The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every aspect of our lives, including travel and work. However, the Australian government has introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic event Visa endorsed by the Australian Government as a response in April 2020. This temporary visa allows holders to remain in Australia for up to 12 months.
Recently, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website has released new information on changes to this visa. This article will focus on the COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream, which allows holders with working rights to remain in Australia for up to 12 months. It is unclear whether this visa will be available in the future, thus visa holders who have working rights should be encouraged to apply for the SC408 visa to increase their work experience and remain in Australia.
Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event)
Prior to the changes made to the DHA website this year, individuals were classified depending if they worked in either a critical or non-critical sector, and this determined the length of the visa. Now there is no critical-sector list, and anyone who is currently working or has a job offer in any sector of the economy is eligible for a 12-month visa.
To qualify for the COVID-19 stream, individuals must have a valid substantive visa, be onshore in Australia, and be currently employed in Australia or have a job offer. To gain a 12-month 408 visa, you can work in any sector.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this visa you must:
- hold a substantive visa with work rights that expires in 90 days or less, or that expired 28 days ago or less.
- have evidence of your employment or an offer of employment
- have health insurance, meet health and character requirements
- Your 485 visa expires before the 1st of July 2023
- You are not eligible to apply for the 485 extensions on the 1st of July 2023
- You are currently waiting on a 408 COVID Visa application and you held a 485 visa at the time you made that application
- You apply within 90 days before your 485 visa expires or within 28 days after your 485 visa expires
485 Visa Holders and the 408 COVID Visa:
In addition to the changes stated above, DHA has released updates to the 485 visas (TGV) in relation to the 408 visas. Current TGV holders in Australia who apply for the 408 visas will be granted a 2-year 408 visa instead of the 485 TGV extension. This will only apply if:
The duration of the visa will depend if you are applying for a 485 visa or not. As mentioned, if you are currently on a 485 visa you may be eligible to receive a 2-year visa, whereas if you hold any other substantive visa, you will be eligible for a 12-month visa. This is a temporary work visa with multiple entries. You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Can I Include Family Members Under The COVID Economic Recovery Stream?
Individuals who apply for COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream (Subclass 408) can include members of their family unit in the application. However, family members who apply for the visa with the individual must also meet the health and character requirements.
Apply Now With Pace Migration & Education Consultancy in Sydney
As the COVID pandemic economic recovery stream visa is an important option for eligible migration clients, we would like to encourage those who are interested in applying for this visa to contact us for professional guidance and assistance.
Our registered migration agent has the expertise and experience to guide you through the visa application process and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. In addition to our expertise in the COVID-19 pandemic event stream (408 visas), we also provide assistance with other migration categories, including General Skilled Migration (GSM) and Employer-Sponsored Visas.
At PACE Migration & Education Consultancy, we take great responsibility and dedication to providing complete assistance to eligible migration clients. We provide ethical and professional services at competitive rates. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take advantage of our expertise in navigating the complex and constantly changing migration policies in Australia.
We are committed to providing you with the best possible service and ensuring that you achieve your goals of studying, working, or migrating to Australia.