Australian Government Discontinues 408 Visa for International Students

Recently, the Minister for Immigration of Australia, Andrew Giles, announced the phase-out of the Pandemic Event Visa, also known as the 408 visa. The 408 pandemic visa was introduced in April 2020 to enable temporary visa holders to remain in Australia lawfully while the border was closed. The renewable pandemic event visa allowed international students to work in any sector of the economy and supported them when they were stranded in Australia during the pandemic. 

In 2021, when Australia’s borders were closed, only 3,000 students held the Pandemic event visa. However, in 2022, when borders reopened, over 17,000 students were granted this visa.

As of September 2, 2023, immigration officials are no longer accepting new applications for the pandemic event visa, except for students seeking to renew existing visas. Students renewing their 408 visas will only receive a 6-month extension and must pay an application fee of AU$405. As per the recent 408 visa news, the pandemic event visa route will be permanently closed to all students. 

“From February 2024, the pandemic event visa will be closed to all applicants. This will provide certainty to our visa system now that the circumstances that drove the operation of the visa no longer exist,” Clare O’Neil, Home Affairs Minister, and Andrew Giles, Immigration Minister, jointly announced on Thursday, 31st August. Addressing this 408 visa news, the Australian government mentions that these changes will ensure the visa is only used by people who genuinely need to stay in the country.

The termination of the 408 visa is part of the government’s efforts to reduce net migration. This step will alleviate pressure on housing and job markets. Alongside ending the pandemic event visa, the Australian government has raised the funds required for international students to be eligible for a visa by 17%, now set at AU$24,505. This increase is intended to ensure students can financially support their studies without overlooking or engaging in exploitative employment.

As of July 2023, nearly 655,000 people held temporary student visas in Australia, marking a 15% increase over the previous month and an all-time high. This influx of students has injected substantial funds into the Australian economy.