Final Closure of the Pandemic Event Visa | What To Do Next?

According to a recent announcement from the Australian Government, the Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) will no longer be available to new applicants as of September 2, 2023. The Department of Home Affairs introduced this visa in 2020 to allow temporary visa holders to work in Australia in order to meet the labor shortage in the country during the COVID pandemic. However, with the reopening of borders, the Government is planning to implement stringent measures to improve the broken immigration system. 

“We’ve brought wait times down, and we’re working to make sure our migration system is working again for all Aus­tralians after a decade of mess and mismanagement under the Liberals.”

-Hon Andrew Giles MP

It is projected that the Pandemic Event visa closure will ensure the effective management of the migration system. This action is in line with the goals of reestablishing the regular flow of temporary migrants into and out of Australia and creating well-regulated visa channels. If a PEV visa holder intends to stay, they should make sure they are still legally present in Australia. Moreover, if a candidate is unable to meet the eligibility criteria of a subsequent visa, he must consider other visa choices available that allow him to stay or work in Australia.

“The Pandemic Event visa was an important part of Australia’s visa system during the pandemic. Many people on temporary visas helped Australia during this period. We’re providing an opportunity for people who hold a Pandemic Event visa to explore another visa option, or plan to leave Australia.”

-Hon Andrew Giles MP

So, if you don’t have plans to stay in Australia, make arrangements to depart from the country as soon as possible. But if you want to remain in Australia, you must consider other visa options. In case you are searching for other alternative visas, read this blog post as it provides a comprehensive overview of different available options. But before moving towards the details, let’s first find out why the Government is closing the Pandemic Event visa.

Why is the Government Closing Pandemic Event Visa?

In April 2020, the Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) was introduced to permit international students and other temporary migrants to remain in Australia under the COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, with the opening of Australia’s borders after the pandemic, this visa is no longer necessary. The notification of the Pandemic event visa closure gives visa holders time to plan according to the expiration of their existing visa.

“Under the Liberals, our migration system wasn’t working for anyone. There was no plan to deal with how the borders reopened.”

-Hon Andrew Giles MP

How will the Pandemic Event Visa End?

The Government has announced the closure of the Pandemic Event visa in a staged manner. The Department plans to close it in steps. From September 2, 2023, only current holders of Pandemic Event visas will be eligible to apply for the visa. The application fee for applying is AUD$ 405. However, the Pandemic Event visa will be closed to all candidates after February 1, 2024.

Things You Need to Do After the Closure of Pandemic Event Visa

If you are living in Australia on a Pandemic Event visa, you must have been shocked by the news of the final closure of this visa. I can understand the feeling. All you need to do is to take steps wisely according to your individual circumstances and conditions. Here, I’ve discussed the key actions that need to be taken;

1. For Pandemic Event Visa Holders

If you hold a Pandemic Event visa, you can stay in the country for a specified period. However, if you have applied for a Pandemic Event visa before February 2024, you can stay in the country for up to six months. If you apply before September 2023, you can stay in Australia for one year.

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers on a Pandemic Event visa can plan for their departure and hire replacement workers if their visa expires over the course of the next 12 months. The PALM program will resume its original goal of promoting circular labor mobility once the Pandemic Event visa is closed. Remember, only those holding Pandemic Event visas that have 28 days or less remaining as of September 2, 2023, may apply for additional visas. To submit a new application, visa holders must possess a job or a job offer.

2. For Other Visa Holders

If you currently have a visa that isn’t related to a Pandemic Event visa (such as a student, temporary graduate, or visitor visa), you should look for other possibilities for staying in Australia or make plans to leave. Remember that you can no longer apply for a Pandemic Event visa.

However, if you plan to apply for another Pandemic Event visa before February 2024, you must fulfill the visa requirements and conditions. For professional assistance book your appointment now.

Eligibility Criteria for Pandemic Event Visa (Subclass 408)

Are you among those who already have a Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) and want to apply for a second visa? If so, you must satisfy the following eligible criteria at the time of submitting your visa application;

• You must hold a valid Pandemic Event visa that will expire in the next 28 days at the time of application. However, if your visa expired 28 days ago, you can still apply for a second visa.
• You must submit proof of a job offer at the time of application. Proof of employment must include the duration of the job, the industry in which you currently work or want to work and a summary of the responsibilities. 
• Proof of employment includes a pay slip, job offer letter or employment contract.

After discussing your eligibility for a second COVID visa, let’s look at the other alternatives you need to consider after the closure of the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa.

Options to Consider After the Closure of Pandemic Event Visa

By now, you understand that the Government has closed the Pandemic Event visa. So, if you are not eligible to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa, you must think about other visa options to remain or work in Australia for work. There are numerous options available; however, I’ve shortlisted some of the popular ones here. Have a look at the following visa types that you can avail of;

• Employer-Sponsored visa
• Employer Nominated visa
• General Skilled Migration
• Regional Employer Sponsored visa

Let’s discuss them in more detail for better understanding.

1. Employer -Sponsored Visa

Employer-sponsored visas are the best option after the closure of the pandemic event visa as both streams demand job offers in any sector in Australia. Employer-sponsored visa allows you to stay in Australia and continue your work either with the current employer or can change your employer. 

In this case, you can also apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482). Under this visa stream, you can stay in the country for two to four years, depending on your visa stream. Moreover, if you satisfy the eligibility criteria, you can also get permanent residency after spending two years in the country. 

2. Employer Nominated Visa

Employer Nominated visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent visa and has three different visa streams, including Temporary Residence Transition (TRT), direct entry or labor agreement stream. In the case of a direct entry stream, you must have work experience of at least three years in your nominated occupation. 

However, for the Temporary residence transition type, you must possess work experience of at least two years. But if you are planning to apply under the labor agreement, it is important that you have relevant qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. In order to pursue an employer-nominated visa, you must submit two applications: one for the nomination and another for the visa. 

3. General Skilled Migration Visas

You can also choose General skilled migration visa streams. The general skilled migration program is based on a point test, and you need to score at least 65 points on the test to qualify for these visa streams. Furthermore, you need to submit your expression of interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department must invite you to apply for a relevant visa. This means that you cannot apply for this visa stream without an invitation letter from the Department.

Read this blog post for having a better knowledge on latest changes regarding General Skilled Migration program:

General Skilled Migration | Australian Government New Priority

4. Regional Employer Sponsored Visa

Are you currently working in regional Australia under a Pandemic Event visa? If so, you might consider applying for a Regional Employer-Sponsored visa to extend your stay in the country. A skilled employer-sponsored regional visa (Subclass 494) is the best option in this case. After spending three years in the country, you can also apply for permanent residency under Skilled Provincial Permanent Residence (Subclass 191). Moreover, with this visa stream, you can live, work or study in regional areas of Australia for up to five years.

Here is a piece of information for you:

So, there you have it- all about the closure of the Pandemic Event visa. You have also understood other alternatives that you can choose in order to stay or work in Australia. So, what’s next? You must try applying for any of the above-mentioned visa options according to your circumstances and conditions. Consider seeking professional help in this matter.

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is an authorized company with a team of experts and MARA-certified agents in Australia. We provide authentic and genuine consultation according to the latest changes in the immigration system. We understand that each case is unique and needs customized solutions. That’s why we provide solutions according to your skills, qualifications, and work experience. Book a consultation now if you need any help related to skills assessment, visa application processing or EOI submission. Enjoy the best services at affordable prices and have a wonderful journey ahead.

Related Articles

Introduction of Pacific Engagement Visa Australia 2024

The Launch of New Skills in Demand Visa by Australia

FAQs

What is a Pandemic Event visa?

A Pandemic event visa (Subclass 408) is a temporary visa stream. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for work if you are employed or possess a job offer letter in any economic sector.

Can I apply for PR in Australia under the Subclass 408 visa stream?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residence in Australia after spending a specified period of time. For this purpose, you will have to apply for other visas that can lead to PR, such as a Skilled independent visa or a Skilled nominated visa.

Can a PALM scheme worker who doesn’t possess a Pandemic event visa apply for a new COVID-19 pandemic visa?

No, only existing holders of Pandemic Event visas can apply for this visa starting on September 2, 2023 (AUD$ 405 application fee). However, after September 2, 2023, all other visa holders will not be able to apply for the Pandemic Event visa.

What happens if I don’t apply for an extension when my visa expires before February 2024?

You will lose your Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) on its original expiration date if you do not apply for an extension of your visa. If your visa expires, you will have to go back home. Alternatively, you can also apply for a Temporary Work visa – PALM stream (subclass 403) to resume working under the PALM scheme.

Can I apply for a PALM Subclass 403 stream while having a Pandemic event visa (Subclass 408)?

Employees who possess a non-PALM visa (subclass 408) must return home in order to apply for a Temporary Work PALM (subclass 403) visa stream.

Get More Information from Trusted Source

By now, you should have understood the changes that the Department has introduced to the Pacific Engagement visa and how it will impact the current visa holders. Furthermore, you also have gained insights into the alternative options available in case your visa expires. So now, you know what you have to do according to your conditions and circumstances. 

But hang on a minute!

You need to know that the Australian immigration policies have been changed, and with that, the Australian visa application process is becoming more complicated and complex. Therefore, we recommend you take professional advice if you want to apply for any of the above alternative visa options or a subsequent COVID-19 pandemic Event visa. You can also contact us at The Migration for authentic and up-to-date visa consultation or any visa-related issues, including skills assessment or EOI submission. Be aware of scams, do your research and make a wise decision to achieve your dreams.