Subclass 188 Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa
Formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications — the National Innovation visa is the current pathway.
The Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is closed to new applications. This guide explains who the 188 visa was for, what has replaced it, and how to find an open Australian visa pathway that fits you.
Who the 188 visa is for
Formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications — the National Innovation visa is the current pathway.
Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858).
Subclass 188 eligibility criteria
- Closed to new Expressions of Interest and invitations
- Existing 188 holders may still apply for the 888 permanent visa where eligible
Subclass 188 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is Closed — no new applications accepted, with an indicative processing time of —. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Closed to new applications |
|---|---|
| Location | — |
| Length of stay | — |
| Work rights | — |
| Study rights | — |
| Government charge | Closed — no new applications accepted |
| Processing time | — |
| Pathway to PR | Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858). |
Pathway & next steps
Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858).
Many applicants also compare the 888 (Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent) visa), the 858 (National Innovation visa (NIV)), the 189 (Skilled Independent visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 188 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 188 visa — frequently asked questions
Is the subclass 188 visa still open?
No — the Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is closed to new applications. Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858).
What replaced the subclass 188 visa?
For most applicants the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is the current pathway. A free VisaChief check shows which open visa fits your situation.
Who can apply for the 188 visa?
Formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications — the National Innovation visa is the current pathway.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority