408 VISA - COVID STREAM / CHANGES AND UPDATES
On 22 April 2020 important changes have been made to the online visa application form and a F.A.Q. released by the Department of Home Affairs to shed some light on the actual visa purpose. Very interestingly the Department has clarified that this visa subclass will be dedicated not only to those who can contribute with their skills to critical sectors to this COVID 19 crisis but also a last resort for those unable to give the same contribute and “simply” unable to depart Australia.
So, who can apply for the 408 visa - covid stream
1. Applicants in Australia
2. On a temporary visa expiring in 28 days or less OR expired by less than 28 days. Temporary visas include people on a bridging visa, but NOT people s48 barred (in short: people who had a visa cancelled or refused).
3. Unable to depart Australia
and, EITHER
4a. Working (or with offer of employment) in critical sectors (subject to review critical sectors today: agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare) or
4b. NOT WORKING or working in non critical sectors extend their current visa or apply for another temporary visa
It's important to understand that applying on 4a or 4b grounds can lead to different visa length and visa conditions.
People employed in critical sectors will obtain a visa of up to one year with full work rights. Also consider that they will be subject to condition 8107 = they must perform the declared activities and can't simply start doing another job or their visa could be subject to cancellation.
People applying with NO EMPLOYMENT (or employment offer) or with employment in non critical sectors can obtain a visa of up to 6 months* with - (apparently - not clear if there will be a specific condition or not) NO WORK rights.
There is no VISA application charge nor subsequent temporary application charge for this visa.
There are other requirements that apply to this visa, such as health insurance, health evidence, GTE, financial support, therefore the support of an immigration agent is highly recommended.
* The applicant will need to explain why they are unable to depart and the date they expect they will be able to leave Australia, therefore the visa expiry date could be the date declared by the applicant.