Australia Ends Subclass 408 Visa for International Students and Workers

In a significant policy shift, the Australian government has announced its decision to halt the issuance of Pandemic Event visas, specifically Subclass 408, effective from February 2024.

This decision is expected to impact a substantial number of international students and temporary workers who have been relying on this visa as a means to extend their stay in the country.

The Role of Subclass 408 during the Pandemic

The Subclass 408 visa was introduced during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to address labor shortages and provide support to international students who found themselves unable to leave Australia due to travel restrictions.

This visa extension allowed students to reside in the country for an additional 12 months beyond the expiration of their original visas, along with the flexibility of multiple entries into and exits from Australia.

Closure of the Visa

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles jointly announced the impending closure of the Subclass 408 visa.

Minister O’Neil stated, “From February 2024, the visa will be closed to all applicants. This will provide certainty to our visa system now that the circumstances that drove the operation of the visa no longer exist.”

Must Read: Australia Tightens Visa Requirements for International Students

Transitional Measures

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain visa integrity, the Australian government has put in place transitional measures. As of September 2, 2023, Pandemic Event visa applications will only be accepted from individuals who are currently holding this visa.

New applicants will receive a six-month visa, and a fee of AUD405 will be introduced to deter misuse and ensure that the visa is utilized only by those with a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.

Impact on Existing Visa Holders

Under the new regulations, individuals with a valid Pandemic Event visa will retain their lawful status until the visa’s expiry. However, those unable to secure an alternative visa option are expected to leave Australia when their current visa expires.

Also Read: Australia Visa Processing Time in 2023: A Complete Guide

Expert Opinions and Recent Changes

The decision to discontinue the Subclass 408 visa follows the Australian government’s recent termination of several COVID-era measures, including unlimited work hours for international students and work exemptions for Working Holiday visa holders.

Immigration and education experts had argued for the immediate abolition of this visa, citing concerns of misuse, particularly regarding unlimited work opportunities for a year.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, nearly 60,000 international students and temporary workers utilized the Pandemic Event visa to extend their stay in Australia, even after the pandemic subsided. A total of 65,859 pandemic visas were issued from June 2022 to March 2023.

Additionally, the Australian government has taken steps to close a visa loophole that allowed international students to enrol in cheaper vocational courses upon their arrival in the country.

The “concurrent study” rule, initially intended to enhance job readiness through short-term courses, was exploited by some students who abandoned their university programs for more affordable options.

These policy changes reflect the Australian government’s efforts to streamline its immigration and visa system while addressing concerns of misuse and ensuring the integrity of its student and temporary worker programs.

From July 2022 to May 2023, a total of 92,872 Australian student visas were issued to Indian nationals.