Existing 188 holders
Holders and dependants considering extensions, subclass 888 eligibility, compliance, changed circumstances or alternatives.
Complex, review & legacy matters
Visa refusals, reviews and existing 188/888 matters
Strategic advice for existing business-investor visa clients and for matters involving refusals, cancellations, character concerns, adverse information or review deadlines.
Urgent time limits can apply—identify any decision date immediatelyStart a client enquiryOverview
Closed programs still leave live legal issues.
The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed to new initial subclass 188 applications on 31 July 2024. It should not be marketed as a current entry pathway. However, existing subclass 188 applicants and visa holders may still face extension, compliance, subclass 888, withdrawal, refund, refusal or cancellation questions.
Other business and investor classes—including subclasses 132 and 891—are also closed to new applicants. The correct advice depends on the particular visa history and any preserved transition arrangements, not on old marketing summaries.
Where a decision has been refused or a visa may be cancelled, legal rights and review deadlines can be strict. We first establish the decision, jurisdiction and time limit before advising on merits and strategy.
Official starting point: Home Affairs — BIIP closure and refunds.
Who this service is for
Matters that require careful reconstruction.
Pending BIIP applicants
Applicants assessing delay, evidence, withdrawal, potential charge refunds or family changes.
Refusals & cancellations
Clients requiring a clear analysis of reasons, review rights, time limits and evidence.
Character & disclosure
Applicants managing criminal history, adverse information, prior refusals or accuracy concerns.
Scope of assistance
How we help
- Legacy subclass 188 and 888 pathway and obligation review
- BIIP withdrawal and visa-application-charge refund advice
- Closed-class and transition-arrangement analysis
- Refusal decision and Administrative Review Tribunal merits assessment
- Cancellation response and procedural-fairness submissions
- Character, integrity, disclosure and prior-visa-history strategy
- Judicial-review issue identification and counsel coordination where appropriate
- Alternative visa and status planning
A disciplined process
From first analysis to final submission.
Secure the deadline
We identify the operative decision, current status and any non-extendable review period.
Reconstruct the record
We obtain the application, evidence, correspondence, reasons and relevant history.
Advise on merits
We distinguish legal error, merits issues, evidentiary gaps and practical alternatives.
Act on the chosen route
We prepare the response, review or new strategy within the confirmed scope.
Common questions
Clear starting points
Frequently asked questions.
- Can a new investor still apply for subclass 188?
- No. The program closed to new initial applications on 31 July 2024. Home Affairs continues processing applications made before closure. Eligible existing holders may still have extension or permanent-stage options.
- Can an existing subclass 188 holder apply for subclass 888?
- Potentially. Eligible existing holders can still pursue permanent subclass 888. The stream, business or investment history, nomination and other requirements must be assessed; progression is not automatic.
- Are subclass 188 extensions still available?
- Eligible holders in the Business Innovation and Significant Investor streams may apply for the relevant extension stream. Availability depends on the original stream and the holder’s circumstances.
- Does sending an enquiry protect a review deadline?
- No. An enquiry does not lodge a review or extend a deadline. Check the decision notice, identify the time limit and seek prompt advice about the right forum and available steps.
Important
Do not rely on an old visa webpage.
Program rules, review rights and deadlines change. If you hold a refusal or cancellation notice, obtain advice promptly and provide the full document. Sending a website enquiry alone does not protect a deadline.
Discuss your position
A strong strategy starts before the application.
Share a concise overview of your circumstances. We will identify the right next conversation and explain what information is genuinely needed.
Start a client enquiry