We received an update on 31 August 2023 that from 2 September 2023 to 31 January 2024, only existing COVID-19 Pandemic event visa holders are eligible for a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa will close to all applications on 1 February 2024.
If you apply on or after 2 September 2023:
You will have to pay a Visa Application Charge (VAC). There is also a charge for each family member who applies for the visa with you.
Your visa will have a period of stay in Australia of up to six months if granted.
If you apply before 2 September 2023, your visa will stay in Australia for up to 12 months (or up to 2 years for TGV holders) if granted.
With those applicants who will have their current 408 visas expiring after 31 January, they won't be eligible for another 408 visas. If you are in this situation, then you will have the following options:
You can lodge an 189/190 or 491 visa if eligible for a Points tested visa invitation.
If you have an employer ready to sponsor you, you may consider 482- Temporary Employer-sponsored visas, 494 regional Employer-sponsored visas, or 186 Permanent Employer-sponsored visas. Once you have reviewed the changes announced on 25 November regarding these visas, you can decide.
If you cannot get invited for the points-tested visas or do not have any employer who can sponsor you, you will have to consider a study pathway to extend your stay. When considering a student visa, the state is careful with your studies. You must stay eligible for state-nominated visas and choose the states that invite student visa holders. For example, South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory do not invite students at this stage.
If you are married or have a de-facto partner, consider the study option for your partner if you are eligible for an invitation for a Points-tested visa.
If your partner or spouse has never studied, they may consider studying a course that will make them eligible for a Graduate work visa. This will give you more time to plan your Permanent Residency pathway if this is what you are considering.
408 Subsequent Entrant
If you are on a 408 visa and have recently got married or are in a De facto relationship, consider lodging a Subsequent entrant visa for your Partner or Spouse. Your Dependents could be onshore or offshore, and with our recent grants, we are looking at a processing time of about 30 days.
Let's say you wish to change employers while holding the COVID-19 pandemic event visa, and your access has 8107 conditions.
In this case, the Department has advised that due to the need for workers in Australia, we have temporarily implemented a less restrictive policy on visa condition 8107 - work limitation for COVID-19 Pandemic event visa holders (and applicants), which allows them to work unrestricted.
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa applicants may change employment and work for more than one Employer, including self-employment. There is no need to contact the Department to advise of changes in employment.
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa applicants working in Australia should continue to work while they wait for the outcome of their application. If they are no longer employed, they should find new employment or make arrangements to leave Australia.
If you have any questions about the 408 visa or are looking at options to stay once your 408 visa expires, please contact us.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.
If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
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