How is COVID-19 impacting your visa?

Currently, there are 2.17 million people in Australia on a temporary visa. Many of these visa holders were welcomed to Australia to fill skill shortages, study and work and holiday. However, as a result of the growing COVID-19 pandemic, the government has made a number of changes regarding temporary visas. Many of the changes made by the government were directed at securing the livelihood of Australians, supporting critical industries and assisting with the rapid recovery of the virus’ impacts on Australia.

As a temporary visa holder, you should be aware of these changes as it can drastically alter the direction of your life in the following months. Many of the changes differ depending on the type of visa you hold and the field that you work in. The Australian Government is urging temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves to return to their home country. 

We’ve outlined the new measures that have been implemented for major temporary visas. Please see below for your respective change.

Visitor visa holders

• International tourists are urged to return to their home country, especially those without support in Australia

International student visa holders

• Students are encouraged to rely on family support and secure part-time work where available.
• Students who have been in Australia for longer than 12 months and are experiencing financial hardship can access their Australian superannuation.
• The Australian Government will undertake further engagement with the international education sector.
• The Government will also be more flexible in cases where COVID-19 has prevented international students from meeting their visa conditions (e.g. being unable to attend classes).
• International students can now work up to 40 hours per fortnight.
• International students who work in aged care and as nurses have had their hours extended in order to support those critical sectors.
• International students who work in supermarkets have had their hours extended in order to help replenish stock levels during the period of high-demand. However, as of 1 May, these hours will return to the maximum of 40 hours per fortnight as more Australians are being recruited.

New Zealanders on 444 visas

• New Zealanders on 444 visas who arrived before 26 February 2001 have access to their welfare and JobKeeper payments.
• 444 visa holders who arrived after 2001 have access to their JobKeeper payment. Those living in Australia for 10 years or more have access to their JobKeeper payment for six months.
• All New Zealanders are urged to return to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through work, these provisions or other support in Australia.

Temporary skilled visas holders

• Temporary skilled visa holders who have been stood down but not laid off will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visa as usual.
• Businesses will be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without them being in breach of their visa conditions.
• Visa holders will be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.
• Visa holders who have been laid off due to COVID-19 should leave the country if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. This is in line with their existing visa conditions. If a 4-year visa holder is re-employed after the COVID-19 pandemic, then their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.

Working holiday visa holders supporting critical sectors

• Working holiday visa holders who are working in the health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing and childcare sectors will be exempt from the six month work limitation with one employer. They will also be eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa will expire in the next six months.
• Working holiday visa holders who cannot support themselves over the next six months should return home.

Temporary graduate visa holders

• Temporary graduate visa holders will be able to access their superannuation if needed for support. 

At Prominent Lawyers, we’d like to do our part to aid in this pandemic. Our team of lawyers can provide guidance and support in this tumultuous time. If you need immigration advice or help, get in touch with us on 1800 77 66 46.