The Department of Home Affairs announced the closure of the 408 Visa and other updates that may shift your strategy to stay in Australia. Understand what is happening and what you need to know in this article.
The 408 Visa, more formally known as the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream – Pandemic Event Visa is ceasing on the 1st September 2023, at midnight.
What is the 408 Visa?
Introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 408 Visa was designed to allow people to remain in Australia if they were unable to return to their home country and had skills that could contribute to Australia’s response to the pandemic. It was a measure taken to ensure the continuity of critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and aged care. Later it was expanded to hospitality and tourism and in January 2022 to all sectors.
The visa came into play to help not only the visa holders but also the broader Australian community by allowing skilled workers to continue to participate in critical sectors. For instance, a medical professional on a different visa nearing its expiry could switch to a 408 Visa, ensuring they could keep providing essential healthcare services. The visa was a lifeline for many, serving a dual purpose of individual security and community welfare.
Closure of the 408 Visa – What’s Happening?
On 31 August 2023, the Department of Home Affairs announced that the 408 Visa will be ceasing effective 2 September 2023.
This cessation means that the government will no longer accept new applications for this particular stream of the 408 Visa after this date. Existing 408 visa holders in the Pandemic Event Stream, will continue to hold their visas until they expire.
These visa holders will also be able to apply for a new 408 visa until February 2023 but the visa will be only valid for 6 months from the date of grant (as opposed to 12 months at the moment) and the visa application will attract a fee of $405 (as opposed to nil at the moment).
No new applications from people holding visas other than a 408 in the Pandemic Event Stream will be accepted from 2 September midnight.
What does the end of the 408 Visa mean for you?
If you were planning to apply for the 408 visa, it’s crucial to start considering other visa options immediately. The landscape of immigration laws and visa options is ever-changing, and it’s essential to stay updated and adapt your immigration strategy accordingly.
While it might be tempting to explore DIY methods for your next visa application, especially with so much information available online, immigration law is a complex landscape and things keep changing. What you don’t know can indeed hurt your chances of a successful application. At Bravo Migration, we focus on asking the right questions to create the best strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Working with experienced migration agents offers you an added layer of assurance that all options have been explored and the best route is chosen for your specific circumstances. Our Visa Action Plans detail the steps you need to take, offering a structured roadmap to your successful migration journey.
The closure of the 408 Visa is an important milestone in Australia’s migration program, highlighting the need for adaptability and accurate information. It underscores the importance of staying current with the latest developments and being prepared to shift your strategy.
If you have further questions or need personalised advice, please feel free to reach out to us at Bravo Migration. We are here to guide you through these intricate processes with clarity and effectiveness.
Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/closure-of-the-pandemic-event-visa.aspx
