Seasons Greetings to all our Visa Newsletter readers. Wishing you a relaxing and joyous Christmas and New Year break.  

 

TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS

As the COVID pandemic continues to evolve, the situation regarding travel exemptions, is also undergoing changes. The Departmental position regarding travel exemptions for certain visas, and Bridging visas has been further clarified. The Department has updated the list of visas that are eligible for waiver of the requirement to have an approved travel exemption for entry into Australia from 15 December 2021.

Please remember that only holders of these visas are eligible for this waiver. Applicants holding Bridging Visa ‘B’s for the listed visas are not included in this list and must apply for a travel exemption to return to Australia if they depart as the holder of that bridging visa. The Department’s website provides this update on BVBs:

… To be considered an eligible visa holder you must hold one of the following visas. If you have applied for the visa but it has not yet been granted, you are not an eligible visa holder…

The list of visas that are eligible for the waiver include the following: The Department has advised that this list could be added to over time. Please note that the requirement to be fully vaccinated prior to travel has not changed.

 

Subclass visa category

Visa Name

Subclass 163

State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa

Subclass 173

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa

Subclass 200

Refugee visa

Subclass 201

In-country Special Humanitarian visa

Subclass 202

Global Special Humanitarian visa

Subclass 203

Emergency Rescue visa

Subclass 204

Woman at Risk visa

Subclass 300

Prospective Marriage visa

Subclass 400

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa

Subclass 402

Training and Research visa

Subclass 403

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (other streams, including Australian Agriculture Visa stream)

Subclass 405

Investor Retirement visa

Subclass 407

Training visa

Subclass 408

Temporary Activity visa

Subclass 410

Retirement visa

Subclass 417

Working Holiday visa

Subclass 449

Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa

Subclass 457

Temporary Work (Skilled) visa

Subclass 461

New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa

Subclass 462

Work and Holiday visa

Subclass 476

Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa

Subclass 482

Temporary Skill Shortage visa

Subclass 485

Temporary Graduate visa

Subclass 487

Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa

Subclass 489

Skilled – Regional (Provisional) visa

Subclass 491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

Subclass 494

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

Subclass 500

Student visa

Subclass 560

Student Temporary Visa

Subclass 571

Student Schools Sector Visa

Subclass 572

Vocational Education and Training Sector Visa

Subclass 573

Higher Education Sector Visa

Subclass 574

Postgraduate Research Sector Visa

Subclass 575

Non-Award Sector Visa

Subclass 580

Student Guardian visa

Subclass 590

Student Guardian visa

Subclass 785

Temporary Protection visa

Subclass 786

Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa

Subclass 790

Safe Haven Enterprise visa

Subclass 870

Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa

Subclass 884

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa

Subclass 988

Maritime Crew visa


BIO SECURITY PERIOD EXTENDED

Please note that the following security measures associated with international travel have been extended until 17th February 2022:

  • Mandatory pre-departure testing and mask wearing for international flights
  • Restrictions on international travel from high-risk countries
  • Restrictions on outbound international travel for unvaccinated Australians
  • Restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory (this Determination will be reviewed monthly).

This newsletter only provides general information related to current migration matters. The information contained in this communication does not constitute specific migration advice, and should not be construed or relied on as such. Professional advice should be sought for the specifics of your situation prior to any action being taken. BD Welsh and Co disclaims any liability (including, without limitation, for any direct or indirect or consequential costs, loss or damage or loss of profits) arising from anything done or omitted to be done by any party in reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the information contained in this newsletter. Any party that relies on the information does so at its own risk. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.