The 408 Pandemic Visa | What You Need to Know
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government established the Pandemic Event Stream of the 408 Visa to provide flexible temporary arrangements for visa holders in Australia.
Here’s what you should know about this visa option to extend your stay. Find out:
- Who can apply for a 408 (Pandemic Stream) Visa?
- What is a Critical Sector for the 408 Visa?
- When should employers consider the 408 Visa option for employees?
- What should I know before applying?
Who can apply for a 408 Pandemic Visa?
You may be able to apply for the 408 (Pandemic Stream) Visa if you:
- Are in Australia;
- Have a visa that is expiring / expired;
- Have no other visa options.
In addition to the above, you can only apply for this visa for two reasons – either:
a.) For work in a Critical Sector
- You must have 90 days or less on your current visa or your last substantive visa expired less than 28 days ago (Note: Substantive visas do not include Bridging Visas.)
- You must have 28 days or less on your current visa or your last substantive visa expired less than 28 days ago.
How long can I stay in Australia on a 408 (Pandemic Stream) Visa?
What is a Critical Sector for the 408 Visa?
Update in August 2021: New critical sectors have been added – see our article.
The Government’s definition of a Critical Sector may change depending on Australia’s needs during the pandemic. Here’s what it currently includes for the 408 Visa:
Should employers consider the 408 Visa for employees?
The 408 Pandemic Event Visa is not a sponsored visa. Individual applicants may apply with evidence that:
- An Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position;
- The position is needed for work in a Critical Sector – including dates of work.
Provided that the work is for a Critical Sector and the visa holder is currently in Australia, there are a few scenarios where employers and employees have been using this visa:
- For workers on a Working Holiday Maker Visa that do not meet the requirements for a second or third Working Holiday Maker Visa and are unable to leave Australia
- Note: Those approved for Critical Work in the health or medical sectors can use their work on the 408 Visa as ‘eligible work’ for a second or third Working Holiday Visa;
- For workers on the Seasonal Worker Program whose visa is expiring / expired.
What should I know before applying for a 408 Visa?
To apply as a Critical Sector worker, evidence from an employer is required.
To apply to extend your stay due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, you should include evidence that:
- You cannot fly due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
- You have no other visa options based on your intended activities;
- You have enough funds to support your stay (you will not be provided work rights).
All 408 Visa applicants should provide evidence of health insurance.Other things to note:
- You can add family members in Australia to this visa;
- You can apply for another 408 Visa if it is about to expire (if still eligible);
- You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
All 408 Visa applicants should provide evidence of health insurance. Other things to note:
- You can add family members in Australia to this visa;
- You can apply for another 408 Visa if it is about to expire (if still eligible);
- You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement?
- Your reasons for applying and whether these fit the visa’s intended purpose;
- Your visa history – to ensure you are not attempting to maintain ongoing residence without using the appropriate Permanent Residence Visa pathways;
- Your compliance with visa conditions;
- Other relevant matters – including your suitability for the role, circumstances in your home country and whether the role was created to secure your ongoing stay.
How many 408 Visas have been granted? How long does it take?
The below statistics show how many 408 Visas have been granted by the Department of Home Affairs compared to the number of applications received.
Interstaff | Migration in the COVID-19 Era
You can catch up on our other immigration insights here:
Outbound Travel Exemptions | Leaving Australia in the COVID-19 Era
Partner Visas in the COVID-19 Era
Critical Work and Compassionate Travel Exemptions
Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrants | The Global Talent Program
Australia Travel Declarations | What to Do Before Travelling
If you would like to discuss your eligibility for a 408 Visa or if it is suitable for your business, we encourage you to get in touch with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents.
Simply contact [email protected] or +61 8 9221 3388.
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