The Australian 408 COVID visa, also known as the Temporary Activity Visa, has been a lifeline for many individuals during the pandemic. As with all visas, there are specific requirements to be met for visa grant. On the 31st August 2023, the Minister for Home Affairs announced a series of changes to the 408 Covid Visa have drastically affected who can now apply for this visa, and for how long. With the impending closure of the Covid-19 Pandemic event visa on 1 February 2024, it is more essential than ever that prospective applicants confirm their eligibility prior to lodgement. Let’s look at the current requirements.
408 Covid Visa Expiry Date
From 2 September 2023 to 31 January 2024, only existing COVID-19 Pandemic event visa holders are eligible to apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa will close to all applications on 1 February 2024.
New Requirements for 408 Covid Visa
Visa Application Charge (VAC):
Applicants applying on or after 2 September 2023 will now have to pay a Visa Application Charge of $405 per application. A fee applies not only to the principal applicant but to each member of the family unit.
Duration of Stay:
For those applying on or after 2 September 2023, the visa granted to successful applicants will be for a period of 6 months.
Eligibility:
If applying after 2 September 2023, individuals will only be eligible to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if they already hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa or have held one within the 28 days preceding lodgement of the new application.
The applicant must hold a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that expires in 28 days or less or have held a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa that expired less than 28 days ago.
Evidence of employment or an offer of employment is required.
Once granted, all COVID-19 Pandemic event visa holders must maintain health insurance.
Visa holders must also continue to be employed for the visa to remain valid.
If you currently hold a 408 visa and want to take advantage of these changes, please get in touch with the team from Aspire Australia. We will work to ensure that your visa application process runs seamlessly. But don’t delay, if you wish to apply, you have until the 1st Feb to do so.
