In today’s blog update, we will discuss about the 408 visa which will be closed for all but existing 408 visa holders from 2 September 2023, and from 1 February 2024 it will closed to all
The pandemic might seem like a long time ago, nevertheless, the visa that helped overseas nationals to stay in Australia with unlimited work rights, the subclass 408 – Temporary Activity visa under the Australian Government recognized events stream (COVID-19 Pandemic event) better known as the “COVID” visa, will close in phases.
From 2 September 2023, new applications can only be submitted by those applicants who have an existing COVID visa.
This denotes that from today, 1 September 2023, will be the last day any non-COVID visa holder can legally make an application. Apparently, they must reflect whether they can meet the obligations for this visa, including possessing a substantive visa with work rights that expire in 90 days or less, or that expired 28 days ago or less.
The possible reason why this has been leapt on the public is to evade an avalanche of applications.
Please note that, Existing COVID visa holders will have until 31 January 2024 to make an application for further visa application.
There are, a few strings attached which are:
- Their present COVID visa must expire in 28 days or less, instead of 90 days or less,
- They need to pay a visa application charge of $405. This will perhaps not include any extra charge, and
- Any visa granted will only be valid for 6 months instead of the present 12 months.
While the visa will discontinue on February 2024, it will not affect existing visa holders. Their visas will not be annulled, nor will their expiry date be extended. On the other hand, those who do not have any further visa options to stay in Australia are expected to depart.
This was imminent as there was a rollback of unrestricted work rights for almost all working holidaymakers and student visa holders.
It should be noted that the 408 Visa served its purpose well but surely could not continue forever.
Our blog for today ends here. Please don’t forget to comment below and share your opinion with us regarding this change. Thanks for reading today’s blog update.
