Entrepreneur Visa — Subclass 188E and 888E
Entrepreneur Visa for Australia
The Entrepreneur stream of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188E) was for applicants undertaking or proposing to undertake an approved entrepreneurial venture in Australia. The program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Existing holders retain access to the permanent subclass 888E pathway.
Subclass 188E — program overview
The subclass 188E Entrepreneur stream was a provisional visa for individuals who had secured at least AUD 200,000 in funding from an eligible venture capital or accelerator program to commercialise a business idea in Australia. It required endorsement from the relevant state or territory government.
The stream was designed for founders of early-stage high-value businesses rather than established business owners. It carried specific obligations relating to the entrepreneurial activity, the funding arrangement, and the commercialisation milestones agreed with the state or territory authority at the time of endorsement.
No new subclass 188E applications are being accepted as at April 2026. Existing holders who have met the applicable requirements may apply for the permanent subclass 888E visa.
Pathways for existing 188E holders
Subclass 888E permanent visa
Existing 188E holders who have completed the approved entrepreneurial activity and met the Department of Home Affairs and state nomination requirements may apply for the permanent subclass 888E visa.
Compliance with entrepreneurial activity obligations
To qualify for the 888E, the applicant must demonstrate that the entrepreneurial activity has been completed or is substantially progressed in accordance with the original endorsement. Evidence of commercialisation outcomes is required.
State or territory nomination for 888E
A valid nomination from the endorsing state or territory is required for the subclass 888E. The state assesses compliance with the conditions of the original 188E endorsement before supporting the permanent application.
No extension stream for 188E
Unlike the Business Innovation and Significant Investor streams, the Entrepreneur stream does not have a formal extension pathway. Holders who cannot meet the 888E requirements within their 188E period should seek legal advice on available options.
188E
Provisional subclass
888E
Permanent subclass
Closed
No new applications from 31 Jul 2024
AUD 200K
Original minimum funding requirement
Why instruct Visa Plan?
888E eligibility assessment
The permanent 888E has specific requirements around commercialisation outcomes and compliance with endorsement conditions. We assess whether those requirements are met before any application is prepared.
State nomination submissions
The 888E nomination requires a detailed account of the entrepreneurial activity, funding arrangements, and milestones achieved. We prepare submissions that directly address the state or territory endorsing authority's assessment criteria.
Alternative pathways
Where the 888E pathway is not viable, we identify alternative migration pathways available to the applicant based on their skills, business history, and circumstances in Australia.
Entrepreneur visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. The subclass 188E program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Eligibility criteria and state nomination requirements are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.