ARTICLE · 29 SEPTEMBER 2023

Closure of 408 Pandemic Visa

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The COVID-19 Pandemic visa was a temporary measure to allow foreign nationals the right to stay in Australia.

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We published a comprehensive article on the 408 visa on 24 April 2020, shortly after the subclass 408 visa, under the Australian Government Endorsed Event Stream for COVID-19 Pandemic visa was announced (the COVID-19 visa).

The "COVID-19 visa" has proven to be a lifeline for many visa holders who would otherwise not qualify for more traditional sponsored visa categories, such as the subclass 482 visa.

On 31 August 2023, the government announced that the COVID-19 visa was to cease. The changes meant that those wanting to apply for their first COVID-19 visa needed to ensure their application was lodged before 1 September 2023 (11.59pm).

The relevant legislative instrument allowing for this change is the Migration (COVID-19 Pandemic event for Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa) Amendment Instrument (LIN 23/061) 2023, which amends LIN 22/046. This Instrument commenced on 2 September 2023.

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