Closure of the Pandemic Event visa
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) is closing.
From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be available to people who already hold a Pandemic Event Visa.
These visa holders may be eligible for a subsequent visa until we close this visa to all applications on 1 February 2024.
All other visa holders will be ineligible for the Pandemic Event visa from 2 September 2023.
Extending the time before full closure will give employers time to find new workers. It will also allow visa holders an opportunity to consider their options. They may wish to apply for other visas if eligible or make arrangements to depart before their current visa expires.
The Australian Government introduced the Pandemic Event visa in April 2020 to enable temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. It also addressed labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy.
Now that Australia’s borders are open and temporary visa holder numbers in Australia have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required.
Closure of the Pandemic Event visa will contribute to a well-managed migration system. It will support better regulated visa pathways and normalise the flow of temporary migrants in and out of Australia.
It will help to ensure that people are applying for the right visa that matches the reason for their travel and stay in Australia.
Existing Pandemic Event visa holders
The announcement does not change the visa expiry date of existing Pandemic Event visa holders.
Pandemic event visa holders may be eligible for a subsequent visa for up to 6 months on or after 2 September 2023. This will apply until the visa is closed to all applications on 1 February 2024.
Visa applications made on or after 2 September 2023, will receive a visa stay period of up to 6 months if granted. This will give visa holders time to consider their options.
From 2 September 2023, Pandemic Event visa holders are only eligible for a further visa if, at time of application, their current visa is expiring within 28 days or less, and they have a job or job offer in Australia. From 2 September 2023, applications will include a VAC of $405. There is also a visa charge for each family member included in the application.
Pandemic Event visa holders with a visa expiring after February 2024 will not be eligible for another Pandemic Event visa. This cohort should explore other visa options if they wish to remain in Australia or make arrangements to depart before their visa expires.
Employers of Pandemic Event visa holders should check what the visa holder’s plans are. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure their workers hold a visa with work rights or they risk significant penalties. Employers can check their workers’ visa conditions and period of stay using VEVO.
Other temporary visa holders
Temporary visa holders with 90 days or less remaining on their visa, who are working or have a job offer, may continue to apply for a Pandemic Event visa prior to 2 September 2023 with a nil Visa Application Charge (VAC).
Temporary visa holders who applied for a Pandemic Event visa before 2 September 2023, will have their applications assessed under the arrangements in place at the time they lodged their visa application. This includes their period of stay in Australia.
Temporary visa holders no longer eligible for a Pandemic Event visa may need to consider other visa options to remain in Australia or make arrangements to depart.
