It’s Official! Pandemic Visa 408 Closes in February 2024 for New Applications
Last August 2023, the Australian Government announced the closure of Pandemic Visa 408 will be in February 2024.
The Pandemic Visa 408 has been a great response to the onshore visa holders who were trapped in the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.
Considering the country’s situation is a lot better and there is no COVID-19 urgency, the Australian Government decided to officially close the COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa (subclass 408) in February 2024.
Get the details below.
What Happened Between Now Until February 2024 with Your Covid Pandemic Visa?
Your Covid Pandemic Visa will remain active until the expiration date. While your visa is still active, you may explore your options to extend your stay or leave Australia.
The purpose of closing the visa program is to give certainty to the visa system considering that the operation or urgency for the Covid Pandemic Visa no longer exists.
Once we reach February 2024 and you plan to extend your stay, you must make sure that you have already lodged a new application for other visa subclasses. If you fail to lodge a new application, you will be considered as overstaying your visa.
Is Pandemic Visa Extension Still Possible?
Yes, it is still possible.
Starting from 2 September 2023, the application for Pandemic Visa 408 opens only for the existing holders who wish to extend their stay.
However, in February 2024, either an extension or a new application will be closed.
Other than that, you will get only a 6 months extension for your Pandemic Visa 408 and the application charge of AUD 405 will apply.
What Should You Do During This Period?
The most important thing you should do is to find your visa option. It is published that an extension application still opens from 2 September 2023, but considering the extension validity is only for 6 months, at the end of the day, you are still required to consider other visa subclasses.
