Study in Australia: Federal Government is Reviewing End Date for ‘COVID Visa’ for Overseas Students 

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Study in Australia: Federal Government is Reviewing End Date for ‘COVID Visa’ for Overseas Students 
Study in Australia: Federal Government is Reviewing End Date for ‘COVID Visa’ for Overseas Students 
Australia is considering ending the Subclass 408 Visa, forcing workers to opt for other revenue to stay in the country, as stated by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). 

The end date for Subclass 408 Visa is being reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs. Workers in Australia have to find other revenues to fix their stay in the country. Student visa holders will be conditioned to 48 hours of work per fortnight, starting from July 1. The visa was a gateway for the people stuck in Australia due to border closure during COVID. 

The Subclass 408 Visa was a measure taken by the federal government. In order to help the country to recover from the economic downfall during the pandemic. The individual will have to find a different visa. If they are employed or have an offer of employment in Australia. 

As stated by the DHA, temporary visa holders in Australia and student visa holders are eligible for the Subclass 408 Visa. However, current visa holders must have work rights that expire within 90 days or expire within 28 days at the time of application. 

Subclass 408 Visa

The potential date for the closure of Subclass 408 Visa was still unclear, stated by migration expert, Suman Dua. Although, it was introduced for individuals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To know more about Restrictions for PR in Australia, check this out: Australia lifts restrictions for PR.

Moreover, the temporary activity Visa allowed individuals to remain in the country for additional 12 months. If their visa expired or they were working or intended to work in Australia. This was a less restrictive policy helping people to work in Australia and contribute to their economy during the pandemic. 

The visa news was announced at a time when a working cap of 48 hours per fortnight is being imposed on international students from July 1. On May 9, the federal government presented the 2023 Budget which confirmed the working hour cap for student visa holders apart from migration-related reforms. However, the cap will not apply to international students employed in aged care until December 31. 

For more exciting news updates, make sure you contact Leverage Edu. 

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