My Visa is expiring during Lockdown, What should I do?

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.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No individual should take, or refrain from taking, any action solely based on the material contained in this article. While we aim to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on the date of receipt or in the future. If you require more information or seek relevant legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our office.