Who can travel to Australia?

Australia’s International Travel Ban is currently in place with limited Travel Exemptions available. Read our article here.

A travel bubble is also in place between Australia and new Zealand – read more here. 

Can I get an exemption to travel to Australia? What is the process for travel to Australia?

Read our FAQ’s about the process of applying for an exemption for international, interstate and intrastate cross-border travel.

Also, read our article here to find out more about Travel Exemptions.

We have further updates on Travel Exemptions here.

Travel restrictions are subject to change – you may wish to view our Immigration news page here for the latest updates.

What do I do if I cannot meet visa entry conditions (Condition 8504) because my travel plans to Australia have been delayed?

The Government is strongly encouraging offshore Skilled and Business Visa Holders to remain compliant with visa conditions. Condition 8504 requires a person to enter Australia by the initial entry date specified on their visa grant notice. The Government has also recognised this may not always be possible during the pandemic and provisions may be available. Find out more.

What else should I consider when travelling to Australia?

Businesses and individuals need to consider new rules to travel to Australia at this time. In addition to Travel Exemptions, this may include:

• Australia Travel Declaration
• COVID-19 Test
• International arrival restrictions
• Caps on international arrivals
• Quarantine
• India-Australia Travel Ban

The Government is constantly changing regulations in response to the pandemic – you may wish to view our Immigration news page here for the latest updates.

Get in touch with our Registered Migration Agents to book a consultation for advice on how the rules impact you.

Do Australian Permanent Residents and Citizens need to apply for an exemption to travel out of Australia?

Yes – currently Australian Permanent Residents and Citizens must apply for an exemption to travel outbound from Australia. This requires a well documented case with supporting evidence for the reasons for travel. Find out more. 

You may also wish to read our article on Outbound Travel Exemptions.

A Travel Bubble is also in place between Australia and New Zealand – read more here.

You may also wish to read about the India-Australia temporary Travel Ban here.

How are travel exemptions for exiting Australia being processed?

Government statistics show that the pandemic has impacted Australian arrivals and departures. Find out more. 

What do I need to do if my visa is due to expire?

If your visa is expiring soon, it is common to think you may need a visa extension, but in Australia the process of extending your stay involves applying for a new visa. Find out more here.

What do I do if my visa has a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (8503, 8534 or 8535)?

Usually there are very limited circumstances available to stay in Australia if a person’s visa grant notice has a ‘No Further Stay’ Condition, but waivers are being accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. Find out more.

• Who can apply for the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa?
• What if I do not work in a critical sector but need to stay in Australia?
• How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa?
• How do you apply for the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa?

For the answers to these questions and more, head to our dedicated FAQ’s on this new visa stream.

You may also wish to read our most recent article on the 408 Visa here.

How do I know if I’m working in a critical sector for a Travel Exemption?

View our article on Critical Travel Exemptions here.

How does the COVID-19 crisis impact my case with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to appeal a visa refusal or cancellation decision?

The AAT is continuing to review visa decisions during the pandemic, however it is mindful that the pandemic may affect the capacity of the tribunal and other persons to take steps to progress applications. New applications to the AAT should be lodged online or electronically where possible, as the AAT registries may at times be closed to visitors.

The AAT will prioritise cases that do not need a hearing or can have a hearing conducted by telephone and/or video. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAT will not hold any hearing in person, except in exceptional circumstances. A request for an expedited decision may be possible if a person meets the AAT’s eligibility criteria for this.

Current as at 5 May 2020. Source: Interstaff Migration Agents, Migration Institute of Australia and Department of Home Affairs

We recommend that you contact our Registered Migration Agents regarding your AAT matters for advice on your visa refusal, cancellation or appeal – simply contact us here.

How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted Government visa processing?

The Government is still accepting visa applications, however delays are being experienced across the migration program.

The Federal Budget provided some insights into the visas that will be prioritised for processing in 2021/22.

Visas that drive economic growth or are in the best interests of the nation are being prioritised – for example, to boost business investment, support the provision of essential services and facilitate family reunion.

Individuals applying for a further visa from within Australia are also being prioritised.

Skilled visa processing has been delayed during the COVID-19 period. Visas are being prioritised for:

• Applicants with Critical Skills or for work in a Critical Industry
• Applicants with an occupation on the Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List (PMSOL)
• Applicants for the Global Talent Visa program
• Applicants already in Australia applying for a further visa – Find out more.

Partner Visas are being prioritised in the family migration program.

How are travel exemptions for entering and exiting Australia being processed?

Government statistics show that the pandemic has impacted Australian arrivals and departures. Find out more. 

You may also find our article helpful on Outbound Travel Exemptions.

It appears Employer-sponsored visas are being prioritised at this time – find out more.

The Global Talent Visa program is also being prioritised – this includes an independent stream. Read more here.

WA has recently broadened eligibility for independent skilled migration program to more occupations. For an update on WA Skilled Migration opportunities – read our article here.

Are invitations still being issued for the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Department of Home Affairs only issued 50 invitations for the Subclass 189 Visa in April 2020 compared to 1,750 invitations issued in the previous month, March 2020. This represents a 97 per cent drop.

A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs told SBS News, “The number of invitations issued each month for points tested visas often varies depending on the number of applications being processed by the Department and planning levels for each visa subclass. There is no set number for each round.”

“So that Australia can deal with the immediate and post-recovery impacts of COVID-19, the Government is closely monitoring migration and visa settings to ensure they are consistent with public health measures, are flexible and do not displace job opportunities for Australians,” the spokesperson added.

We encourage you to contact our Registered Migration Agents to find out your visa options. 

Current as at 4 May 2020. Source: Interstaff Migration Agents, SBS News, Department of Home Affairs.

Are invitations still being issued for the new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – Family Sponsored Stream?

Only 50 invitations were issued in April 2020 compared to 300 invitations in the previous month, March 2020.

We encourage you to contact our Registered Migration Agents to find out your visa options.

Current as at 4 May 2020. Source: Interstaff Migration Agents, SBS News, Department of Home Affairs.

I’ve lost work hours due to the COVID-19 crisis. Can I access any Government provisions as a Temporary Visa holder?

Depending on the visa you hold, you may be able to access Federal Government provisions, such as early access to your superannuation. Read our article here.

State and Territory Government support may also be available. Find out more.

Updates to provisions for migrants were also announced as part of the Federal Budget – find out more here.

If I am not eligible for Centrelink, are there other ways I can get support as a Temporary Visa holder?

Red Cross support for visa holders may be available to some migrants who are currently in Australia. Find out more.

Some State Governments announced financial support schemes for Temporary Visa holders. Read more here.

Updates to provisions for migrants were also announced as part of the Federal Budget – find out more here.

How many hours can Student Visa holders work during the COVID-19 period?

Read our article on how some Student Visa holders may be able to work extra hours during the COVID-19 period here.

Read more about relaxed provisions for Student Visa holders here.