Closure of the 408 Covid visa

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 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:

• Staged Closure of the 408 Covid visa
• Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event (PCER) 408 Visa
• Update on 408 Visa for COVID-19 Pandemic
• 408 Visa for COVID-19 FAQ
• COVID-19 and Australian Immigration
• COVID-19 concessions for Employer-Sponsored visas (SC457-482 and 186-187)