Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132) A | B

The 132 Business Talent visa is closed to new applications. The Australian Government closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188 and 132 visas) to new applications on 31 July 2024. Applications lodged before that date continue to be processed, and eligible applicants who withdraw may be entitled to a refund. Current 188 holders can still apply for the 888 permanent visa. The information on this page is kept for reference.

Looking for a business or investor visa now? For most people who would have applied for a 188 visa, the best option is the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa, which requires an investment of at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business and offers a pathway to New Zealand residence in as little as 12 months. See other options below.

Business Talent (Migrant) visas were permanent visas available to applicants in two streams:

  • Significant Business History Stream: for people with ownership interests in large businesses
  • Venture Capital Entrepreneur Stream: for people who have access to venture capital funding of at least AUD 1 million

Update: This visa closed to new applications on 31 July 2024

Duration and Conditions

This visa grants permanent residence status.

Do I Apply in Australia or Overseas?

You can either be in Australia or overseas when you lodge your application.

If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

State/Territory Nomination

This visa was only available to applicants who were nominated by an Australian State or Territory government.

Update:

Business and investor visa options in 2026

  1. New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa: invest at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business that you actively manage. You need at least NZD 500,000 for living costs, must be 55 or under, and can include your family. Residence is possible after 3 years, or after 12 months if you invest NZD 2 million or more. If you later become a New Zealand citizen, you can also live and work in Australia.
  2. Active Investor Plus (New Zealand): for investors with NZD 5 million or more.
  3. National Innovation Visa (subclass 858): an invitation-only Australian permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement, including entrepreneurs and investors. The application fee is AUD6,235 from 1 July 2026.
  4. Your own business sponsors you: an Australian business you own can sponsor you on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, with a later pathway to the 186 permanent visa. The Department looks closely at whether the position is genuine.
  5. Regional skilled visas: the 491 and 494 visas, which lead to the 191 permanent visa. Some states have small business owner pathways under the 491.

Read more in visa options for business owners now that the 188 visa is closed, or book a consultation with our business migration team.

The state and territory nomination criteria below applied before the program closed and are kept for reference.

Business/Investment Visa Overview
Invest Reside / Invest English Skills Points Test
Business Innovation 188/888 $800K 1Y/2Y √ √ √
Investor          188/888 $1.5M 2Y/4Y √ √ √
Significant Investor          188/888 $5M 160d/4Y – – –
Premium Investor          188/888 $15M  -/1Y – – –
Venture Capital        133 $1M – – √ –
Significant Business History  132 $1.5M – – √ –

Book a video consultation with our Registered Migration Agents to find out more about your visa options.