Latest Updates about Changes to Covid-19 Visa in Australia 2022!

The Australian Government has announced new measures to enhance temporary visa settings on March 2, 2022. These measures aim to support the Australian economy after Covid-19. They include changes to Covid-19 Visa 408 in Australia. However, these changes will not affect visa applications made before 21 February 2022 that are still undecided.

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Changes to Covid-19 Visa – Eligibility Criteria

Due to changes to Covid-19 Visa, you may apply for a 408 visa after February 21, 2022, if:

You’re a Temporary substantive visa holder who lived in Australia before February 21, 2022, and currently working or intends to work in Australia.
You arrive in Australia as a Temporary substantive visa holder on or after 21 February 2022 and have the right to work in Australia. Or else if you’ve a job offer from a Commonwealth-funded aged care service.

The Department of Home Affairs may grant you a visa for 12 months if you work or plan to work in certain key sectors such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care, child care, tourism and hospitality in Australia. You might get a visa for 6 months if you’re working or want to work in any other sector in Australia.

To have your application approved by Home Affairs, you must:

Provide evidence of your employment or a job letter from your employer.
Hold a substantive visa expiring in 90 days or less, or one that expired less than 28 days ago.

Pandemic event visas on the basis of being unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are no longer available after 21 February 2022.

Watch

Australian Visa with Free Visa Application | Is Pandemic Visa (Subclass 408) Still Helpful?

Critical Skills Travel Exemptions in Australia

If you do not meet Australia’s definition of fully vaccinated for international travel, you may request an individual travel exemption through the travel exemption portal. A business may submit an individual travel exemption request on your behalf.

If you’re traveling with a group or business, you can link your travel exemption requests so they will be considered together. Before traveling to Australia, you need to hold a valid visa and be granted travel exemption.

Recent Changes to Covid-19 Visa – Final Thoughts!

Australia has introduced some changes to Covid-19 Visa to support its economy. As the pandemic has had a huge effect on Australia’s economy. Therefore, the Australian Government is taking steps to enhance visa settings.

It also provides travel exemptions to fully vaccinated people for international traveling in Australia. Besides, if you want to apply for a travel exemption in Australia, you can book a consultation with us anytime.

Nasir Nawaz

I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.

Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.