Significant Business History stream
Established business owners with substantial track record. Net assets, turnover, and ownership thresholds.
Closed to New Applications · 2021 · Alternatives Available
The Subclass 132 was closed to new applications in 2021.
For many years the Business Talent Visa was a direct permanent residency pathway for established business owners and venture capital-backed entrepreneurs. It is no longer available. Here is what the 132 was and what business migrants use now.
What the 132 offered
Direct PR in two streams.
The 132 provided permanent residency without the provisional step required by the 188/888 pathway.
Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream
Entrepreneurs with Australian venture capital funding at specified minimum thresholds. Startup-focused.
Direct PR grant
No provisional visa. PR granted directly on successful application. Significant advantage over 188/888.
State nomination required
State or territory nomination was required. Each state assessed against its own economic priorities.
Why it closed
Program restructure 2021.
The business innovation framework underwent significant restructuring.
Program consolidationAustralia consolidated business migration into fewer pathways. 132 merged effectively into provisional-then-permanent structures.
Policy review findingsReviews of business migration found the direct PR model had mixed outcomes. Provisional-first approach preferred.
Grandfathering for existing applicantsApplications lodged before the closure date continued processing under existing rules. New applications blocked.
Current alternatives
Three pathways.
Business migrants today use these alternatives.
Subclass 188 provisional
Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Entrepreneur streams. Leads to Subclass 888 PR.
Global Talent 858
Direct PR for exceptional talent in priority sectors. Includes some business leaders in technology fields.
SID Specialist Skills
For senior executives earning above the SSIT. Direct employer-sponsored pathway to 186 PR.
Many 132-era applicants now use Global Talent 858.
For exceptional business talent in priority sectors, Global Talent 858 offers direct PR without the provisional period required by the 188/888 pathway. It is not a perfect substitute for the 132 but serves similar applicants in many cases.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For business migration pathway planning, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
I have been holding a 132 for years. Will it still be granted?
Applications lodged before closure continue processing. Current status should be checked with the Department.
Is there any pathway to reopen the 132?
No. The 132 is closed. Policy changes sometimes reopen programs but no current indication for 132.
Which current pathway is most similar to 132?
Depends on specific profile. Business Innovation 188 for established owners. Global Talent 858 for exceptional profiles. Specialist Skills for senior executives.
Can I still find references to 132 in materials?
Older online materials still reference 132. Verify current program status before relying on any information.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.