Tourism and hospitality has been added to the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care and child care for eligibility for the Subclass 409 COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa. Temporary visa holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sector are now able to access this SC 408 stream for a period of 12 months.
Temporary visa holders working in, or intending to work in, tourism and hospitality will be able to apply for the SC 408 COVID-19 Visa up to 90 days before their existing visa expires and then remain in Australia for up to 12 additional months.
Student visa work rights
The previous 40 hour fortnightly limit applied during study periods will not be enforced for student visa holders who are working in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Department is taking a flexible approach to students working beyond the usual work limitations in the following industries:
- employed in the health sector, enrolled in a health related course (such as nursing or medicine) and are directed by a health official to assist in the effort against COVID‑19
- employed in aged care by an Approved Provider or Commonwealth-funded aged care service provider before 8 September 2020
- employed by a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider before 23 April 2020
- employed in the agriculture sector
- employed in the tourism and hospitality sector
Initial Entry / First Entry dates – Permanent resident visas
Visa holders unable to travel to Australia by the initial or first entry date of their visas, may still be able to enter Australia at a later date if:
- the visa remains valid
- and all requirements and visa conditions continue to be met
When able to travel, the visa holder should notify the Department by requesting a travel facilitation letter be issued.
This travel facilitation letter is required to be presented at the departure port and on arrival in Australia.