 888 visa. This is in the migration legislation for an 888 visa. The only exception to this is a New Zealand passport holder who has held a 444 Special Category visa for at least 3 years. They can apply directly for an 888 visa.
Before you apply for a Subclass 888 visa, you need to receive the Subclass 188 visa first, ensure that the investment requirements are met, and obtain confirmation from the same Australian State or Territory that nominated you that the nomination remains current.
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