Final closure of the Pandemic Event visa
The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) visa closed to new applicants from 1 February 2024.
The Australian Government introduced the Pandemic Event visa in April 2020 to allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. It also addressed labour shortages in critical sectors in the local economy.
Now that Australia’s borders are open and temporary visa holder numbers in Australia have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required.
Closure of the Pandemic Event visa will contribute to a well-managed migration system. It will support better regulated visa pathways and normalise the flow of temporary migrants in and out of Australia.
Next steps for visa holders
Visa holders should ensure they remain lawful if they wish to stay in Australia. Becoming unlawful may effect their ability to visit Australia in the future.
We encourage visa holders to use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to check their visa conditions and visa validity. Individuals who remain in Australia without a valid visa risk being detained and removed. They may also incur a debt to the Australian Government for the cost of their removal.
Next steps for visa applicants
The Department will continue to process all visa applications received before 1 February 2024.
Learn more about the next steps for visa applicants and holders on the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa page.
We encourage individuals who are concerned because their visa is about to expire or has expired to contact the Department’s Status Resolution Service as soon as practicable. You can do this either online at Status Resolution Service or phone 131 881 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm).
There are rules about who can help you with immigration assistance. Make sure the person who is helping you is a: