The Australian Government has announced it is closing the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) – referred to as the Pandemic Event visa.
From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders. Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa after 2 September 2023 until the visa is fully closed in February 2024.
Applications for the Pandemic Event visa lodged before 2 September 2023, if granted, will be considered for a period of stay in Australia of up to 12 months (or 2 years for TGV holders).
If you hold any other type of visa, including a student, graduate or visitor visa, you are not able to apply for the Pandemic Event visa.
The Pandemic Event visa was introduced in April 2020 to allow temporary migrants, including international students, to stay in Australia while COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place. Now Australia’s borders are open, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required. The announcement allows current Pandemic Event visa holders time to make plans for the end of their current visa.
You should ensure that you have a valid visa if you want to stay in Australia. Becoming unlawful may impact your ability to visit Australia in the future.
You can use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to check your visa details. If you are worried because your visa is about to expire, or has expired, contact the Department’s Status Resolution Service for help, as soon as possible. You can contact them online or by phoning 131 881 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
For more information about the Pandemic Event visa visit The Department of Home Affairs website.