Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Update: 30 April 2020
This visa stream is being used by the Department of Home Affairs to manage the exceptional circumstances that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic event. This is a temporary measure and will be reviewed by the Department on an ongoing basis.
Who can apply under this Covid-19 Pandemic stream?
Temporary visa holders in Australia:
- with 28 days or less remaining on their current visa or where their last temporary visa expired less than 28 days ago
- unable to apply for the same temporary visa they hold or any other temporary visa
- unable to depart Australia due to Covid-19 or have evidence that they have ongoing work in a critical sector and that an Australian permanent resident or citizen cannot fill that position.
What’s a critical sector?
Critical sectors currently include sectors such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare. As the Government continues to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 this may be updated to reflect which sectors in the Australian economy are critical.
Do you have to provide evidence of employment?
If you are applying for the visa to work or continue working in a critical sector (such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care or childcare) you must provide evidence of your ongoing employment, which:
- confirms the dates of your employment
- confirms which critical sector (such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care or childcare) you are working in and
- provide evidence that an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position.
Evidence could include payslips, a contract and/or a letter from your employer.
What if you do not have work in a critical sector?
Other temporary visa holders may apply only if there is no other visa option and it is not possible to leave Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia until it is safe and practical for you to return to your home country. You must attach a statement that explains why you cannot apply for another type of visa, why you are not able to depart Australia before your current visa expires, and what actions you are taking to try to arrange your departure as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and/or flight availability resumes.
Will you have work rights?
Department of Home Affairs has advised that people who are working in critical sectors will be given permission to work on their COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. All other people holding this visa will not have permission to work.
How long is this visa valid for?
If you are employed in a critical sector such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare you may be granted a visa that allows you to stay for up to 12 months.
If you have been in Australia under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme and are continuing your work in agriculture or another critical sector you may be granted a visa allowing you to stay for up to 12 months.
If you are not working in a critical sector, you may be granted a visa that allows you to stay for up to six months to ensure you remain lawful while you are unable to travel home from Australia.
How much does this visa cost?
There is no Visa Application Charge for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa and no subsequent temporary application charge.
If you want to check your eligibility to apply for this visa contact us on 1300 98 70 71 or Skilled.Migration.Service@ames.net.au to speak with a Registered Migration Agent.