Australia: Immigration Policy Changes for July 2024

Key Points  

• Australia will close its Business Innovation and Investment visa categories on 1 July 2024  

1 July 2024 Updates 

The government of Australia will introduce additional protections for temporary foreign workers beginning 1 July 2024. As a result, the following changes will go into effect: 

• The provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) will be closed to new applications and expressions of interest.  
  • The government will continue to process applications submitted in line with government processing priorities and migration planning levels.  
• Subclass 188 visa holders who meet the criteria may still apply for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888).  
  • If eligible, 188 visa holders may apply for the extension stream if they require extra time to meet 888 visa requirements.   
• The government will introduce new criminal and civil sanctions for employers who violate visa and immigration regulations.  
• Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Australia’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.