“COVID Visa” Subclass 408 – Pandemic Event Stream closing

From February 2024, the ‘COVID’ visa will be closed to all applicants.

On 1 September 2023, the Department of Home Affairs released the amendment instrument Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa Amendment Instrument (LIN23/061) 2023. This legislative change will close the ‘COVID’ – Pandemic Event – stream under the Temporary Activities Subclass 408 visa to new applications from 2 September 2023, and for subsequent applications by current ‘COVID visa’ holders until 1 February 2024.

What does this mean for you?
The new instrument will affect current Subclass 408 – Pandemic event – visa holders and prospective applicants for this visa:

• applications made up to, and including on, 1 September 2023 will continue to be assessed under the relevant criteria
• visa applications lodged before 2 September 2023 will be considered for 12 months validity and 2 years for Temporary Graduate visa holders
• a visa application charge will be imposed for eligible applications lodged from 2 September 2023 (AU$405)
• 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 only.

If you are affected by these changes, please get in contact with us to discuss your options.