New COVID-19 Pandemic event visa Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity)

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. On the 5 April 2020, the Australian government announced a new stream to the Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) Australian Government Endorsed Event Visa (COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream) (Subclass 408).

Overview

The Subclass 408 visa stream is designed to allow holders of certain temporary visas who are engaged in or have the relevant skills to undertake critical work relating to supply of essential goods and/or services relevant to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There will be no Visa Application Charge.

General Eligibility

In order to apply for the new COVID-19 Pandemic event visa, you must:

• Be onshore (i.e. in Australia);
• Be unable to depart Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Either:
• hold a visa that is 28 days or less from ceasing to be in effect; or
• was the holder of a temporary visa that ceased to be in effect not more than 28 days before the application for a Subclass 408 visa is made;
• Be unable to apply for the same temporary visa you hold or held or any other subclass of temporary visa other than the Subclass 408 visa.
• Must be part of response to workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to areas including, but not limited to, agriculture, aged care and public health.
• Allow holders of temporary visas who are engaged in or have the relevant skills to undertake critical work relating to supply of essential goods and services.
• Visit our page for 408 Covid Visa application information.

Visa Application Charge

• Nil

Processing Time

• At the time of publishing, processing times are not published by the Department for this visa.

At This Is Australia, we understand that the new COVID-19 Pandemic event visa Subclass 408 application process can be stressful for everyone involved. For professional services, contact one of our qualified migration agents.