Everything you need to know about the Subclass 408, COVID-19 visa (Updated)

Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and with an aim to sure up critical sectors relying on temporary workers, the Australian government has introduced a Subclass 408, COVID-19 visa. Under the guidance, temporary visa holders will be able to remain in Australia.

Temporary visa holders with work rights will be able to access the COVID-19 Pandemic Event (Subclass 408) visa incurring no Visa Application Charge for a period of 6 or 12 months if they work in any sector of the Australian economy.

Removing sector limitation for eligibility for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa will provide further support to Australian businesses and a means to retain temporary migrants who are working, or are able to work in a range of sectors across the economy. These settings are subject to ongoing review.

Which are the Critical Sectors?

The Australian government has listed 7 industries that are critical to the COVID-19 response:

1. agriculture
2. food processing
3. health care
4. aged care
5. disability care
6. childcare
7. hospitality and tourism (added 10 May 2021).

What would be the visa duration if I am not working in a critical sector?

6 months if working or intending to work in  any other sector. 

Who is eligible for the Subclass 408, COVID-19 visa?

Any temporary visa holder (Student visa, Working Holiday visa, Graduate visa) who intend to work in or are working in either one of the above listed Critical Sectors.

Is it really true that Hospitality and tourism has been added to the critical sectors?

The Hon Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Aff​airs made an official announcement on Saturday, 10th May 2021.

This effectively means that anyone working in the hospitality industry in a back of house role as a chef, cook, kitchen hand and/or dishwasher is eligible. In addition, anyone in a front of house role as a restaurant manager, bar person, barista, waiter or even a runner will be eligible for this visa.

When should I apply?

If you are employed or have an employment offer in one of the Critical Sectors, clearly you can make an application within 90 days of your current temporary substantive visa expiry date.

How long will it be valid for?

If you work in a Critical Sector and you have evidence from an employer or an offer of employment, this visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to 12 months.

Do I get full work rights?

The short answer is that you will get full work rights, whether if you are working in a Critical Sector or not.

Will there be any conditions attached to my visa?

408 visas are usually accompanied by the 8107 Work Limitation clause. As a result, this means as a holder of this visa you must only work for a specific employer that will be listed on your grant notice.

What happens if I need to change employers?

Even though your visa will be imposed with condition 8107, it is still possible to change employers, although, you will have to email the department a Form 1022 with the details of your new employer.

How much does it cost?

There is no visa application charge for this visa, not does any subsequent temporary charge apply.

Can I include Family members?

You can include members of your family who are in Australia with you in your application when you apply.

Can I still work full-time if I have a student visa or extend my student visa?

Student visa holders employed in hospitality and tourism have had restrictions on their working hours removed. The previous 40-hour fortnightly limit applied during study periods are no longer enforced for student visa holders who are working in the tourism and hospitality industry.

This is a new flexible approach to students working beyond the usual work limitations and applies to student visa holders working in the following industries:

• Health sector: enrolled in a health-related course (such as nursing or medicine) and are directed by a health official to assist in the effort against COVID19
• Aged-care
• Child-care
• Disability-care, employed by NDIS
• Agriculture sector
• Tourism and hospitality sector

How can Questra help?

At Questra throughout the global pandemic, we have successfully lodged numerous Covid visas for the existing critical sector industries like Aged-care, Disability-care and Child-care.

We understand that the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa Subclass 408 application process can be stressful for everyone involved. At Questra we can assist you from the beginning, for this reason we are offering our covid-19 visa eligibility service, 25 min consultation conducted via zoom, valued per A$50.