What should I do if my visa is expiring during this pandemic?

Individuals on temporary Visas in Australia, such as study Visas, face an uncertain future if their Visa is about to expire.

Is is essential to obtain professional advice if you Visa is about to expire while you are sill in the country. We understand that simply returning to your home country is not always an option during Corona Virus Lockdown. But there maybe an option to apply for another Visa to keep you legally in Australia for the short term future.

If the Visa has already expired you must apply for a Bridging Visa (BVE) if you are to legally remain in the country. You need to do this even is you are already making arrangements to leave.

You should apply for the BVE bridging Visa within 28 days of you previous Visa expiring.

If the 28 day period has already expired then you need immediate legal advice from the Status Resolution Service (SRS).

The Department of Home affairs realizes that overseas travel is presently difficult to obtain, and often quite costly. A few options for individuals presently stuck in Australia are presented.

Some subclass 408 Visa (temporary Visa) allow you to either remain in Australia if you are unable to depart, and to transfer your work to critical areas, such as agriculture and aged care, whilst remaining in the country.

You can remain in your present occupation if it is in a critical area, and if the position cannot be filled by an Australian Citizen or permanent resident.

Visa holders are expected to maintain adequate health insurance during their stay in Australia.

Our Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Corona Virus lockdown affects many Visa holders. Talk to an immigration Lawyer about your options, extending your stay, or changing you Visa.

You need to find a good immigration lawyer

It has not been easy to immigrate to Australia in the last few years. About 70% of the individuals initially try either give up or are not accepted.

One disadvantage of initially not being accepted for immigration is the time you must wait before reapplying. During the waiting period the VISA rules may change, a previously approved occupation may no longer be favoured, or you may become to old to apply for some VISAs. So there is more at stake than just time, you may have less chance on a second application.

There is no guaranteed way to enter the country. The country of Australia must want you and your skills. But if you have a useful skill set and reasonable case there are ways to increase your chances.

Many VISA sub-classes close after you reach the age of 45. You either need to apply before this if you are looking at skilled migration. Or you might consider study VISAs or Australian Investor VISAs.
Being the partner of an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident is one method of gaining entry.
A former resident of Australia can often get back in on a resident return VISA. But act quickly.

Any work VISA will require an skills assessment. It is misleading to think that this skills assessment is straightforward. But it is a long and technical process, requiring either thorough knowledge of the written guideline or advice from an immigration lawyer. The Skills assessment authorities give no personal advice, they only direct you to the general written advice.

After a skills assessment you will need to complete an expression of interest. this presents you and your skill to the federal and state/territory governments, where you are assessed against other similar applicants.

A VISA will also require police and medical checks.

Our Immigration Lawyer Can Help

An immigration expert greatly increases the chance of legal entry into the country. And it makes the process less confusing. Take you case to the immigration experts.