Closure of the Subclass 408 Pandemic Event visa

Whats happening ?

• From February 2024, the visa will be closed to all applicants - the rationale being that the circumstances that drove the operation of the visa no longer exist.
• From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders.
• All other visa holders will be ineligible for the Pandemic Event visa. This is a transitional measure to promote visa integrity.
• Anyone with a valid Pandemic Event visa will remain lawful until their current visa expires.
• From 2 September 2023, new applications will receive a six month visa. A Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD will also be introduced.
• These settings will further ensure that the visa is only used by those who have a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.
• People who currently hold a Pandemic Event visa and seek to apply for a different visa will need to meet the criteria for that visa.
• Those without any options for other visa applications are expected to depart Australia when their visa expires.

Minister Giles has said:

The Pandemic Event visa was an important part of Australia’s visa system during the pandemic. Many people on temporary visas helped Australia during this period. We’re providing an opportunity for people who hold a Pandemic Event visa to explore another visa option, or plan to leave Australia.

Under the Liberals, our migration system wasn’t working for anyone. There was no plan to deal with how the borders reopened.

We’ve brought wait times down, and we’re working to make sure our migration system is working again for all Aus­tralians after a decade of mess and mismanagement under the Liberals.