Australia • Immigration Consulting
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), including the Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream, is closed to new applications. The Department of Home Affairs announced the closure effective 31 July 2024.
This page preserves historical information about the former stream for existing visa holders and people reviewing older records. It is not an invitation or recommendation to apply.
Current business owners and exceptional applicants need an individual assessment of pathways that are presently available. The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is invitation-based and intended for exceptionally talented candidates; it is not a general replacement for the former BIIP or an ordinary business migration route.
This historical page is for existing Subclass 188 holders, former applicants and people who need to understand the closed BIIP. New applicants cannot lodge a Subclass 188 Entrepreneur application.
The former BIIP and its Subclass 188 streams are closed to new applications from 31 July 2024.
Existing holders should check their visa conditions, grant notice and current Department of Home Affairs guidance.
A registered migration professional can assess whether any presently available Australian pathway is suitable; no pathway should be assumed to replace the former stream.
There is no current Subclass 188 Entrepreneur application fee or new application process because the stream is closed.
Do not rely on historic BIIP fee information. Check current Department of Home Affairs guidance for any presently available visa and its applicable charges.
No current Subclass 188 Entrepreneur processing timeframe applies because the stream is closed to new applications. Any Department processing estimates change and should be checked in the official processing-time guide.
A job offer is not a current application route for this closed historical stream.
Current business or employment options must be assessed against the requirements of a presently available visa.
Review your visa grant notice, application correspondence and current status. New Subclass 188 Entrepreneur applications cannot be lodged.
For existing holders, use the Department of Home Affairs guidance and your individual grant conditions. Requirements and available options can change.
If you need a current pathway, ask a registered migration professional to assess your circumstances. Do not assume that another visa is a direct replacement.
For case-specific status or correspondence, refer to ImmiAccount and the Department of Home Affairs. This retained page does not provide a new application process.
No. The Business Innovation and Investment Program, including the Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream, closed to new applications on 31 July 2024.
It is retained for existing visa holders, former applicants and historical reference. It is not an active application page.
No. The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is invitation-based and intended for exceptionally talented candidates. It is not a general replacement for the former BIIP or an ordinary business migration route.
Check your visa grant notice and current Department of Home Affairs guidance. Obtain individual professional advice before relying on any future pathway.
This historical page is not a call to apply for Subclass 188. If you are an existing holder or need to understand current Australian options, obtain an individual assessment using current Department of Home Affairs information.