Closure of the Pandemic Event visa

The Australian Government has announced it is closing the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) – referred to as the Pandemic Event visa.

What this means

From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders. Pandemic Event visa holders will be able to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa after 2 September 2023 until the visa is fully closed in February 2024.

Applications for the Pandemic Event visa lodged before 2 September 2023, if granted, will be considered for a period of stay in Australia of up to 12 months (or 2 years for TGV holders).

If you are a Pandemic Event visa holder

• Your Pandemic Event visa will remain valid until it expires, or you are granted another visa.
• You may eligible to apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa of up to 6 months on or after 2 September 2023 until the visa is closed on 1 February 2024.
• A subsequent Pandemic Event visa application requires a Visa Application Charge (VAC) of AUD405.00 and a VAC for each family member included in the application.
• You can only apply for a subsequent Pandemic Event visa if, at time of application, you have 28 days or less remaining on your current Pandemic Event visa.
• From 1 February 2024, the Pandemic Event visa will be closed to all applicants.

For all other visa holders

If you hold any other type of visa, including a student, graduate or visitor visa, you are not able to apply for the Pandemic Event visa.  

Why the Pandemic Event visa is closing 

The Pandemic Event visa was introduced in April 2020 to allow temporary migrants, including international students, to stay in Australia while COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place. Now Australia’s borders are open, the Pandemic Event visa is no longer required. The announcement allows current Pandemic Event visa holders time to make plans for the end of their current visa.

More information and support

You should ensure that you have a valid visa if you want to stay in Australia. Becoming unlawful may impact your ability to visit Australia in the future.

You can use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to check your visa details. If you are worried because your visa is about to expire, or has expired, contact the Department’s Status Resolution Service for help, as soon as possible. You can contact them online or by phoning 131 881 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

For more information about the Pandemic Event visa visit The Department of Home Affairs website.