Subclass 408 Closed: Your Next Winning Visa Strategy

Look, if you are still holding a Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic visa, you need to pay attention. The visa closed to new applications on 1 February 2024. Your current visa will expire. And when it does, you need somewhere to go.

Here is what that means for you.

The 408 Visa Was Never Permanent

The Subclass 408 was a temporary fix. It let people stay and work in Australia when COVID disrupted travel and created skills shortages. It kept industries running. It kept families together.

But it was never meant to last. And now it is ending.

If you are still on this visa, you cannot renew it. You need to transition to something else before your expiry date hits.

For Employers: Check Your Staff Now

If you have workers on Subclass 408 visas, this is your problem too. They need valid work rights to stay employed. When their 408 expires, they become unlawful. That is a compliance issue for your business, not just for them.

I have seen employers scramble at the last minute when a key worker's visa is about to expire. Do not be that employer. Start planning their transition now. Talk to them about sponsorship options before it becomes urgent.

Your Transition Options

If you have skills and experience, there are pathways. Here are the most common ones:

• Subclass 482 (TSS Visa): Your employer sponsors you for a specific occupation. Requires an approved sponsor and a position on the occupation list.

• Subclass 494 (Regional Visa): Employer sponsorship in a designated regional area. Can lead to permanent residency after three years.

• General Skilled Migration: Points-tested visas like the Subclass 189 or 190. You need to meet points requirements and have your skills assessed. More on skilled visa pathways here.

Each pathway has different requirements. The right one depends on your occupation, your employer situation, and your long-term goals.

The Catch: Skills Assessments Take Time

Here is what catches people out. Some of these visas require a skills assessment before you can even apply. And skills assessments take months. Sometimes three months. Sometimes six.

If you wait until your 408 is about to expire, you will not have time. You will become unlawful while waiting for your assessment to come through. I have seen it happen. Do not let that be you.

Start now. Not later.

What Should You Do?

If you are on a 408 visa, do not wait for it to expire and hope something works out. Work out your options now. Get your skills assessment started if you need one. Talk to your employer about sponsorship if that is the pathway.

Not sure which option applies to you? Book a consultation and let us map out your transition before time runs out.