Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A) vs Skilled Independent (subclass 189)

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your professional profile and what you're willing to invest. One targets skilled workers with a points-based assessment, the other requires you to be a business owner ready to establish or grow a business in Australia. Your background and capital availability will determine which path makes sense.

Further reading: Australia 189 visa guide

1. 01

   Your professional background

   Pick SC 188A

   Pick 188A if you own or plan to establish a business rather than work as an employee.

   Pick SC 189

   Pick 189 if you're an employed skilled worker with relevant qualifications and work experience.

2. 02

   Available capital and investment

   Pick SC 188A

   Pick 188A if you can invest significantly. The visa costs USD 8,150 plus business establishment costs.

   Pick SC 189

   Pick 189 if you have limited upfront funds. The visa costs only USD 3,035.

3. 03

   Language test requirement

   Pick SC 188A

   Pick 188A if you want to avoid a language test requirement altogether.

   Pick SC 189

   Pick 189 if you're prepared to take a language test as part of your application.

4. 04

   Processing speed priority

   Pick SC 188A

   Pick 188A if you can wait longer. Processing takes 12-36 months.

   Pick SC 189

   Pick 189 if you prefer faster processing. It typically takes 6-18 months.

5. 05

   Age eligibility

   Pick SC 188A

   Pick 188A if you're over 44. The maximum age is 54.

   Pick SC 189

   Pick 189 if you're 45 or older. The maximum age is 44.

Is the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A) or the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) faster to get?

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) is typically faster, around 6–18 months, versus 12–36 months for the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the SC 188A or the SC 189?

The Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A) (SC 188A) costs more, about $8,150 in official fees, versus $3,035 for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188A) or the Skilled Independent (subclass 189)?

The SC 188A leads to permanent residency in roughly 4 years, while the SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the SC 188A or the SC 189?

No. Neither the SC 188A nor the SC 189 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.