COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the Australian border
From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.
Visa holders in Australia
You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a decision is made on your visa application. See what you need to do to stay longer.
No further stay condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535)
This means you can’t apply for most other visas until you leave Australia. If your visa has less than 2 months validity remaining you can request to waive this condition.
Condition 8558 (Non-resident cannot stay for more than 12 months in any 18 months period)
You will need to apply for a new visa that suits your new needs.
If your visa has expired, you need to apply for Bridging E visa (BVE) immediately in order to become lawful. A BVE keeps you lawful while you make arrangements to leave or finalise your immigration matter.
Complying with visa conditions
Can’t enter before required entry date
For temporary visa holders, you will need to apply for a new visa once the travel restrictions are lifted. Permanent visa holders should contact the departmental office which granted their visa, but only when they are able to travel.
Can’t provide additional information due to office closure (Health or Police clearances, Biometrics, English Language Testing)
You will be given additional time to complete checks and provide requested information.
Can’t return to Australia before my visa expires and want to return
You will need to apply for a new visa once the travel restrictions are lifted.
Can’t return to Australia in time for my new visa which requires me to be in Australia at time of application or grant
You will need to apply for a new visa once the travel restrictions are lifted.
Can’t complete Australian Study Requirement or periods of stay under the regional initiatives for Temporary graduate visa holders
We are looking at possible concessions on a case-by-case basis.
If you are thinking to extend visa in Australia in order to stay longer, we can happy with your new visa application.
Paul migrated to Australia in 1999 as an international student. After completing his IT degree at the Queensland University of Technology in 2003, he began his career as an education consultant, going on to become a registered migration agent in 2007. His professional experience covers a range of visa areas, including business sponsorship, skilled migration, partner, parent and student visas.