There are visa holders in Australia at the moment whose visas are soon to expire, who cannot leave due to travel restrictions, and who cannot meet requirements to apply for another subclass of visa.
To help these people maintain lawful status while resident in Australia, the Department of Home Affairs has announced a new ‘stream’ to the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), to cover certain temporary residents with who are unable to depart Australia and have no other visa options. Applicants must have 28 days or less remaining on their current visa, or have had a substantive visa expire up to 28 days previously.
The Temporary Activity visa has a stream which allows for participation in events which are endorsed by the Australian government. For the purposes of this visa, the COVID-19 pandemic has been designated as such an “event”.
The new COVID-19 Subclass 408 Pandemic stream allows certain former and current temporary visa holders to remain in Australia, provided they “assist in critical sectors including healthcare, disability and aged care, childcare and agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic.“
There is no visa application charge for applications submitted under this pathway.
If you believe you need to look at this visa pathway, please contact us to discuss.
