On 31/08/2023, the Department announced the closure of the COVID visa (subclass 408).
The Department of Home Affairs has finally announced they will be closing the subclass 408 visa.
What are the key dates?
We have summarised the key dates surrounding the closure of COVID visa:
Cohort | Close date | Visa Grant period & Key Changes |
If you do not already hold a subclass 408 covid visa: | before 02 September 2023 | 12 months |
If you hold a subclass 408 covid visa | before February 2024 |
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If you already hold the covid visa, this will remain in effect until it expires. You can confirm the expiry date on your visa grant letter.
These changes, along with the Pandemic Event visa closure, will help balance the number of people coming in and leaving Australia after the pandemic.
Given this announcement, if your visa expires soon and you were planning to lodge your first subclass 408 visa in the next 3 months, please contact us immediately. it is possible to preserve current laws before the changes take effect if the application is lodged before 02 February 2023.
In this dynamic landscape, our law firm remains committed to guiding you through the immigration process, ensuring you’re well-informed and empowered to make the right choices. Reach out to us for expert advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
You can book a consultation with a lawyer who specialises in immigration law to find out your best course of action.
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by one of our Partner Lawyers and the Head of Immigration. It aims to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 31/08/2023
