The reopening of Australia’s visa program
/The first quarter of 2022 has seen major shifts in the Australian government’s approach to living with COVID-19 and its policies in regards to opening up the visa and immigration program.
This article summarises the key policy changes that will lead to more opportunities for skilled workers, travellers, visitors and family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents to remain in or make their way to Australia.
COVID-19 pandemic event visa changes
A shortage of workers in various industries has prompted the Federal Government to expand the Subclass 408 COVID-19 pandemic event visa to allow anyone who has work rights on their existing visa to extend their stay in Australia for at least a further 6 months. To be eligible, applicants must already be employed, or have a job offer for any type of work in any industry or sector. They must also have a current visa with work rights that is about to expire within 90 days.
This is exciting news for those who have visas that are about to expire but wish to remain here and continue contributing to the reopening of the Australian economy.
Borders reopened for fully vaccinated
On 21 February 2022, Australia’s international borders were fully reopened for all fully vaccinated travellers and visitors who hold a valid visa. Applying for a travel exemption to enter Australia is no longer required for this cohort of people.
Travel exemptions are still required for travellers who are not fully vaccinated and are subject to state or territory government quarantine arrangements. All travellers must complete the Digital Passenger Declaration and submit it within 72 hours of their flight to Australia. From 18 April, pre-departure COVID-19 tests will not be required for those travelling to Australia.
Welcoming back tourists and working holiday makers
The reopening of Australia’s international borders also means that fully vaccinated tourists and working holiday makers are able to travel to Australia for the first time in almost two years. The Federal Government encourages those looking to visit Australia to apply for a visitor visa or working holiday maker visa to help bring the tourism industry back to life. It is also an opportunity for people to reunite with their Australian family members and friends, especially those who have not seen each other for the past two years. This is welcome news to many who have endured such an agonising period of separation from their loved ones.
Concessions are still in place for those who held valid visitor or working holiday maker visas during the past two years and were affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Interested in extending your stay in Australia to continue working?
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Permanent residence pathway for sponsored workers in the short-term stream
A much needed policy change to keep skilled workers in Australia has been announced. From 1 July 2022, those holding a Subclass 457 or 482 TSS visa in a short-term stream occupation may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 186 ENS visa in the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Certain eligibility requirements need to be met including being present for at least one year in Australia between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021. The requirements for Subclass 186 TRT stream will still need to be met by the employer and the applicant.
This is a significant concession aimed at addressing the impact of the pandemic on businesses and industries. It is hoped that enabling a permanent residence pathway for short term stream Subclass 457 and 482 visa holders will help drive Australia’s economic recovery. This is also a welcome relief for many visa holders who will now realise their dream of permanently calling Australia home.
Visa options for Ukrainian citizens
The Federal Government has been quick to put in place various visa options for Ukrainian citizens who are fleeing the war in Ukraine or who are unable to return home. Ukrainians who are currently in Australia on a temporary visa, can apply for a Temporary Humanitarian visa (Subclass 786). This visa will be valid for three years and allow people to access Medicare, certain support services and education for school-aged children.
Ukrainian citizens who have relatives in Australia are encouraged to apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) and provide details of their Australian relatives. Those who do not have relatives in Australia may consider applying for other visas relevant to their circumstances. Ukrainian citizens who are already in Australia and have a visa expiring before 30 June 2022 will be contacted by the Department of Home Affairs to provide automatic 6 month extensions to their visas.
Take part in Australia’s reopening
If you would like to see where you fit in the reopening of Australia’s visa and immigration program, you can book a consultation with us. We can assess whether there are options for you to remain in Australia temporarily or permanently, whether you can continue to work or if you are able to come here for a much needed visit.
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See where you fit in Australia’s visa and immigration program
About Peter Chang
Peter Chang is a registered migration agent based in the Western Sydney hub of Parramatta, Australia. He is the co-founder of Titan Migration, a consultancy specialising in providing Australian immigration advice and visa assistance services.
