Update from the Minister for Home Affairs.
Joint media release with the Hon Andrew Giles MP:
The Albanese Labor Government is closing the Pandemic Event visa.
From February 2024, the visa will be closed to all applicants. This will provide certainty to our visa system now that the circumstances that drove the operation of the visa no longer exist.
From 2 September 2023, the Pandemic Event visa will only be open to applications from existing Pandemic Event visa holders.
All other visa holders will be ineligible for the Pandemic Event visa. This is a transitional measure to promote visa integrity.
From 2 September 2023, new applications will receive a six month visa. A Visa Application Charge of $405 AUD will also be introduced.
These settings will further ensure that the visa is only used by those who have a genuine need to remain and contribute to Australia.
