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Covid19 - subclass 408 Visa (AGEE Stream)

What is Tempory Activity Visa (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream?

  • The new subclass 408 visa Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream was recently introduced in response to COVID-19 pandemic. This provides a pathway to temporary visa holders, who are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19, to lawfully remain in Australia and continue working, if they wish to do so, until it is safe and practicable for you to return to their home country.
  • Working Holiday Makers who are employed  in Critical Sectors who haven’t completed the 3 or 6 months of specified work required to apply for a second or third Working Holiday Maker visa, can now apply apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
  • Seasonal Worker Program participants with a visa expiring, will also be able to extend their stay in Australia by applying for a COVID-19 pandemic Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).

 

What are the qualifications  for the new subclass 408 (AGEE stream) visa?

In order to be eligible for the Subclass 408 -COVID 19 Pandemic Visa the applicant must:

  • Be in Australia; and
  • Currently hold a temporary visa that is 28 days or less remaining on their current visa or where their last temporary visa has expired less than 28 days ago.
  • Demonstrate that they are unable to apply for the same temporary visa that they hold or held or any other subclass of temporary visa other than the Subclass 408 visa; or
  • Have evidence from their employer that they have ongoing work in a critical sector and that an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position.
  • Meet the usual eligibility criteria for a 408 Visa application (financial support & health insurance).

Visa Cost:

There is no Visa Application Charge for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa and no subsequent temporary application charge.

Visa Duration:

The validity period on the visa will vary depending on the individual circumstances following these general principles: 

  • Applicants who have been on the Seasonal Worker Program or Working Holiday Maker program and are working in critical sectors will be granted a visa for up to 12 months.
  • Applicants working in critical sectors will be granted a visa for up to 12 months.
  • All other applicants will be granted a visa for up to six months with the validity period dependant on the individual circumstances such as when they may be able to return home.

How to apply?

Application can be lodged online. Applicants must be located onshore at the time of application lodgement.

I am temporary visa holder with No Further Stay condition. Can I apply for 408 visa under COVID-19 stream?

  • If you hold a subclass 403 visa in the Seasonal Worker Programme stream, during the COVID-19 period, the condition 8503 (No Further Stay) attached to your visa will be automatically waived to allow you to apply for the COVID-19 AGEE stream of the subclass 408. You will not need to apply for a waiver of condition 8503.
  • If you hold any other temporary visa with condition 8503, 8534 or 8535 and cannot depart Australia as planned, you cannot apply for most other visas in Australia unless the condition is waived. You can request to waive this condition if your visa will expire in less than 28 days. If your request is approved, you should make a new visa application before your current visa expires.

 

Should you require assistance on your visa matter, contact us at 03 99997964.

Source:  Department of Home Affairs