Australian Temporary Visa Holders Frequently Asked Questions During COVID-19
The Australian Government has announced changes to the visa arrangements for temporary visa holders in Australia during COVID-19. The change is designed to protect the people of the Australian community health, protect Australians' jobs, support critical sectors and assist in the rapid recovery from the outbreak.
Visa holders in Australia should follow public health advice on COVID-19.
Holding Working Holiday Makers Visa During COVID-19
There have been major changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa holder who are in the field to support health, pension and disability care, agriculture and critical sectors such as food producing, childcare services, etc.
If you have a Working Holiday Maker Visa and work in one of these key areas, you will be exempt from working for the same employer for the six-month requirement. In addition, if the current visa expires within the next six months, you will be eligible to apply for a new visa to continue to work in these fields in Australia.
Seasonal Worker During COVID-19
Under the Seasonal Worker Program and the Pacific Labour Program Scheme), seasonal workers will be able to extend their stay in Australia and continue to support the Australian agricultural sector.
If you come to Australia through the Seasonal Labor Program, you will be able to apply for Temporary Activity visas (subclass 408). Workers coming to Australia under the Pacific Labour Scheme may apply for a new temporary work visa (subclass 403).
Visitor Visa Holders in Australia During COVID-19
If you are currently in Australia on a visitor visa and unable to make ends meet, arrangements should be made to return home if possible. If you cannot return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa and engage with the health system when necessary.
If you have a “No Further Stay” condition on your visa (including 8503, 8534 or 8535) and less than two months’ validity remaining, you can request a waiver of this condition to allow you to lodge a new visa application.
International Students on a Student Visa During COVID-19
International students are encouraged to live in Australia on the basis of family support, available part-time work and personal savings. In some cases, students will be able to access their personal Superannuation Fund.
The Australian Government will also have flexibility in measuring student visa conditions, considering the inability to meet visa conditions in the event of an epidemic.
The Government has temporarily relaxed the enforcement of the 40-hour work limitation for the following critical sectors:
International students who are existing workers in major supermarkets to help get stock on shelves due to high demand (implemented 7 March).
International students who are existing workers in the aged care sector are able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight (implemented on 18 March 2020).
Student visa holders who are enrolled in nursing can undertake work to help and support the health effort against COVID-19 as directed by health officials.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Holders During COVID-19
If the person holds a temporary skill shortage visa and has left the job but has not been dismissed, the original visa is valid, and the employer has an opportunity to renew the visa under normal arrangements. The Australian Government will also allow holders of such visas to access up to 10,000 Australian dollars of Superannuation Fund for subsistence purposes.
The employer may also reduce the working hours of such visa holders, provided that neither the employee nor the employer violates the conditions of the visa or obligations.
If you are now laid off or unemployed, you will need to find a new employer within 60 days or plan to leave Australia if possible.
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV) Holders During COVID-19
If you are a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and meet other eligibility requirements, you will be eligible for all welfare payments, including the Job Seeker and Job Keeper payments.
If you are not a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and you hold a TY444 visa, you will still be eligible for the Job Keeper payments through your employer.
Bridging Visa Holders During COVID-19
If your visa has expired or is about to expire, you should consider returning to your home country as quickly as possible. If you cannot depart Australia, you need to apply for a Bridging visa in order to regularise your visa status. You will be expected to depart Australia when travel restrictions are lifted.
If you have a pending substantive visa application or ongoing matters at Merits or Judicial Review, your Bridging visa will keep you lawfully in Australia until the decision has been finalized. If your Bridging visa specifies a validity date, and you are unable to depart Australia, you should apply for a further Bridging visa before it expires.
You might be allowed to work in Australia depending on the conditions of your Bridging visa. If your Bridging visa does not let you work or has restrictions on working, you can apply for another Bridging visa that lets you work.
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