The purpose of this visa is to provide a pathway for certain former and current
holders of temporary visas who are unable to leave Australia due to the COVID-19 to remain lawful in Australia.
At the same time that it responds to workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to critical sectors including agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and child care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visa Application: nil
Work rights: Only 408 visa holders who are engaged to work in areas relating to supply of essential goods and services related to COVID-19 are entitled to work.
Here are the requirements for the category of people this visa relates to:
Last resort:
In Australia; and
Unable to depart Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Hold a visa that is about to expire (within 28 days) or has recently expired (less than 28 days); and
Unable to make a valid application, or meet the criteria for the current or previous visa held or any other a substantive temporary visa other than a Subclass 408 visa.
Working in Critical Sectors:
In addition to satisfying the criteria above, your application must be accompanied by evidence from your employer of ongoing work in a critical sector and that an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position for you to be entitled to work on the 408 visa.
Critical sectors include agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare.
This visa also caters for Working holiday makers and Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders working in critical sectors who are not eligible for any other visa and are unable to return home.
Aged-care worker:
In Australia; and
Unable to depart Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
Has an offer of employment from an approved provider or a service provider of a Commonwealth‑funded aged care service to undertake work in the aged care sector; and
Holds a temporary visa with no work rights in Australia; or held a visa that has recently expired (less than 28 days).
Want to know if you are eligible? Get in touch: visas@jouneymigration.com
