Visa Extension Update
Navigating through potential challenges encountered during the visa extension application process demands resilience and understanding.
Knowing how to address and overcome these hurdles is imperative.
Visa Extension of Temporary Graduate and Skilled Regional Provisional Visas
485 Temporary Graduate Visa
Replacement SC 485 visas will be available to visa holders who lost time outside Australia due to the border restrictions.
The legislation extends certain Subclass 485 visas to 30 September 2022 to provide time for a visa holder affected by COVID-19 related international travel restrictions to apply for a replacement Subclass 485 visa. This australia visa extension will be available from mid 2022.
Visas that ceased during this relevant period are also extended even though they have ceased.
To be eligible for the extension the primary applicant must have:
- been outside of Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021,
- hold or held a subclass 485 visa which was in effect during that time which has ceased, or would have ceased, before 1 October 2022,
- was not cancelled; and
- has not been granted another substantive visa;
- relevant family members’ visas are also extended.
Skilled Regional Provisional Visas
Subclass 489
The legislation allows the legacy cohort of Skilled Regional Provisional SC 489 visa holders to have their visas extended for a period of three years from their original cessation date to allow these visa holders to meet the requirements for permanent residency.
Visas that ceased during this relevant period are also extended even though they have ceased.
To be eligible for this visa validity extension, the primary visa holder must have:
- been outside of Australia for any length of time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive, and
- hold or held a subclass 489 visa during that time,
- which has not been cancelled;
- relevant family members’ visas are also extended.
Subclass 491 and 494
The legislation provides arrangements for holders of Skilled Work Provisional SC 491 visas and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional SC 494 visa holders to maintain their relevant pathways to permanent residency.
To be eligible for this visa validity extension, the primary visa holder must have:
- been outside of Australia for any length of time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive, and
- held a SC 491 or 494 during that time, and
- that is in effect on 18 February 2022, and
- which has not been cancelled;
- relevant family members’ visas are also extended.
Importance of professional assistance to secure your visa extension
For assistance with Australian migration and visas, please contact our expert registered migration agents
As experts in Australian immigration, VISA LOUNGE AUSTRALIA can help you navigate the application process effectively and tailor a strategy suitable for your circumstances:
- Assistance with skills assessments with VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, Australian Computer Society, ICAA, CPAA, Australian Dental Council, Australian Pharmacy Council, Australian Medical Council;
- General Skilled Migration applications for permanent residence under subclasses 189 / 190;
- General Skilled Migration applications for temporary residence under subclasses 485 / 489.
Our expert team is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of visa processes, offering tailored assistance for various immigration needs.
Whether you’re seeking skilled migration, student visas, partner visas, visa extension or citizenship guidance, we provide personalized support to navigate the intricacies of Australian immigration law.
With a commitment to excellence and a focus on client satisfaction, we strive to make your journey towards obtaining visas and residency smooth and stress-free.
Contact us today to embark on your immigration journey with confidence!
Your trusted immigration partner for seamless visa and immigration solutions in Brisbane!
