Temporary Activity Visa Closing: Subclass 408. Presently, what transpires? In this update, we will address the termination of the subclass 408 visa in Australia. However, before we begin, it is important to briefly review the subclass 408.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian government established the transitory activity Visa subclass 408, which is commonly referred to as the COVID Visa. This was implemented in 2020, and visa holders were permitted to remain in Australia for an entire year. This was a temporary solution that allowed visa holders who were affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions to participate in only specific short-term activities.
People employed in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, geriatric care, disability, child care, and hospitality and tourism were granted visas that were valid for a maximum of 12 months.
Closure Announcement
The Australian government no longer issues visas. Consequently, only individuals currently in possession of pandemic event visas are eligible to apply for an additional visa commencing in the following year or until 2024. This is in contrast to the previous gratis Visa, which is now subject to a $45 application fee.
Individuals who currently hold a subclass 408 visa in Australia must either depart the country before the expiration of their visa, file for another subclass 408 visa if they are eligible, or explore alternative visa programs.
Reasons for Closure
The cancellation of visas is attributed to the transient undertaking of Australia’s open borders, which rendered them unnecessary. Furthermore, there were concerns regarding the abuse of visas. It was asserted that the one-year visa, which permitted unlimited work time, was abused by dishonest immigration officials and foreign students.
In a sense, this facilitated the labor market’s entry. It was discovered by the end of July 2023 that a significant number of students on student visas had transitioned to the subclass 408 visa, which allows for full-time employment. Australia’s immigration laws have been substantially altered following the COVID-19 pandemic, which will lead to an exceptionally secure visa application process.
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Australian 482 Visa to PR in Just 2 Years Starting
Recent developments regarding immigration to Australia and modifications to the 482 visa program. We furnish you with the most recent Visa processing timeframes, the Minister’s new Northern Territory Dharma announcements, updates on the ENS and 482 Visa modifications, and insights into the changes in Australia’s population based on their birthplace.
Benefits of an Australian Visa with No Sponsor
- Independence in Application: Applicants are not required to have an employer or family sponsor to apply for the visa, which reduces their dependence on external parties.
- Freedom to Select Employment: Upon arrival in Australia, you are not restricted to a particular employer, which enables you to work for any organization, transfer jobs, or even establish your own small business.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Permanent residency is available through numerous sponsor-free visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This provides access to a variety of benefits, including the ability to register for Australian citizenship, public healthcare, and social services.
- Family Inclusion: It is common to include immediate family members (spouse and children) in your application, which enables them to also enjoy permanent residency or other privileges under the visa.
- In contrast to sponsored: visas, which may necessitate that you reside and work in a particular region or with a particular employer, independent visas typically permit you to reside and work in any location within Australia.
- Eligibility for a Wide Range of Occupations: Independent visas are generally contingent upon your qualifications, work experience, and talents, providing professionals from a diverse array of industries with the opportunity to migrate to Australia.
- No Ongoing Sponsorship Obligations: The visa will be more stable in the long term as you will not be required to fulfill any obligations to a sponsoring company or individual.
- Points-Tested SystemA: A points-based system is used to evaluate applicants for visas such as subclass 189. This system rewards factors such as age, work experience, education, and English proficiency. This provides an advantage to highly competent individuals.
482 Visa Changes
The Australian government has announced substantial changes to the 482 Visa, particularly forbearers of the Short-Term Stream (TSS) Visa. The amendments will commence on November 25. These modifications are designed to provide TSS Visa holders with a more straightforward and straightforward path to permanent residency, which will be advantageous to both employers and talented employees.
The following are some of the most notable features of these changes:
Removal of limit
Starting November 25, visa holders will have the ability to register for an unlimited number of Short-Term Stream (TSS) visas while in Australia. This expands the range of alternatives available to individuals with temporary visa streams.
Travel prerequisite
Temporary Stream (TSS) Holders of visas that are set to expire on or before November 25 will be required to depart Australia to apply for a third short-term stream (TSS) before the change takes effect.
Modifications to the TRT Stream ENS 186 Visas
To enhance the accessibility of the Temporary Residents Transition (TRT) segment of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 visas, modifications are expected. Included in these modifications are
- Nominations for all streams: Employers are permitted to suggest TSS visa holders from any stream, including the labor agreement and short-term streams.
- Requirements for occupations: The TRT stream will no longer be evaluated under the skill migration occupation list, which negates the necessity for nominated occupations. The nominated occupation must be recorded in the ANSCO, and nominated workers must continue to operate in it.
- Reduced waiting period: To be eligible for TRT stream nomination, a TSS Visa holder must labor in their nominated occupation for two of the three years before nomination. These modifications will apply to both newly submitted and pending ENS and RSMS nomination applications as of November 25,
- Age requirements for permanent residency: These criteria have been revised for pathways leading to permanent residency. Applicants who are regional medical practitioners or high earners and are 45 years of age or older will have the opportunity to participate in a two-year track. The traditional 45-year-old threshold age will apply to all other candidates.
- Age exemptions for COVID-19: The age exemptions for COVID-19 will be terminated as a result of the 2-year pathway impact on 482 visa holders.
- The majority of individuals: with two visas in the short-term stream remain affected, which is disheartening, even though many people embrace these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can you get an Australian visa without sponsorship?
You can apply for a skilled migration visa without a sponsor. You’ll need to submit an expression of interest through SkillsSelect.
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Can I apply for an Australian visa without an agent?
Yes, you can. As mentioned above, the Department of Home Affairs has made every provision to file your visa on your own. Here’s the reason most people hire migration agents despite the fact they can do it themselves: they don’t want to make any mistakes.
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Can companies sponsor visas in Australia?
Employer-sponsored visas allow skilled overseas workers to live and work in Australia for their nominated Australian employer. The relevant Skilled Occupation List lists the occupations for which visa applicants must possess the necessary qualifications or experience.
