In recent years, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) via photocatalyst has shown great promises as a new frontier environmental friendly and sustainable wastewater treatment technology in replacing the current conventional techniques. At present, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has garnered much attention as one of the promising photocatalysts in environmental remediation applications under visible light irradiation. This is due to intrinsic physical and chemical features of BiVO4; appealing electronic band structure, high physicochemical stability and environmental friendliness. This review aims to provide an insight into the most recent progress in synthesis, properties and photocatalytic applications of BiVO4, particularly in wastewater treatment. Special emphasis is also placed on the discussion on the major limitations exists within the BiVO4 photocatalyst such as poor charge carrier transfer, slow water oxidation kinetics and fast recombination rate. Subsequently, an insight into the most recent strategies to circumvent the major limitations is detailed. Finally, invigorating perspectives and future directions of this BiVO4 photocatalyst will be presented. It is anticipated that this review will deliver a scientific and technical overview to the researchers who work in this field to facilitate the next generation of BiVO4 photocatalyst with profound performances. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.