On 04 April 2020, the Australia Government has made a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.

Changes are also geared toward enabling temporary visa holders to remain in key industries, such as health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing. 

Visa changes

The following new measures will apply to the major classes of temporary visa holders. The situation will be reviewed periodically and further changes made if required.

Visitor visa holders

International visitors in Australia, typically on a visa lasting 3 months or less, and they should return to their home country as quickly as possible, particularly those without family support.

International students

• Students are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work arrangements if available and their savings.
• Students who has been in Australia longer than 12 months and who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.
• There will be flexibility in cases where Covid-19 has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions such as not being able to attend classes.
• From 1 May, working hours for international students who had them extended to support major supermarkets, will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight.

New Zealanders on 444 visas

• Holders of Subclass 444 who arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment.
• Holders of Subclass 444 visa who arrived after 2001 have access to the JobKeeper payment but they do not have access to JobSeeker or other welfare payments.
• New Zealanders are encouraged to consider returning to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support.

Temporary Skilled visa holders

• Temporary Skilled visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and will have the opportunity to extend it as per normal arrangements. They could also have their hours reduced without the person being in breach of visa condition.
• These visa holders will also be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.
• Temporary Skilled visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus should leave the country in line with existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. However, should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the coronavirus pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.

Working holiday makers supporting critical sectors

• In particular, working holiday makers who are working in health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing, and childcare will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.
• Working holiday makers that do not have the confidence to sustain themselves over the next six months are encouraged to leave the country.

For more information regarding the changes of requirements, please get in touch with us with our migration team at info@australasiaeduconnect.com.au

Source: Coronavirus and Temporary Visa holders