Final Closure of the Pandemic Event Visa in Australia

The Australian Government has recently announced that the Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) will no longer be available to new applicants as of September 2, 2023. In 2020, the Department of Home Affairs implemented this visa to facilitate the employment of temporary visa holders in Australia, thereby addressing the labor shortage that has arisen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the government plans to implement stringent measures to address the deficiencies of the immigration system in conjunction with the reopening of borders.

“We have reduced wait times and are currently working to ensure that our migration system is functioning properly for all Australians, following a decade of mismanagement and chaos under the Liberals.” The Honorable Andrew Giles MP

It is anticipated that the closure of visas for the Pandemic Event will ensure the proper management of the migration system. This decision is under the objectives of re-establishing a consistent flow of transitory migrants into and out of Australia, as well as the establishment of well-regulated visa pathways. If a PEV visa holder elects to remain in Australia, they must guarantee their legal presence. Additionally, if an applicant is unable to meet the eligibility criteria for a future visa, they should explore alternative visa options that would enable them to remain or work in Australia.

“During the pandemic, the Pandemic Event visa was an essential element of Australia’s visa system.” During this period, numerous individuals with transitory visas assisted Australia. We are providing individuals with a Pandemic Event visa the opportunity to explore alternative visa options or depart Australia. The Honorable Andrew Giles MP

Make arrangements to depart Australia as soon as possible if you do not wish to remain. Nevertheless, to remain in Australia, it is necessary to explore alternative visa options. If you are in search of alternative visas, this blog post will offer a comprehensive overview of the various options available. However, before delving into the facts, we must ascertain the rationale behind the government’s decision to discontinue the Pandemic Event visa.

Why is the government closing Pandemic Event Visas?

In April 2020, the Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) was implemented to enable international students and other transitory migrants to remain in Australia despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.. Nevertheless, the visa is no longer necessary as a result of the epidemic’s ending and the opening of Australia’s borders. The announcement of the Pandemic event and the subsequent closure of visas enables visa holders to prepare for the expiration of their current visas.

“Our migration system was inoperable for all individuals during the Liberal era.” There was no strategy for the reopening of the borders. The Honorable Andrew Giles MP

How will the Pandemic Event Visa expire?

The Pandemic Event visa will be phased out sequentially, as announced by the government. The Department intends to shutter it in stages. From September 2, 2023, only individuals who are currently in possession of Pandemic Event visas will be eligible to register for the visa. The application charge is AUD 405. Nevertheless, the Pandemic Event visa will be unavailable to all candidates after February 1, 2024.

Things to Do After the Closure of Pandemic Event Visa

If you are presently residing in Australia on a Pandemic Event visa, you may have been taken aback by the news that this visa will be permanently closed. I empathize with your emotions. The sole requirement is to implement the appropriate measures following your unique circumstances and circumstances. I have addressed the critical measures that must be implemented in this section.

1. To Pandemic Event Visa Holders

A Pandemic Event visa enables you to remain in the country for a specified period. Nevertheless, you are permitted to remain in the country for a maximum of six months if you apply for a Pandemic Event visa before February 2024. You are permitted to remain in Australia for one year if you submit your application before September 2023.

If a Pandemic Event visa issued by Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) expires within the next year, workers may arrange for their departure and recruit replacements. The PALM program will revert to its original objective of promoting circular labor mobility once the Pandemic Event visa has been closed. It is important to note that only individuals who possess Pandemic Event visas that have 28 days or fewer remaining as of September 2, 2023, are eligible to file for additional visas. To submit a new application, visa holders must possess either employment or a job offer.

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2. For other visa holders.

If you are presently in possession of a visa that is not associated with a Pandemic Event visa (e.g., a student, temporary graduate, or guest visa), you should either plan to depart or explore alternative options for residing in Australia. Please be advised that the Pandemic Event Visa is no longer available for application.

Nevertheless, to apply for an additional Pandemic Event visa before February 2024, it is necessary to satisfy the visa’s prerequisites and conditions. Arrange an appointment with a professional at this time.

Benefits of Final Closure of the Pandemic Event Visa

• Regulatory Clarity: The final closure of the Pandemic Event Visa offers employers and visa holders unambiguous guidelines. It facilitates the planning of the future for both individuals and businesses by eliminating uncertainties associated with visa extensions and transitions.
• Focus on Long-Term Visa Programs: With the termination of the Pandemic Event Visa, governments can now redirect their attention to long-term immigration and work visa programs. This facilitates the reconstruction and fortification of the workforce by utilizing established visa categories, as opposed to temporary or emergency measures.
• Economic Recovery Encouragement: The closure is a significant indicator that countries are transitioning from the emergency phase of the pandemic, indicating that they are making progress toward normalcy. This has the potential to increase economic confidence and motivate businesses to invest in long-term growth.
• Permanent Residency Transition: In certain countries, individuals who own Pandemic Event Visas may be granted pathways to permanent residency or more permanent visa statuses. This offers a more enduring and stable remedy for those who were in a state of uncertainty during the pandemic.
• Streamlined Immigration Processes: The termination of the Pandemic Event Visa will enable immigration authorities to concentrate on regular visa categories and reduce the accumulation of applications. This can result in improved service for applicants and faster processing periods.
• Public Health and Safety: The closure indicates that countries are self-assured in their public health measures and no longer require emergency visa categories to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. This is indicative of enhanced health and safety conditions.
• Equity and Fairness: The final closure guarantees that all visa holders are treated uniformly, thereby minimizing disparities in the manner in which various groups were managed during the pandemic. This contributes to the restoration of equity within the immigration system.

Eligibility Criteria for Pandemic Event Visas (Subclass 408)

Are you currently in possession of a Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) and are interested in obtaining a second one? If so, you are required to satisfy the subsequent eligibility requirements before submitting your visa application:

• At the time of application, you must possess a legitimate Pandemic Event visa that is set to expire within the next 28 days. Nevertheless, you are still eligible to apply for a second visa if your current one expired 28 days ago.
• At the time of application, you are required to submit documentation of a job offer. The duration of the position, the industry in which you currently work or aspire to work, and a summary of your responsibilities must be included in the proof of employment.
• Proof of employment may be provided by a paid receipt, job offer letter, or employment contract.

After we have reviewed your eligibility for a second COVID visa, we will examine the various alternatives that are available to you following the closure of the Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa.

Options to Consider Following the Closure of Pandemic Event Visas

The Pandemic Event visa application process has been closed by the government, as you are likely aware. Therefore, if you are unable to file for a Pandemic Event visa in the future, you must explore alternative visa options to reside or operate in Australia for employment purposes. Although there are numerous alternatives available, I have compiled a list of the most prevalent ones. The following visa options should be taken into account:

• Visa sponsored by the employer.
• Employer-Selected Visa
• Skilled Migration in General.

Visa sponsored by a regional employer

To gain a more comprehensive comprehension, let us examine them in greater detail.

1. Employer-sponsored visa.

Following the closure of the pandemic event visa, employer-sponsored visas are the most viable option, as both streams necessitate employment proposals in any Australian industry. Additionally, employer-sponsored visas enable you to remain in Australia and continue working for your current employer, or to switch employers.

Additionally, you may submit an application for a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) in this situation. This visa stream permits you to remain in the country for a period of two to four years, contingent upon the type of visa you possess. Additionally, permanent residency may be obtained after two years of residence in the country, provided that the eligibility criteria are satisfied.

2. Employer Nominated Visa.

The Employer Nominated Visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent visa that has three visa streams: direct admission, temporary residence transition (TRT), and labor agreement stream. A minimum of three years of work experience in the occupation you have chosen is necessary for a direct admission path.

Nevertheless, the Temporary Residence Transition category necessitates a minimum of two years of work experience. Nevertheless, to apply to the labor agreement, you must possess the requisite qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Two applications must be submitted to obtain an employer-nominated visa: one for the nomination and one for the visa.

3. General Skilled Migration Visas.

Additionally, you have the option to select General skilled migration visa streams. To qualify for these visa streams, a minimum score of 65 points is required in the general skilled migration program’s point exam. Additionally, you are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs, which will subsequently request that you file for a pertinent visa. This implies that you are unable to file for this visa stream unless you receive an invitation letter from the Department.

4. Regional Employer-sponsored Visa

Are you presently employed in regional Australia on a Pandemic Event visa? If so, you may opt to apply for a Regional Employer-Sponsored visa to extend your stay in the country. In this scenario, the most advantageous alternative is a skilled employer-sponsored regional visa (Subclass 494). Skilled Provincial Permanent Residence (Subclass 191) is an option for permanent residency after three years of residence in the country. Additionally, this visa stream enables you to reside, work, or pursue education in Australia’s remote regions for a period of up to five years.

Additional information for you.

There you have all the information you require regarding the closure of the Pandemic Event Visa. You are also aware of the various alternatives available to you for residing or working in Australia. Therefore, what is the subsequent step? After careful consideration of your circumstances and circumstances, you may wish to apply for any of the visas mentioned earlier.

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