COVID-19 Visa Update: For Students and Temporary Visa Holders

Are you currently studying or working in Australia with a temporary visa? There has been an update regarding the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Visa for those who work or want to work in the tourism and hospitality industry. Tourism and hospitality have been added to the critical sectors for COVID-19 Visa. The good news is you might have the chance to extend your stay for 12 months. Here are the details.

What can I do with Temporary Visa 408?

According to the latest update, if you are in Australia and have a Temporary Activity Visa SC408 you can: Continue to stay and work in Australia in the following critical sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic: o agriculture o food processing o health care o aged care o disability care o child care or o tourism and hospitality However, if you are a visitor to Australia and cannot support yourself, you should make arrangements to return home.

How long can I stay with this visa?

If you are working in or intending to work in a critical sector as mentioned above, you can extend your stay for a period of 12 months. On the contrary, if you are not currently working in one of those critical sectors and unable to return to your country due to travel restrictions you may extend your stay up to 3 months with no work rights. If you currently have a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that is about to expire, you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if you: • Wish to stay in Australia to continue working in a critical sector, or • Can’t depart from Australia before the expiry of your visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

What should I do to get this visa?

To get the Temporary Visa 408 you should currently be in Australia, have health insurance during your stay in Australia, and apply online. Applicants working in a critical sector (agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care, child care, or tourism and hospitality) must: • have evidence from an employer of your employment or an offer of employment and that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot fill the position. • hold a substantive visa that expires in 90 days or less, or your last substantive visa expired 28 days or less ago If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (Known as COVID-19 Visa) SC408 for free. You must select 'yes' to the visa application charge concession question in the application and select the 'Nil VAC' option. This additional 12 months working opportunity through an SC408 visa is a great option for students and temporary graduate visa holders whose visas are about to expire but needs to gain additional 12 months of work experience to be eligible for GSM SC189, SC190, SC491 and even Employer-Sponsored TSS SC482 visa. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information or want us to assist you in lodging the visa application. PACE MIGRATION & EDUCATION CONSULTANCY ☎️ (612) 9267 8008 0416570818 / 0452 003 944 [email protected] / [email protected] www.pacemigration.com.au Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and MIA (Migration Institute of Australia)