Victoria Update Subclass 888 and Subclass 188 Extension Nomination Requirements (April 2026)
The Victorian government continues to accept nominations for Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (Subclass 888) and the Extension Nomination Stream (Subclass 188). However, recent applicants have frequently failed to meet Victoria’s nomination rules.
Who Does This Apply To?
If you are holding a Business Innovation or Investor provisional visa (Subclass 188).
Applicants preparing a SC888 nomination or SC188 Extension nomination.
What are the Key Victorian Nomination Requirements?
Residence requirement for Business Innovation Stream (SC188)
If you were nominated for a Business Innovation (SC188) visa between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2024, you generally must have lived in Victoria for at least 46 weeks per year in the 2 years before lodging your SC888 nomination.
If you cannot meet this, consider applying for an SC188 Extension nomination to gain extra time to meet residency.
Investor Stream (SC188) Obligation
If you were nominated to a Subclass 188 Investor stream between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2021, you must meet the additional investment obligations that applied to your investor stream. Ensure you can evidence compliance before lodging.
Timing of Nomination Lodgement
You may lodge your Victoria nomination up to 3 months before your SC188 visa expires. Victoria aims to finalise nomination decisions within 20 business days.
What Are the Practical Steps Before You Apply for SC888/SC188 Nominations?
Prepare evidence of physical residence in Victoria to show the 46-week requirement if applicable.
For investor stream holders, gather bank statements, investment contracts, and audit reports that prove you met your obligations.
Submit the nomination up to 3 months before the visa expiry to allow time for assessment.
If you do not meet residency or other criteria, an SC188 extension nomination may provide the extra time required.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are unsure whether you meet Victoria’s nomination rules or need help preparing evidence, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
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