Visitor and other · Subclass 188
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa
Closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Only the two extension streams remain, for current 188 holders.
Closed: 31 July 2024. We do not lodge new applications in closed programs. This page is for people who already hold, or are covered by, an eligible visa. See closed and repealed visas.
Who it is for
Current 188 holders who need more time: the Business Innovation Extension stream (after holding a Business Innovation stream 188 for at least 3 years) and the Significant Investor Extension stream (after 3 years, up to two extensions, maximum 4 more years).
Key eligibility
- Business Innovation Extension: held the Business Innovation stream 188 for at least 3 years; main business operating actively in Australia for at least 2 years; ownership and day-to-day management maintained; a current state or territory nomination and an invitation; no unacceptable business history.
- Significant Investor Extension: held the Significant Investor 188 for at least 3 years, no more than one previous extension, and the complying significant investment still held.
- Functional English or second instalment if not paid before; health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance.
Your journey, step by step
Readiness review
Check business activity, ownership, nomination or investment.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent reviews readiness honestly.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Nomination and invitation
Obtain a current nomination and invitation (Business Innovation Extension).
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent coordinates with the state.
Lodge
Lodge the extension with evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares business or investment evidence.
Next step
Plan the 888 permanent visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans the 888 application.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Extension streams, main applicant | A$1,505 |
| Extension streams, family member 18 or over | A$760 |
| Extension streams, family member under 18 | A$380 |
| Original streams | Closed |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs visa processing time guide, read 22 October 2026. Significant Investor Extension: processing times not available.. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Business not actively operating for 2 years.
- Nomination not current.
- Complying investment not maintained.
- Unacceptable business or investment history.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed permanently to new applications. VAC refunds are available for eligible applicants who withdraw.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
- Home Affairs: Business Innovation Extension stream
- Home Affairs: Significant Investor Extension stream
- Home Affairs: skilled migration recent changes
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.