The 188 visa points test 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 and investor visa options in 2026
- 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.
- Active Investor Plus (New Zealand): for investors with NZD 5 million or more.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
INSTANT POINTS TEST FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS VISA
(Subclass 188)
If you applied to migrate to Australia under the Business Innovation and Investment program, you were assessed against a points test. This calculator is kept for reference, for example for current 188 holders and people comparing their profile with the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa.
You must score sufficient points to reach the pass mark. The pass mark for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) was 65 points. States however may require more points for an invitation. The below points test has been updated on 1 July 2021 to reflect the latest changes.
Pass mark : 65 points
Business Visa Points Test- Australia
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The pass mark for the Business Innovation and Investment program was 65 points. The program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024, so no new invitations are issued.
If you are a business owner or investor looking at your options now, our business migration team can compare the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa, the National Innovation Visa and employer sponsored pathways for you.
To ensure you have a competitive advantage over all other potential applicants please contact us for a consultation. The above points test is provided as a guide only and may not be indicative of the points assigned by the Department of Home Affairs.
In the consultation, our Business Migration experts will ensure you claim the most points possible under current migration legislation, and recommend the pathway that best fits your business and investment profile.
