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Honest, current business migration advice for 2026
Australia Business Visa Consultants in Sri Lanka
Australia's business migration rules changed in 2024. The old business and investor visa closed to new applicants, and new routes now focus on exceptional talent and genuine business activity. Our business visa consultants explain what is still open for you and help you choose the right path.
Speak to an advisor: +94 74 291 8914
Which business route is still open for you?
Tell us about your business, experience and goals. A migration advisor will call you within one working day with an honest view of your options.
Your details are used only to contact you about Australian migration. We never share them with third parties.
Is a Business Visa Still Available in Australia?
Yes, but not in the way many websites still describe. The Business Innovation and Investment Program, including the subclass 188 visa, closed to new applicants on 31 July 2024. This is where things stand now.
| Visa | Status in 2026 | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation and Investment (188) | Closed to new applicants | Not available for new applications |
| Business Innovation and Investment (888) | Open only to existing 188 holders | People who already hold a 188 visa |
| National Innovation visa (858) | Open, by invitation only | Internationally recognised entrepreneurs, investors and leaders |
| Visitor visa (600), Business Visitor stream | Open | Short business trips, meetings and conferences |
| Skills in Demand (482) and Employer Nomination (186) | Open | Senior managers and executives sponsored by an Australian business |
Be careful of outdated offers. Some agents still advertise "investment visas" with a fixed amount that leads to permanent residence. For new applicants, that program has closed. If you have been offered one, speak to us before you pay anything.
Not sure which business route still works for you? Get an honest free assessment.
Check my optionsNational Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
The National Innovation visa replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024. It is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, including entrepreneurs, innovative investors, researchers and other leaders.
- You first submit an Expression of Interest, and only invited people can apply
- You need a nominator with a national reputation in your field
- There is no fixed investment amount or points test
- Applicants under 18 or over 55 must show exceptional benefit to Australia
- It is permanent from the day it is granted
How Invitations Are Prioritised
Home Affairs considers Expressions of Interest in priority order. In summary:
- Priority 1: global experts with top international awards in their field
- Priority 2: candidates nominated by an Australian state or territory government
- Priority 3: exceptional achievement in critical technologies, renewables or health industries
- Priority 4: all other eligible candidates
Competition is strong. From January to March 2026, Home Affairs reported 1,815 Expressions of Interest received and 146 invitations issued.
Business Visit Visa: Subclass 600 Business Visitor Stream
For short business trips from Sri Lanka, the Business Visitor stream of the visitor visa lets you:
- Attend meetings, conferences and trade events
- Negotiate contracts and explore business opportunities
- Visit Australian partners or suppliers
You cannot work for an Australian business or sell directly to the public on this visa. Learn more on our Australia visit visa page.
Other Routes for Business Owners and Executives
- Employer sponsored visas: an Australian business can sponsor a senior manager or executive through the 482 visa, with a path to the 186 visa
- Skilled visas: some management occupations may qualify for the 189 or 190 visa
- Existing 188 holders: you may still move to the permanent 888 if you meet your stream's conditions
Have a strong business or investment record? Find out if the National Innovation visa could suit you.
Check my eligibilityHow Much Money Is Required for an Australian Business Visa?
For new applicants, there is currently no Australian visa that gives permanent residence simply for investing a fixed amount. The investment based 188 streams have closed.
The National Innovation visa looks at the quality of your achievements and, for investors, the quality of your investment record, not just the size of your assets.
Can Buying a Business or Property Get You a Visa?
Buying a business in Australia does not by itself give you a visa, and buying residential property does not lead to permanent residence. Foreign investment rules may also apply to property and business purchases. We help you understand which route, if any, fits your plans before you commit money.
Australian Business Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens
Requirements depend on the visa, but most business routes ask you to show:
- A genuine purpose for your business activity in Australia
- A documented business, investment or professional track record
- Evidence of your achievements and standing in your field
- Enough funds for your stay, for visitor visas
- Health and character requirements
Documents to Prepare
- Passport and national identity card
- Company registration and ownership records
- Audited financial statements and tax records
- Evidence of awards, media coverage or industry recognition
- Letters of support from industry leaders
- Invitation letters for business visits
- Police certificates and health examinations when requested
Why Use Australia Business Visa Agents?
Business migration changed quickly, and much of the information online is out of date. These are the real problems business owners face, and where a registered migration agent helps most.
Outdated advice
Many sites still describe the closed 188 visa as available. We work only with the current rules.
Overestimating eligibility
The National Innovation visa is for internationally recognised achievers. We give you an honest view before you spend time and money.
Weak evidence
Strong Expressions of Interest show clear, independent proof of achievement. We help you present your record properly.
Choosing the wrong route
For many business owners, an employer sponsored or skilled visa is more realistic. We compare every option.
How Our Business Visa Consultants Help
As Australia business visa consultants in Sri Lanka with our own registered migration agent and an office in Australia, we give you honest, current advice.
Honest route assessment
We review your business, investment and professional record and tell you which routes are realistic.
National Innovation visa strategy
We assess your achievements, help identify a suitable nominator and prepare your Expression of Interest.
Business visitor applications
We prepare visitor visa applications for meetings, conferences and business trips.
Employer sponsored options
We explore whether an Australian business could sponsor you for a senior role.
888 for existing 188 holders
We help current 188 holders meet their stream conditions and move to permanent residence.
Offer checks
If you have been offered an investment visa package, we check whether it matches the current rules.
What you get in your free assessment
- A clear view of which business routes are open to you
- An honest view of your National Innovation visa chances
- Alternative routes if business visas do not fit
- A breakdown of government and other costs
- A realistic timeline for your plans
Our promise to you
- Advice from our own registered migration agent
- Current rules only, never closed visas
- A written fee quote with no hidden charges
- No false visa guarantees, because only Home Affairs decides
- Your business and financial documents kept private and secure
What happens after you fill in the form
Book my free assessmentHow to Apply for the National Innovation Visa From Sri Lanka
Free assessment
We review your achievements and confirm whether the National Innovation visa is realistic for you.
Gather evidence
You collect independent evidence of your achievements, awards and impact.
Find a nominator
You secure a nominator with a national reputation in your field.
Expression of Interest
We help you submit a strong Expression of Interest through ImmiAccount.
Invitation
If invited, you have a set period to lodge your visa application.
Visa application
We prepare and lodge your application with full supporting evidence.
Decision
After health and character checks, Home Affairs makes a decision.
Get honest advice on Australian business migration before you invest time or money.
Get my free planAustralia Business Visa Cost
Costs depend on the visa. The National Innovation visa and visitor visas each have their own Home Affairs charges, plus costs for health checks, police certificates and translations. Fees change every year, so we confirm the current charges for your route during your free assessment.
Lessons From Sri Lankan Business Owners
- Checking whether a visa is still open saves money and disappointment
- Independent evidence of achievement matters more than self description
- Many business owners find employer sponsored or skilled visas more realistic
- Business visitor visas are a good first step to explore the Australian market
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the business visa still available in Australia?
The Business Innovation and Investment subclass 188 visa closed to new applicants on 31 July 2024. Current business related options include the invitation only National Innovation visa, the Business Visitor stream and employer sponsored visas.
Is there any business visa in Australia now?
Yes. The National Innovation visa (858) is open by invitation, the visitor visa has a Business Visitor stream, and existing 188 holders can still apply for the 888.
What is the minimum investment for an Australian business visa?
For new applicants, there is currently no visa that gives permanent residence for investing a fixed amount. The investment based 188 streams have closed.
How much money is required for an Australian business visa?
It depends on the visa. Business visitors need enough funds for their trip. The National Innovation visa is based on achievement rather than a fixed amount of money.
What is the National Innovation visa?
It is a permanent, invitation only visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement, including entrepreneurs and innovative investors. It replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.
Can I get a business visa to Australia from Sri Lanka?
Yes. Sri Lankan citizens can apply for the Business Visitor stream for short trips, and those with an exceptional record may submit an Expression of Interest for the National Innovation visa.
What are the requirements for the business visitor visa?
You must show a genuine business purpose, enough funds for your stay and that you will leave Australia at the end of your visit. You cannot work or sell directly to the public.
Can buying a business in Australia get me a visa?
Not by itself. Buying a business does not automatically give you a visa. We can explain which routes may fit your plans.
Can I get Australian PR by buying property?
No. Buying residential property does not lead to permanent residence, and foreign investment rules may apply.
Is there an age limit for Australian business visas?
For the National Innovation visa, applicants under 18 or over 55 must show they would bring exceptional benefit to Australia.
I already hold a 188 visa. Can I still get PR?
Yes. Existing 188 holders may apply for the permanent 888 visa if they meet the conditions of their stream.
How long does the National Innovation visa take?
Invitations depend on priority order and demand. Processing after you apply varies, so we check the current Home Affairs information for your case.
Can a business owner be sponsored by their own Australian company?
In some cases a genuine Australian business can sponsor a senior manager, but the role and business must meet strict requirements. We assess this carefully.
How do I choose the best Australia business visa agent?
Choose an agent with a registered migration agent you can check on the official register, who explains current rules honestly and never sells closed visas or guaranteed outcomes.
Where are your offices?
We have an office in Australia and our Sri Lanka office at 36/3/2 Pavilian Building, Gamini Mawatha, Galle. We also offer online consultations.
Get Honest Business Visa Advice Today
Talk to our Australia business visa consultants in Sri Lanka. We will explain what is open, assess your National Innovation visa chances and find the right route with our own registered migration agent. Your first assessment is free.
