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The Minister for Immigration has issued further information with respect to Coronavirus and Temporary Visa Holders on 4 April 2020.
It contains some positive information for Subclass 482/457, Subclass 485, New Zealand citizens, and Working Holiday Visa holders
By way of summary, the media release included the following information:
Access to superannuation :
- Temporary Visa holders with work rights will be able to access superannuation to assist them to support themselves during this crisis. The finer detail with respect to this is that Temporary Skilled Visa holders may draw up to $10,000 from the superannuation in this financial year (i.e. up until 30 June 2020).
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa holders, are also able to access their superannuation as above.
- Student visa holders who have been in Australia in excess of 12 months, and who are experiencing financial hardship will also be able to access superannuation.
Changes to visa conditions:
- Some international students working in aged care and nurses are able to work full-time.
- Student visa holders working in supermarkets may also work extra hours – however, this will end on 1 May 2020.
- Working Holiday Visa holders working in the areas of health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing and child care are exempt from the six-month work limitation.
- Businesses can reduce the hours of Temporary Skilled visa holders (e.g. Subclass 457, 482) without being in breach of their obligations stop
Access to JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments:
- The media release confirmed that temporary Visa holders other than New Zealand citizens are not eligible for the Job Keeper payments
- New Zealand citizens who arrived before 26th February 2001, have access to welfare and the Job Keeper payment.
- Subclass 444 visa holders arriving after 2001 also have access to the Job Keeper payment, and those who have been here for more than 10 years have access to the Job Seeker payment for six months.
Other helpful announcements affecting Subclass 482/457 visa holders and Working Holiday Visa holders :
- Where a temporary skilled visa holder, who holds a four-year visa is laid off and re-employed after the Coronavirus pandemic, time already spent in Australia will count towards the permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.
- Working Holiday Visa holders will also be eligible for a further visa if their visa is due to expire in the next six months – and they are working in the areas of health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing, and childcare.
The media release also stressed that temporary Visa holders where possible should return home.
You can find the full media release here.
Do you need help with your visa situation during this difficult time?
We are currently offering telephone and Zoom consultations to assess your unique situation. To book please click here.
please also check out our Covid-19 Immigration Resource Centre.
