In these unchartered times, the COVID-19 crisis has raised a lot of questions for visa holders both in and outside Australia. Here’s our insights on some questions you may have about the impact of international travel restrictions on your Australian visa arrangements, and other information you may find helpful at this time. If you have a visa or migration concern, please do not hesitate to contact us so your circumstances can be assessed.
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.
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.
Australia’s International Travel Ban is currently in place with limited Travel Exemptions available. Read our article here.
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.
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.
Businesses and individuals need to consider new rules to travel to Australia at this time. In addition to Travel Exemptions, this may include:
The Government is constantly changing regulations in response to the pandemic. Get in touch with our Registered Migration Agents to understand how the rules impact you.
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.
Government statistics show that the pandemic has impacted Australian arrivals and departures. Find out more.
From 27 February 2021, a temporary concession commenced, which may allow the below Partner and Child Visa applicants in Australia to have their visa granted without having to leave the country (conditions apply).
Find out more about the concession and the way it impacts Partner Visa applicants.
FAQ’s
Is it still possible to apply for a Partner Visa from onshore and offshore? Are these visas still being granted during the pandemic?
How long does it take to obtain a Partner Visa (Government processing) for onshore and offshore applications?
For the answers to these questions and more, head to our dedicated FAQ’s on this new visa stream.
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
The Government is still accepting visa applications, however delays are being experienced across the migration program.
The Federal Budget provided some insights into the number of placements that will be available per visa category in 2019/20.
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, as well as for individuals applying for a further visa within Australia. Find out more.
Government statistics show that the pandemic has impacted Australian arrivals and departures. Find out more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read our article on how some Student Visa holders may be able to work extra hours during the COVID-19 period here.
We encourage you to get in touch with your queries. Our migration agents are happy to assess your circumstances during a consultation and advise how COVID-19 travel restrictions impact your particular visa and travel arrangements. Simply get in touch.
Interstaff is an Australian owned and operated business specialising in providing comprehensive immigration advice throughout all stages of the visa application process. Our head office is situated in Perth, Western Australia and we provide immigration and visa services to individuals and businesses both Australia-wide and internationally.
We’re one of Australia’s most trusted migration and visa agencies in Perth for a number of reasons. With over 30 years of experience assisting with matters of various complexities, our dedicated team are committed to helping you navigate through what can be a very complicated visa and migration process.
Our leading visa agents in Perth have been helping individuals and businesses obtain a wide range of visas including temporary and permanent work visas, partner visas, student visas and tourist visas. Read our insights on other Australian immigration news here or get in touch below to discuss your visa options.
Check out the latest COVID-19 Australian immigration news and updates from Interstaff.
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Leaving Australia in the COVID-19 Era | Outbound Travel Exemptions With reportedly more than 11,000 Australians getting Outbound Travel Exemptions to head overseas each month, there are many reasons why a person may need to leave Australia – for example, for Compassionate circumstances or Critical Work overseas. According to… Read More »
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