Closure of the Pandemic Event visa

Australian government’s announcement on the closure of the Pandemic Event visa (subclass 408)

The Pandemic Event visa will close to all applications on February 1, 2024.
From September 2, 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be available to people who already hold a Pandemic Event visa.
Existing Pandemic Event visa holders may be eligible for a subsequent visa for up to 6 months on or after September 2, 2023.
Other temporary visa holders with 90 days or less remaining on their visa, who are working or have a job offer, may continue to apply for a Pandemic Event visa prior to September 2, 2023 with a nil VAC.
Temporary visa holders who applied for a Pandemic Event visa before September 2, 2023 will have their applications assessed under the arrangements in place at the time they lodged their visa application.
Temporary visa holders who are no longer eligible for a Pandemic Event visa may need to consider other visa options to remain in Australia or make arrangements to depart.

Reasons for the closure of the Pandemic Event visa

The Australian government has stated that the closure of the Pandemic Event visa is necessary to:

Contribute to a well-managed migration system.
Support better regulated visa pathways.
Normalize the flow of temporary migrants in and out of Australia.
Help to ensure that people are applying for the right visa that matches the reason for their travel and stay in Australia.

What to do if you are affected by the closure of the Pandemic Event visa

If you are an existing Pandemic Event visa holder, you should:

Check your visa expiry date.
Consider your options for remaining in Australia.
Explore other visa options, such as the Skilled Independent visa or the Skilled Employer-Sponsored visa.
Make arrangements to depart Australia if you do not wish to apply for another visa.

If you are a temporary visa holder who is no longer eligible for a Pandemic Event visa, you should:

Check your visa expiry date.
Explore other visa options, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
Make arrangements to depart Australia if you do not wish to apply for another visa.