VisaChief 858 vs 188: which Australian visa is right for you?
Two routes for exceptional applicants: the permanent National Innovation visa (858) for global talent, and the Business Innovation & Investment (188) provisional visa for business owners and investors.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | National Innovation visa (NIV) (858) | Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (188) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Closed to new applications |
| Who it's for | Highly skilled individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Replaced the Global Talent program. | Formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications - the National Innovation visa is the current pathway. |
| Government cost | ~$5,135 (main applicant) | Closed - no new applications accepted |
| Processing time | Varies - case by case | - |
| Length of stay | Permanent | - |
| Where to apply | Onshore or offshore | - |
| Work rights | Unlimited - full PR work rights | - |
| Points-tested | No | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | This visa IS permanent residence. | Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858). |
Which is right for you?
National Innovation visa (NIV) (858)
Highly skilled individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Replaced the Global Talent program.
Full 858 guide →Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (188)
Formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications - the National Innovation visa is the current pathway.
Full 188 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 858 or 188?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, National Innovation visa (NIV) (858) is the lowest at ~$5,135 (main applicant). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
858 is permanent. 858: This visa IS permanent residence. 188: Closed since 2024. Existing 188 holders may still progress to the 888 permanent stage; new applicants should consider the National Innovation visa (858).
What's the main difference between 858 and 188?
National Innovation visa (NIV) (858) is for highly skilled individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Replaced the Global Talent program. Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) visa (188) is for formerly for business owners and investors. The program is closed to new applications - the National Innovation visa is the current pathway.