Business and investor visas
These visas were for people establishing or managing a business in Australia, or making a significant investment, under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). That program is closed to new applications. The provisional subclass 188 no longer accepts new applications, and the permanent subclass 888 is available only to people who already hold a subclass 188 visa, so both are now legacy visas rather than a route open to new applicants.
General information, not immigration advice. This page explains what these Australian visas are. It is not migration or legal advice, it does not recommend a visa, and it does not tell you how to qualify or how to apply. For advice about your own situation, consult a registered migration agent or an Australian immigration lawyer. Visa rules and fees change; the official detail is on the Department of Home Affairs website.
This program is closed to new applications. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) has stopped accepting new applications. See the Department of Home Affairs BIIP closure and refunds page for the current position. The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is described under skilled and employer-sponsored visas.
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Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Temporary · closed to new applications
The provisional business and investment visa. Closed to new applications; shown here for reference only.
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Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) Permanent · existing 188 holders only
The permanent stage, open only to people who already hold a provisional subclass 188 visa. Not available to new applicants.
Visa application charges, income and asset thresholds, age limits, points and processing times change and are not listed here. Check the current figures on the Department of Home Affairs fees and charges and processing times pages (current as at 13 July 2026).
Source: the Department of Home Affairs visa list. Each visa links to its official page for the full detail.
Comparing practitioners for this kind of visa?
Every listing is drawn from an official public register, with the date it was checked.