From February 2024, the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), also known as the Pandemic Event visa or Covid visa, will be closed to all applicants. This was announced through a joint media release by the Albanese Labor Government on 31 August 2023.
The government detailed that the reason for closing the Pandemic Event visa is now that COVID-19 border restrictions are no longer a requirement, the reasons to operate the visa no longer exist.
As of 2 September 2023, the existing Pandemic Event visa holders are the only visa subclass that can apply for the Pandemic Event visa. Therefore, any other visa subclass that applies for the Pandemic Visa will be ineligible.
It is crucial that Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa until the visa is fully closed in February 2024.
In anticipation of February 2024, existing Pandemic Event visa holders should consider for which other visas they may be eligible to apply.
“The Pandemic Event visa was an important part of Australia’s visa system during the pandemic. Many people on temporary visas helped Australia during this period. We’re providing an opportunity for people who hold a Pandemic Event visa to explore another visa option”
- The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
For further information and assistance please contact:
O’Sullivan and Ruffilli, Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries and Immigration Lawyers
175 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
03 9416 3463
email@osullivanandruffilli.com.au