COVID-19 FAQ’s for Visa Holders Australia

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

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. Find out more.

• Who can apply for the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa?
  
• How do I know if I’m working in a critical sector?
• 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.

Who can travel to Australia?

Australia’s International Travel Ban is currently in place with only limited exemptions for critical workers and compassionate or compelling cases (in addition to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residence Visa holders). Read our article 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.

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, such as Condition 8504,which requires a person to enter Australia by the initial entry date specified on their visa grant notice. However, it has also recognised this may not always be possible and provisions may be available. Find out more.

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. 

How are travel exemptions for exiting Australia being processed?

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

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 are closed to visitors other than in limited circumstances.

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

Are invitations still being issued for the Subclass 189 Visa?

Yes, however the Department of Home Affairs only issued 50 invites 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.

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?

Yes, but only 50 invites were issued in April 2020 compared to 300 invitations in the previous month, March 2020.

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

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

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

Skilled visa processing has been delayed significantly during the COVID-19 period. Find out more.

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

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

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.

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.

Recently, some State Governments announced financial support schemes for Temporary Visa holders. Read 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.