COVID-19: Certain visa subclasses to be amended

The Australian government has announced that it will amend portions of Subclass 476, 407 or 408 visas.

Key Points:

• Skilled-Recognized Graduate – Subclass 476. Subclass 476 visa holders who could not travel or stay in Australia because of COVID-19 entry restrictions will be able to receive a 24-month visa extension. The 24-month extension accounts for the normal validity of a Subclass 476 visa plus an additional six months of validity to live, work or study in the country.
  • The Subclass 476 visa extension is expected to take effect in April 2022 until April 2024 and will apply to those whose visa expired and were not able to use their visa due to COVID-19 entry restrictions.
• Training Visa – Subclass 407. Subclass 407 workers can continue to work additional hours in critical sectors. Additionally, Subclass 407 visa holders of all sectors, including noncritical sectors, can now work additional hours.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Event – Subclass 408. If implemented, temporary visa holders will be able to apply for a Subclass 408 visa up to 90 days before their current visa’s expiration. Such individuals will then be able to stay and work in Australia for an additional six months in any sector.

Additional Information: To be eligible for the Subclass 408 visa amendment, individuals must have applied for the visa on or after Feb. 21 and held a temporary visa and lived in Australia on or before Feb. 21. Temporary visa holders who arrived in Australia after Feb. 21 must have a job offer in the aged care service sector at the time of the application

BAL Analysis: Travelers should check entry requirements before planning travel to Australia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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