Pandemic event visa closed to new applicants

IMPACT — MEDIUM

‌The Australian government has closed its pandemic event (subclass 408) visa to new applicants.

Key Points:

• Pandemic event (subclass 408) visas are closed to new applicants as of Sept. 2, 2023.
• Current COVID pandemic event (subclass 408) visa holders may remain in Australia until their visa expires. These visa holders are eligible for a six-month extension for $405 AUD (US$258.25) plus credit card surcharges when a renewal application is made prior to Feb. 1, 2024.
• The pandemic event (subclass 408) program will close to renewing applicants on Feb. 1, 2024.

Additional Information: Australia created the COVID pandemic event (subclass 408) visa in 2020. This program allowed eligible temporary visa holders to remain onshore and work unlimited hours during the pandemic when they were unable to leave the country due to international border closures.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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