Migration Minister Alex Hawke today announced further COVID-19 relief measures for affected temporary visa holders, including Subclass 489, 491, 494 and 485, during a media interview.
Subclass 489/491/494 holders affected by COVID-19 may receive a 3-year extension
Holders of Subclass 489, 491 and 494 visas who have been affected by COVID-19 border restrictions will receive a 3-year visa extension, benefiting approximately 10,000 visa holders.
No further clarification has been provided on what constitutes being ‘affected by COVID-19 border restrictions’,and we are awaiting further details on both the criteria and the relevant timeframes,though it is most likely to apply to visa holders who have been stranded overseas — entirely or for the majority of the time — due to COVID-19, effectively losing their visa validity.
The Minister also noted thatthis is intended to compensate current and former visa holders by giving them more time to meet the requirements for transitioning to permanent residency (PR),and it is expected that those awaiting visa grants or those who have spent the majority of their time onshore will not be included.
Of course, we are awaiting the finer details of the policy.
Further relief for Subclass 485 Graduate Work visa holders — entry possible as early as next month
Those whose Subclass 485 is about to expire or has already expired while offshore will be able to enter Australia from 18 February 2022 — as early as next month — and then subsequently apply for a 485 extension.
The basic eligibility criteria are:Between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021, any period spent outside Australia while holding or having held a Subclass 485 visa is sufficient. The Department of Home Affairs will automatically email an extended visa on 18 February, allowing holders to return to Australia first and then apply for a new visa extension (the previously mentioned 485 replacement visa).Keep a close eye on your inbox, and if your Subclass 485 was lodged through an agent, ask your agent to monitor this on your behalf as well.
In essence, this is in response to community calls — a temporary bridging arrangement or an extension for those with an existing valid visa — with the ultimate aim of enabling people to enter Australia first and then renew their Subclass 485 after 1 July.
If you’d like to discuss the Subclass 485 extension policy
or learn about the requirements for transitioning from Subclass 491/489 to PR,
please add the customer service contact for your region
We hope everyone can return safely to Australia soon!
We have also set upa support group for Subclass 485 returnees and Subclass 489/491 holders, those who are interested can add the customer service contact below and note:485 or Regional, to be added to the corresponding group
Sydney
Melbourne
Canberra
Brisbane
Adelaide
Hobart
Beijing
Guangzhou
A group for timely updates on returning to Australia has also been established
Those who wish to join
can add the customer service contact and note: Return to Australia
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