The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed permanently to new applications. VAC refunds are available for eligible applicants who withdraw.
Visa file / Visitor and other visas
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa 188
Closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Only the two extension streams remain, for current 188 holders.
Closed to new applicants
File: 188
Main chargeA$1,505
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
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).
Closed to new applicants: 31 July 2024
Published 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 you apply from
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Readiness review
Check business activity, ownership, nomination or investment.
Where a registered migration agent can helpReviews readiness honestly.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Nomination and invitation
Obtain a current nomination and invitation (Business Innovation Extension).
Where a registered migration agent can helpCoordinates with the state.
- 04
Lodge
Lodge the extension with evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares business or investment evidence.
- 05
Next step
Plan the 888 permanent visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans the 888 application.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation Extension | 6 months | 11 months |
Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Significant Investor Extension: processing times not available. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Business
Investment
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Sources
- 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
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.