Australia closed its Business Innovation and Investment Program, including the Significant Investor Visa, to new applicants. This page sets out the position plainly so older figures are not relied on.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Business Innovation and Investment Program, often called the BIIP, included the Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor and Entrepreneur streams under subclass 188. Reporting indicates the program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. The Significant Investor Visa, sometimes called a golden visa, was linked to an investment of 5,000,000 Australian dollars and is no longer open to new applicants.
Because the program is closed to new applicants, there is no current investor route to enter under these streams. Reporting indicates that applications lodged before the closing date continue to be processed, and that certain extension and permanent stage applications for existing subclass 188 holders are still accepted. Australia has introduced a separate National Innovation Visa aimed at a narrower group of exceptional talent and investors. Confirm what is open today with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
For new investors there is no timeline, since the route is closed. Holders of existing subclass 188 visas should confirm the rules for extensions and for the permanent subclass 888 stage with the Department of Home Affairs.
For new applicants this route unlocks nothing, since it is closed. Those interested in moving to Australia should look at the routes that are currently open, such as the National Innovation Visa or skilled and business pathways, and confirm eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Investor stream, legacy | 5,000,000 Australian dollars | Historic figure, the stream is closed to new applicants |
| Current investor route | Not available | Closed to new applications on 31 July 2024 |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Australian Department of Home Affairs publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Reporting indicates the stream closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Confirm the current position with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Australia introduced the National Innovation Visa, aimed at a narrower group of exceptional talent and investors. It is not a like for like replacement. Confirm the criteria with the official authority.
Reporting indicates applications filed before the closing date continue to be processed, with a reduced annual allocation and a backlog. Confirm your case status with the Department of Home Affairs.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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