Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188/132/888) - CLOSED
Australia's former business-owner and investor migration program - now closed to all new applications.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Formerly business owners, entrepreneurs and investors; no longer open - listed here so applicants don't waste time pursuing a route that no longer exists.
Eligibility requirements
- CLOSED to new applications - the program stopped accepting new EOIs and applications from 31 July 2024.
- No new subclass 188 (provisional) or 132 applications can be lodged; the investor pathway has been discontinued.
- Existing applications lodged before closure continue to be processed under the prior rules.
- Some 188 provisional holders retain a pathway to the permanent subclass 888 visa under transitional arrangements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Included for accuracy: there is currently NO open general business/investor migration visa in Australia. Would-be business migrants must qualify under the highly selective National Innovation visa (858) instead. Home Affairs offered withdrawal/refund options to people stuck in the BIIP pipeline.
Other Australia routes
National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
PermanentAustralia's invitation-only 'exceptional talent' permanent visa - replaced the Global Talent visa and absorbed the closed investor program.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.