Entrepreneur & Investor Visas for Australia
Investor & Entrepreneur Visas are paused, but Intergate Emigration can help explore skilled migration, employer or regional visa options for Australia.
- Licensed advice
- Evidence and timing
- Next step
The Australian Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), which covered entrepreneur, investor, and significant investor visa streams, is currently closed to new applications as the Australian Government reviews and reforms the program. Applicants with business or investor profiles who still need to migrate to Australia should explore skilled migration, employer-sponsored, or National Innovation Visa pathways in the interim.
Eligibility
- 01
Business or investment track record with documented net assets
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) streams required applicants to demonstrate net business or personal assets above defined thresholds, supported by three years of audited financial statements. Asset values must be lawfully obtained and freely transferable.
- 02
Nominated primary business activity aligned to Australian priorities
Applicants had to nominate a specific business or investment activity and demonstrate it aligned with the economic priorities of an Australian state or territory. Misalignment between the nominated activity and the applicant's track record was a frequent cause of refusal.
- 03
English language ability for business streams
The Business Innovation Stream required at least vocational English (IELTS 5 or equivalent). The Investor and Significant Investor streams had lower or no English requirements, reflecting that investment managers could be appointed.
- 04
Minimum investment threshold for investor and significant investor streams
The Investor Stream required a minimum of AUD 2.5 million in complying investments; the Significant Investor Stream required AUD 5 million. Funds had to be in a complying investment framework approved by the Department.
- 05
State or territory nomination required for most BIIP streams
Most streams required an invitation or nomination from an Australian state or territory before a visa application could be lodged. Each state had its own expression of interest requirements and selection criteria.
- 06
Health and character requirements
Standard health examinations and police clearances applied across all BIIP streams. Character requirements extended to business associates in some streams.
Mistakes that cost a refusal
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Assuming the BIIP is simply on pause and will reopen unchanged; the program has been structurally reviewed and any future streams may operate under different criteria, thresholds, and investment frameworks.
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Delaying alternative pathway planning while waiting for BIIP to reopen, when skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas may be viable now.
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Structuring business assets or investment vehicles in a way that would not have met BIIP complying-investment requirements, making future applications harder if the program is reinstated.
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Not maintaining the documented evidence of business ownership and financial records that any future business-based visa will require.
From first call to grant
01 · 1-2 wk
Strategy
Current-position review: assess whether skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or a regional pathway is viable now while BIIP remains closed.
02 · 4-16 wk
Alternative pathway
If an alternative visa category is suitable, build the eligibility case: skills assessment, occupation list check, or employer engagement.
03 · 2-4 wk
Evidence build
Financial and business records organised and stored in BIIP-compatible format, so the file is ready if a future business stream opens.
04 · Ongoing
Monitor and advise
Ongoing monitoring of policy announcements. We notify you as soon as a new business or investor visa stream is announced with eligibility criteria.
What that buys you
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MARA-registered agents track policy reform in real time; when a new business or investor stream is announced, they can rapidly assess eligibility and position clients ahead of the queue.
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Business-case framing for migration officers requires understanding of how investment vehicles, shareholder structures, and asset valuations are assessed under Australian immigration law.
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Alternative pathway modelling ensures high-net-worth and entrepreneurial clients are not stalled while waiting for a program that may not reopen on the expected timeline.
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Honest assessment of whether a future program will suit your specific profile avoids wasted preparation on a pathway that does not match your circumstances.
We work on a transparent flat fee, quoted at the consultation. We do not publish prices because the right number is the case-specific one.
What the BIIP Covered
Before its closure, the Business Innovation and Investment Program comprised four main streams: the Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188A) for experienced business owners; the Investor Stream (Subclass 188B) for individuals investing a minimum of AUD 2.5 million; the Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C) for applicants deploying at least AUD 5 million into complying investments; and the Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188E) for startup founders with a qualifying funding agreement. Each stream was designed to attract individuals who could contribute economically to Australia, and successful provisional visa holders could transition to the permanent Subclass 888.
Current Alternatives
While the BIIP remains closed, several pathways are open now. The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is available to individuals with internationally recognised achievement in research, entrepreneurship, or innovation. Skilled migration and employer-sponsored pathways remain fully operational for business owners and professionals whose occupation qualifies. We model which current pathway, if any, fits your profile and keep your documentation in BIIP-ready condition for when a new program is announced.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the BIIP business and investor visas reopen?
The Australian government has not announced a confirmed reopening date. The program is under review as part of broader migration reform. We monitor official announcements and will advise clients as soon as credible information becomes available.
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Are there any current visas available for entrepreneurs and investors?
Yes. The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is available for individuals with exceptional and internationally recognised innovation or research achievements. Employer-sponsored and skilled migration pathways are also open for business owners who meet occupation and skill criteria. We can assess which current pathway, if any, fits your profile.
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Should I still prepare my business documentation for a future BIIP application?
Yes. If a new business or investor stream opens, demand will be high and processing times will be competitive. Keeping audited accounts, proof of business ownership, and investment records current means you can lodge quickly when the pathway becomes available.
Next step
Speak with a licensed advisor about your visa options.
A focused consultation routed to the right licensed advisor. Continue independently after the call, or proceed with us and have the consultation fee deducted from the service fee.