Staged Closure of the 408 Covid visa

Closure of the 408 Covid visa

Update (October 2026)

The staged closure described below has been completed: the Pandemic Event visa closed to all applicants in February 2024, and former holders now need to qualify for a different visa. For the 408 streams that remain open, see our Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) page.

The Australian Government has announced it is closing the Temporary Activity visa 408 Covid Pandemic Event visa.

Summary:

From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders.
Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent visa after 2 September 2023 until the visa is fully closed by February 2024.
All other visa holders will be ineligible for the Pandemic Event visa from 2 September 2023.
visa applications lodged before 2 September 2023 will be considered for 12 months validity and 2 years for Temporary Graduate visa holder
those lodging a visa application on or after 2 September 2023 must hold a Pandemic Event visa that expires in 28 days or less
visa applications lodged on or from 2 September 2023 will be considered for up to 6 months stay.

Intended as a temporary measure for temporary visa holders impacted by the COVID travel restrictions during the pandemic, the Australian Government has announced a staged closure of the Pandemic Event (subclass 408) visa program:

From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders.

New applications will receive a six month visa and a Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD will also be introduced, with the Minister for Home Affairs stating that these settings will further ensure that the visa is only used by those who have a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.

From February 2024, the subclass 408 (Pandemic Event) visa will be closed to all applicants, including existing Pandemic Event visa holders who will remain lawful until their current visa expires. Following this, such visa holders will need to apply for a different visa and meet the relevant criteria for that visa. Visa holders without any options for other visa applications are expected to depart Australia when their visa expires.

DHA recently ended a series of pandemic measures, including unlimited work hours for international students and work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders.

These measures combined place downward pressure on Net Overseas Migration, which continues to rebound post-pandemic, and will help support the return to pre-pandemic levels of population growth.

These settings will further ensure that the visa is only used by those who have a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.

People who currently hold a Pandemic Event visa and seek to apply for a different visa will need to meet the criteria for that visa.

Those without any options for other visa applications are recommended to book an appointment to discuss their visa pathways.

Related guides

What this means in 2026

The Pandemic Event stream of the 408 visa is fully closed. No one can apply for it, and anyone who held it has needed to move to another visa or leave Australia when it expired. If you were on a Pandemic Event visa and are still in Australia, your options now depend on the visa you hold today and your skills, study, work history and family situation.

Your situation	What to consider
You work in a skilled occupation and your employer wants to keep you	Employer sponsorship through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which needs a salary of at least the Core Skills Income Threshold ($79,423 from 1 July 2026), or the 494 regional visa. After two years with your sponsor on a 482, the 186 TRT stream can lead to permanent residence.
You have a skills assessment and enough points	State or territory nomination for the 190 or 491 visa, or an invitation for the 189 visa.
You recently completed study in Australia	The 485 Temporary Graduate visa, if you meet the age limit (35 for most applicants) and other criteria.
You have an Australian partner	A partner visa may be available onshore or offshore.
You have applied for another visa	A bridging visa usually keeps you lawful while that application is decided. Check its conditions, especially work and travel.
Your visa has expired	You may be unlawful. Get advice quickly, as there are strict time limits and options narrow the longer you stay without a visa.

Other 408 streams, such as those for research, entertainment, sport and religious work, are still open and have their own criteria. They are not a replacement for the Pandemic Event stream.

Next steps

Check exactly which visa you hold now and when it expires.
Work out which pathway fits your occupation, study, age and family situation.
Book a consultation with a registered migration agent before you lodge, so you choose the right visa the first time.

Book a Consultation