1. Is the Subclass 188 visa still available in 2025?

No. The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa is closed to new applicants as of 31 July 2024.

All streams (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, and Entrepreneur) stopped accepting new applications. If you did not lodge before that date, you cannot apply for a 188 visa now.

2. What are the main streams of the Subclass 188 visa?

The Subclass 188 had four main streams:

• Business Innovation (188A): For business owners with $750K+ turnover and $1.25M+ assets
• Investor (188B): For investors committing $2.5M to complying investments
• Significant Investor (188C): For high net worth individuals investing $5M (no age limit or points test)
• Entrepreneur (188E): For startup founders with $200K+ third-party funding

All streams required state/territory nomination and led to the Subclass 888 permanent visa pathway.

3. What is the investment requirement for the Significant Investor stream?

The Significant Investor stream (188C) required an investment of at least AUD $5 million into complying Australian investments.

This investment had to be maintained for at least 4 years before qualifying for the Subclass 888 permanent visa. The stream had no points test and no upper age limit, making it attractive for older investors or those who might not score enough points.

4. How do I transition from 188 to 888 permanent residency?

Each stream has specific requirements you must meet during your provisional visa period:

• 188A: Operate business 2+ years, achieve $300K+ turnover, meet asset/employee criteria, reside 12+ months
• 188B: Maintain $2.5M investment for 4 years, reside 2+ years in Australia
• 188C: Maintain $5M investment for 4 years, spend 160 days in Australia over 4 years
• 188E: Demonstrate startup success with key milestones, 2+ years physical presence

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Subclass 888 permanent visa. VisaTasker assists existing 188 holders with this transition.

5. How long is the Subclass 188 visa valid?

The Subclass 188 visa is generally valid for 5 years from the date of grant.

Extensions are possible for some streams:

• 188A: One-time 2-year extension (up to 7 years total)
• 188C: Up to two 2-year extensions (up to 9 years total)
• 188B/188E: No extension available – must meet requirements within 5 years

Most 188 holders aim to transition to the 888 permanent visa before their provisional visa expires.

6. Can I apply from offshore or onshore?

When the program was open, you could apply from either location:

• Onshore: If in Australia on a substantive visa or bridging visa A, B, or C
• Offshore: Apply from overseas and travel to Australia after visa grant

The 188 is a multiple-entry visa, allowing free travel in and out of Australia during its validity.

7. What happens if the 188 program reopens?

If the Australian Government reopens the BIIP or launches a similar program, new applications would be accepted again.

However, any reopening could come with revised criteria – higher investment amounts, different eligibility requirements, or new streams. The current focus is on the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) for business migration.

VisaTasker monitors all developments and will notify clients immediately if the 188 or a successor program reopens.

8. What are the alternative business visa options now?

Several alternatives exist for business-minded migrants:

• National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): For exceptional entrepreneurs and investors – direct permanent residence
• Skilled Migration (189/190): For those with in-demand qualifications – PR then start business
• Employer Sponsored (482/186): Set up Australian entity and sponsor a position
• Regional Options (494): Invest in regional Australia with employer sponsorship