The federal government announced the closure of the COVID-19 pandemic visa, effective 2 September 2023.

The announcement came only two days before the closure, giving people very little time to react. This was likely done to avoid a huge influx of applicants.

In a recent media statement, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil confirmed that:

• From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa (Subclass 408) will be closed to all new applicants.
  
  
• After 2 September 2023, existing Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent visa until it is fully closed in February 2024.
  
  
• From February 2024, the visa will be closed to all applicants.
  

If you were planning to apply for a Subclass 408 visa (and do NOT currently hold an existing pandemic event visa), you will need to consider alternative options for staying in Australia.

Why is the Subclass 408 visa being closed?

The pandemic event visa was introduced in 2020 to support international students trapped in Australia during the pandemic, and to fill urgent labour shortages due to international border closures. Now that the circumstances that led to the operation of the visa no longer exist, the government is phasing it out to ensure only those who have a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia do.

This closure coincides with recent moves to roll back other pandemic measures, including reintroducing a cap on the number of hours international students can work, and ending work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders.

What if I currently hold a Subclass 408 visa?

Existing visa holders will remain lawful until their current visa expires, with the ability to extend it for another six months at a cost of $405.

But from February 2024, the visa will be closed to ALL applicants as it will be completely scrapped.

Those who currently hold a Pandemic Event visa and seek to apply for a different visa will need to meet the criteria for that visa. Those not eligible for another visa will have to leave Australia.