September 2nd, 2023 at 05:58 am
Australia Closes the 408 Pandemic Visa
Numerous temporary migrants may have to leave Australia or seek another Visa after the federal government announced it was terminating the special temporary activity Visa (subclass 408).
The 408 pandemic visa will no longer be open to new applications beginning September 1, 2023, according to Home Affairs Minister Claire O’Neill and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ announcement on August 31. Only individuals who already possess the visa can obtain temporary extensions.
To assist international students who were unable to leave Australia during the pandemic and to address labor shortages caused by the closing of international borders, the Visa was introduced in 2020.
What led to the closure of the 408 Visa
The 408 Visa, as it is officially known, allowed its holders to work without limitations for a year. It became apparent over time that this option was being exploited, with an estimated 120,000 people abusing the visa to acquire opportunities for full-time employment within the nation. The rapid rise in the number of people with a 408 Visa, particularly in the past year, has immigration experts and officials concerned.
Notably, the Visa has increased in popularity as international students from nations like India, the Philippines, and Nepal looked for ways to transition from their study visas to this employment-focused category. Concerns were raised by this pattern that the Visa would be improperly utilized to get around established systems for obtaining work permits and permanent residency.
Breakdown of Already Issued 408 Visas
Approximately 60,000 foreign students and temporary workers had prolonged their stays in Australia with the aid of the permit, according to data released just recently by the Department of Home Affairs, even though the circumstances that led to its creation were no longer present.
65,859 pandemic visas were awarded by the government between June 2022 and March 2023. Giles and O’Neill said that several epidemic measures, such as work exemptions for those on working holiday visas and unfettered work hours for international students, have recently been discontinued by the government. 30% of the approximately 100,000 people who are currently in Australia on subclass 408 visas, according to estimates, were formerly international students.
Some authorities have applauded the government’s decision to abolish the Visa since it closed a loophole that has been used to access the labor market.
Who will be eligible to apply for the Subclass 408 Visa?
Beginning in February 2024, the Visa will be closed to all applicants as the requirements necessary for its continued operation are no longer met. This move will increase the stability of the Australian Visa system.
Only those who currently have pandemic event visas may apply for the visa. The Pandemic Event Visa will no longer be accessible to holders of any other visas as of September 2, 2023. Anyone holding a valid 408 Visa is permitted another method to ensure the Visa system complies with the requirements of the Australian government as a temporary measure to safeguard Visa integrity until their current Visa expires.
The Gradual Closure of the Visa Program
On September 2, 2023, new applicants will begin obtaining six-month visas, and a 405 Australian dollar visa application cost will also be put in place. These requirements will further ensure that only individuals who require the visa to remain in Australia and make a contribution will apply for it.
If a person with a 408 visa wants to apply for another visa, they must meet the criteria for that visa. Following several key policy decisions that have an impact on the global education market, this announcement was made.
Australia Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
One of the most sought-after locations for immigrants to settle in Australia. People traveling to the Commonwealth of Australia temporarily to do duties or jobs are granted the subclass 408 visa. This category includes a variety of activities or vocations; the stream defines the duration and validity of the visa, and the visa enables you to go to Australia with family.
Who is Eligible to Participate in any of the Streams?
The participant must meet the following fundamental eligibility requirements;
Special Program
This form of visa is available for participation in programs like youth exchange, international exchange, cultural or community enrichment, etc. Up to a year may be granted on the visa.
Religious Activities
This category includes performing religious work for Australian religious institutions or organizations, and the visa is valid for two years.
Research Activities
You can participate in research at any project or organization by this. The visa is valid for a maximum of two years.
Invited Participant
This enables you to enter the nation upon invitation to events like sporting competitions and cultural festivals, among others. The visa is only valid for certain activities for a period of three months.
Sports
With this visa, you can take part in training, teaching, playing, and other sporting events for groups all around Australia, and your stay may continue for up to two years.
Entertainment-Related Work
Projects incorporating film, television, musical performances, etc., fall under this category. The validity period in the entertainment industry is often up to two years.
Super Yacht Crew
You can work as a super yacht crew member in Australia with this activity visa, which has a 12-month maximum validity period.
Exchange Arrangements
These agreements enable you to take part in staff exchange programs at Australian universities. The validity period is two years.
Australian Government-Endorsed Events
This visa is available to entrepreneurs who attend events encouraging innovations in South Australia. The visa term might be up to four years or as long as the event lasts.
Domestic Work for Executives
This visa is also available for workers who perform domestic work in the residences of particular high-ranking foreign CEOs. The validity is typically two years.
How do you Apply
An Australia subclass 408 visa only issues on meeting several requirements. The length and kind of the visa determine the need for an Australian sponsor. Before accepting you under their sponsorship, the sponsor must either pass a support test or a sponsorship test.
Once they have received permission from the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor you, they can do so. Following that, you can obtain the necessary papers for your stream of choice and then perform the actions listed below.
- First and foremost, create an account on the website for immigration
- Next, access your account and enter the needed information
- Also, upload the required files
- Lastly, apply and make the necessary visa payments
Once the application successfully submits, processing begins. Ensure the application was truthfully and accurately filled out. However, if your visa application lacks the necessary information, its processing may delay or even rejected. The Australian government takes visa denials seriously, which could affect your future visa requests.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.