Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Child Enrolments, Attendance and Absences
Can families who do not meet the Child Care Subsidy residency requirements enrol their children to attend a service receiving payments under the Relief Package?
Yes. Families who do not meet the Child Care Subsidy residency requirements
can be enrolled under a Relevant Arrangement or Organisation Arrangement
enrolment while payments under the Relief Package are being made, noting
however priority for child care places is to be given to essential workers,
vulnerable and disadvantaged children and previously enrolled children.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and the Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment—information for providers and services
Will Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payments be backdated?
Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payments based on demand will be
backdated to the beginning of a relevant four-week period. The first four-week
period commenced on 6 April 2020.
The four-week periods are:

Period 1 – 6 April 2020 to 3 May 2020
Period 2 – 4 May 2020 to 31 May 2020
Period 3 – 1 June 2020 to 28 June 2020.

For example:
A provider applying on 20 April 2020, that seeks the Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payment to be backdated will receive the higher rate from 6
April 2020.
OR
A service which applies on 22 May 2020, may have their Exceptional
Circumstance Supplementary Payment backdated to the second four-week period
which commences on 4 May 2020.
Note: where applicable, adjustments will be made for those providers who have
already received an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment for
increased attendance in the first four-week period and are now eligible for
monies for week 1 of the period.
Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payments will be backdated until the
commencement of the Relief Package on 6 April 2020:

to support providers that are operated by non-government schools and large charities/not-for-profit organisations that are not eligible for JobKeeper Payment

OR

to providers of Family Day Care and In Home Care services, on behalf of their (sole trader contractor) educators who are not eligible for the JobKeeper Payment

Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payments made to services who have more
than 30 per cent of full-time equivalent employees who are ineligible for
JobKeeper will be backdated to 18 May 2020.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and the Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment—information for providers and services
Can services operated by state, territory or local governments whose educators are not eligible for the JobKeeper Payment, receive increased payments?
No, these services are not eligible to apply for an Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payment on the basis of JobKeeper ineligibility. However, they
are able to apply for an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment where
there is an increase in demand, where evidenced by an increase in the number
of children attending or hours of care provided, when compared to the
reference period.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment – JobKeeper ineligibility – information for providers and services
How do I know if I am eligible for an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment?
Services may be eligible to receive this Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payment under the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief
Package if 30 per cent or more of their employees are ineligible for
JobKeeper. Employees that are ineligible for JobKeeper are often casual
employees who work short shifts. For this reason, the department will use a
full-time equivalent amount of 38 hours to calculate both the 30 per cent and
the amount of the payment.
These employees must have been paid during the reference period (17 February
to 1 March 2020) and still be employed by the service.
In addition to these criteria, services must:

Currently be open and providing sessions of care to at least one child
Not be part of a state or local government; and
Not be eligible or receiving any other Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment on the basis of JobKeeper ineligibility.

Service types that may be eligible for other Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payments on the basis of JobKeeper ineligibility include: Family
Day Care and In Home Care services with a sole trader model, and services that
are part of a non-government school, tertiary institution, and charity or not
for profit organisation that is ineligible for JobKeeper.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and the Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment—information for providers and services
How does an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment affect my JobKeeper application?
For a provider this payment and the base payment under the Relief Package are
not considered as revenue for GST purposes. This means providers will be able
to show they satisfy the decline in income test for the purposes of the
JobKeeper Payment provided they do not have income from other sources, such as
being part of a larger entity like a non-government school or a not-for-profit
organisation.
Where some of this revenue is then passed on to Family Day Care and In Home
Care educators (based on contractual arrangements between the service and the
educator) these monies are considered as revenue for GST purposes. As the
educator is unlikely to receive more than 50 per cent of their fee revenue
from the provider, they should be able to satisfy the decline in income test
for the JobKeeper Payment.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–information for providers and services
What do I need to do if my service has to temporarily close or has reopened?
If your service is required to temporarily close for any reason you must
report the closure and re-opening. Failure to report a re-opening may impact
your Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package payments. You must
report your service closure and re-opening in a timely manner, clearly stating
the reason for the closure to the following authorities within 24 hours:

your state or territory regulatory authority; and
the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in your state or territory (contact details below).

Contact details for state and territory offices

New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory CCSAssessments-NSWACT@dese.gov.au
Victoria CCSAssessments-VIC@dese.gov.au
Queensland CCSAssessments-QLD@dese.gov.au
Western Australia CCSAssessments-WA@dese.gov.au
South Australia ChildcareSA@dese.gov.au
Tasmania ChildcareTasmania@dese.gov.au
Northern Territory ChildcareNT@dese.gov.au


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Child Enrolments, Attendance and Absences
What if my service’s levels of attendance have not decreased?
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that families, especially
emergency and essential workers, can work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and
that disadvantaged and vulnerable children are safe and receiving care.
The Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package has been developed to
assist such families and to respond to concerns from the vast majority of the
child care sector that falling child care attendance was threatening the
viability of the sector.
Those child care providers who do not experience any significant reduction in
enrolments and attendance are able to apply for an Exceptional Circumstance
Supplementary Payment under the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief
Package.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Information for families
Can my service change their service offering in relation to meals, nappies or late fees?
The intent of the weekly payments is to enable access to free child care for
families of the priority groups like essential workers, during the COVID-19
crisis.
While services receive payments under the Relief Package, they should not be
changing their service offer and/or increasing or adding new administrative
fees.
The usual service offering generally includes consumable items such as meals,
wipes, or art supplies as part of the cost of providing a session of care. For
example, if nappies were included as part of the session fee your service
usually provided, nappies should continue to be provided without any extra
cost to families.
Some services also charge administrative fees. These fees do not form part of
the session of care fee that a family’s Child Care Subsidy was calculated on,
meaning that services can continue to charge administrative fees, for example,
late pick-up fees. However, services are not to increase these fees for the
duration of the Relief Package or add new ones that were not listed in a
family’s Complying Written Agreement.
The department can take compliance action against services not meeting the
conditions of the payments. Information about such practices can be directed
to the department’s tip off line 1800 664 231 or emailing
tipoffline@dese.gov.au.


Early Childhood Education and Care COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Child Enrolments, Attendance and Absences
Do both parents/carers need to be essential workers to be given priority access?
No. As long as one parent is an essential worker that would suffice.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
If your visa has expired, or is about to expire you should consider returning
to your home country as quickly as possible if you are able to, particularly
if you do not have family support.
Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves over the next six
months are strongly encouraged to return home and to make arrangements as
quickly as possible to do so.
If you cannot depart Australia, you need to apply for a Bridging visa in order
to regularise your visa status. You will be expected to depart Australia when
travel restrictions are lifted.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if I have a no further stay condition attached to my visa?
If you hold a subclass 403 visa in the Seasonal Worker Programme stream,
during the COVID-19 period, the condition 8503 (No Further Stay) attached to
your visa will be automatically waived to allow you to apply for the COVID-19
AGEE stream of the subclass 408. You will not need to apply for a waiver of
condition 8503.
If you hold any other temporary visa with condition 8503, 8534 or 8535 and
cannot depart Australia as planned, you cannot apply for most other visas in
Australia unless the condition is waived. You can request to waive this
condition if
your visa will expire in less than 28 days. If your request is approved, you
should make a new visa application before your current visa expires.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
I had to leave Australia and I couldn’t complete my specified work due to COVID-19. My visa is likely to cease before I can come back to Australia, can the validity be extended?
It is not possible to extend your WHM visa. If you wish to return to Australia
in the future, you will need to apply and meet the requirements for an
appropriate visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may not meet the
requirements for another WHM visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Employers
Due to the COVID-19 border restrictions, seasonal workers and pacific labour scheme participants are unable to travel to Australia at present. What other options are available to access workers to address labour needs?
In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government has
announced temporary measures to assist temporary visa holders currently in
Australia, including Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme
participants, who are unable to currently return to their home country, to
extend their stay in Australia, and enable flexibility in changing approved
employers where required.
Under these temporary measures, current approved employers may wish to employ
Seasonal Worker Programme or Pacific Labour Scheme participants who have
finished employment with their current approved employer, but who are unable
to return to their home country.
Approved employers, like any employer, may also wish to employ Temporary
Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream
visa holders

This visa will have a nil visa application charge (VAC) for the COVID-19 pandemic event.
Employer sponsorship arrangements similar to the Seasonal Worker Programme will also apply to the subclass 408 visa.

These temporary measures are not intended to prevent the recruitment of
Australians to undertake this work. Before seeking access to seasonal workers
under the Seasonal Worker Programme, approved employers must first try to
recruit Australians.
Where Australian workers are unavailable, employers can also seek seasonal
labour through the Working Holiday Maker program. Working Holiday Makers who
are working in critical sectors (i.e. agriculture, food processing, health
care, aged care, disability care or child care) will be exempt from the six
month work limitation with one employer and eligible for a Temporary Activity
(subclass 408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace
laws. Overseas workers have the same rights under Australian workplace law as
all other employees.
These temporary measures will be in place for a timeframe that allows relevant
critical industries to bridge the gap between their immediate needs and the
time to recruit, train and on-board Australians. The Department of Home
Affairs is working with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to
ensure Australians are prioritised for future job opportunities.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
I am a Bridging visa holder in Australia and my substantive application is pending a decision. What does this mean for my Bridging visa?
Your Bridging visa will keep you lawfully in Australia until a decision has
been made on your substantive visa application. If your substantive visa is
not granted, and you are unable to depart Australia, you will need to apply
for a further Bridging visa to keep you lawful.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
I have applied for my second or third WHM visa. Can I keep working while I am waiting for a decision on my application?
While your new application is being processed, a bridging visa will come into
effect which generally carries the same conditions as your previous visa,
including work rights. You and your employer can check Visa Entitlement
Verification Online (VEVO) at any time to confirm your work rights.


Frequently Asked Questions
Employer sponsored temporary work visas
I have lost my job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what are my options?
Those who are laid off (that is, they are unemployed) should find another
employer within 60 days or make arrangements to depart Australia, where this
is possible.


Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV)
What is a protected New Zealand citizen?
A person is a protected SCV New Zealand citizen holder if they fall within one
of the following groups:

in Australia on 26 February 2001
in Australia for 12 months in the 2 years immediately before this date
assessed as a protected SCV by Services Australia holder before 26 February 2004.

More information and advice on protected SCV holders can be found at the
Services Australia
website.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders
Do I need to meet quarantine requirements? I have only travelled between states/territories?
Yes – all visa holders must adhere to all COVID-19 health measures, including
social distancing and self-isolation.
State and Territory governments are responsible for arrangements for safe
accommodation of temporary visa holders working in agriculture to manage the
spread of COVID-19. This includes quarantine and self-isolation requirements.
Visa holders must follow all instructions provided by the State or Territory
in which they are working.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs online lodgment portal
ImmiAccount.
You will need to complete the ‘Temporary Activity Visa (408)’ online form and
to select “Australian government endorsed events” from the Activity Type
dropdown menu on page 2 of the application form.
You can select the ‘COVID-19 Pandemic event’ in the Event details section of
the application form.
The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa application is VAC Free. You will be required
to select ‘YES’ to the Visa application charge concession question on page 2
and then select ‘NIL VAC’.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
How will students be assured they will not jeopardise their visa?
Written advice will be provided to approved employers setting out the
temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders.
Supermarkets must register with the Department of Home Affairs to be given
access to the temporary relaxation of working hours for existing workers. A
list of registered businesses is
published on the Department’s website.
Aged Care service providers should refer to the correspondence provided to
them by the Department of Health for further details.


Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access early superannuation and under what circumstances?
Temporary Visa category : Bridging
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Student
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Held a student visa for 12 months or more and unable to
meeting immediate living expenses $10,000 in 2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Temporary Protection
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Subclass 444
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unemployed, eligible to receive certain social security
payments or farm household allowance payments, those that have been made
redundant or had their hours reduced and sole traders suffering a significant
reduction in turnover $10,000 in 2019-20 and further $10,000 in 2020-21
Temporary Visa category : Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment)
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Remains employed and unable to meet immediate living
expenses $10,000 in 2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Temporary Resident (Other Employment)
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Visitor
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Working Holiday Maker
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20
Temporary Visa category : Investor Retirement/Retirement
Early access to superannuation : Yes
Eligibility criteria : Unemployed, eligible to receive certain social security
payments or farm household allowance payments, those that have been made
redundant or had their hours reduced and sole traders suffering a significant
reduction in turnover $10,000 in 2019-20 and further $10,000 in 2020-21
Temporary Visa category : Other temporary
Early access to superannuation :
Eligibility criteria : Unable to meet immediate living expenses $10,000 in
2019-20


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Employers
I am not an approved employer under the Seasonal Worker Programme or Pacific Labour Scheme. Can I employ seasonal workers or pacific labour scheme participants during this COVID-19 period?
Currently, only organisations approved by the Australian Government can
recruit seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Programme. Information
about the Seasonal Worker Programme is available on the Department of
Education, Skills and Employment
website.
Where Australian workers are unavailable, employers can seek seasonal labour
through the Working Holiday Maker program. Working Holiday Makers who are
working in critical sectors (i.e. agriculture, food processing, health care,
aged care, disability care or child care) will be exempt from the six month
work limitation with one employer and eligible for a Temporary Activity
(subclass 408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Visa Holders
The Australian Government is committed to protecting the health of
Australians, supporting businesses and jobs and securing food supply while we
combat the COVID-19 virus. The livelihood of Australians who become unemployed
as the economic impacts deepen is paramount to the Government.
The Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder
arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health of
our community, safeguard job opportunities for Australians, support critical
industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.
The priority of Government during this period is public health. All temporary
visa holders should follow public health advice in respect to COVID-19.
It is important that temporary visa holders retain a lawful status wherever
possible. Whatever a person’s visa status, there is no barrier to engaging
with our health system if they are sick.
Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves are strongly
encouraged to return to their countries.
Where this is not possible, most temporary visa holders who have worked in
Australia will now be able to access some of their Australian superannuation:

In most cases, access to superannuation will be up to a maximum amount of $10,000 tax-free during 2019-20.
Further information is available on the Australian Taxation Office website.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
Due to COVID-19, I couldn’t complete the specified work I need to apply for my second or third WHM visa. Can I extend my visa to give me more time to look for work?
If you have not completed the three or six months of specified work required
to apply for a second or third WHM visa, you should apply for another visa to
remain lawfully in Australia until you are able to depart.
If you are working in the agricultural sector and are unable to return to your
home country, you can apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408)
Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa. This also applies to
those working in other critical sectors such as food processing, health care,
aged care, disability care and child care.
This visa will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia, and continue
working, should you wish to do so, until you can return to your home country.
If you are applying for the visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector you must have evidence from your employer that you have ongoing work
that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot do.
Work undertaken on a subclass 408 visa does not count as specified work for
the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV)
New Zealanders and Australians have reciprocal arrangements whereby we can
each stay and work in each other’s country.
There are over 670,000 New Zealand citizens in Australia on a TY444 visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Pacific Labour Scheme visa holders
My work contract has ended, my visa is about to expire and I am unable to return to my home country due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Can I extend my current visa to stay in Australia?
It is possible to apply for a new Temporary Work (International Relations)
(subclass 403) visa in the Pacific Labour stream in Australia, where you and
your employer are endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to
participate in the scheme.
The application can be made online via the Department of Home Affairs online
lodgement portal, ImmiAccount.
You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You may be
eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a
decision is made on your visa application.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
What type of work can students undertake under these arrangements?
The temporary arrangements only apply to student visa holders working in
supermarkets or aged care providers, as well as student nurses who are
supporting health efforts against COVID-19 as directed by health officials.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
I am a Bridging visa holder. Am I able to work?
You might be allowed to work in Australia depending on the conditions of your
Bridging visa. Your grant letter will tell you about these conditions. See if
you have work restrictions by using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online
Service (VEVO).
If your Bridging visa does not let you work, or has restrictions on working,
you can apply for another Bridging visa that lets you work. This is only
available in some circumstances and you will usually have to demonstrate that
you are in financial hardship.
Bridging visa holders who have been able to work while in Australia and cannot
meet their immediate living expenses can access up to $10,000 of their
Australian superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial year.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
As a WHM working in the agricultural sector, can I keep working for the same employer for longer than six months?
Yes. WHMs working in the agricultural sector are already taken to have
permission from the Department to work for longer than six months with the
same employer.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs
website.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Visa Holders
Visitor Visa Holders
Under Australian migration law, it is not possible to extend a visitor visa or
ETA. You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.
If you have a ‘no further stay condition’ attached to your visa, you will need
to apply to have this waived before you make any visa application.
If you cannot depart Australia as planned, check your permitted stay period,
visa expiry date and visa conditions to make sure you remain lawful in
Australia.
You can check your visa details in
VEVO, the myVEVO
app,
in your visa grant letter or your
ImmiAccount. You can check your ETA
expiry and conditions through our Check an ETA
service.
When you apply for a new visa, you may be granted a bridging visa that will
keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your visa
application.
If your visa has already expired, see My visa has
expired.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What else do I have to do to be granted a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
You must maintain adequate health insurance during your stay in Australia.
This means you may need to arrange health insurance for your stay in Australia
if you haven’t already got it.
You are personally liable for all your healthcare costs while you are in
Australia. Medical insurance helps limit your financial liability.
You must have adequate health cover for the whole of your stay to be granted
this visa. Your cover should cover you for medically necessary treatment,
including transport.
See what we consider adequate health insurance for visa
holders.
See more about health insurance for overseas
visitors.


Frequently Asked Questions
Employer sponsored temporary work visas
I am a Temporary Skill Shortage visa holder - what should I do if I have be stood down or my hours are reduced?
Temporary Skill Shortage visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid
off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the
opportunity to extend their visa as per normal arrangements.
Businesses will also be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without
the person being in breach of their visa conditions or the business being in
breach of their employer obligations.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
I am a Bridging visa holder but need some temporary support. Is there any available?
Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) provides support for certain non-
citizens who are in the Australian community temporarily while their
immigration status is being determined. The SRSS program provides short-term,
tailored support to individuals who are unable to support themselves while
they engage with the Department of Home Affairs to resolve their immigration
status. It is not an ongoing welfare entitlement.
People who are actively engaged with the Department to resolve their
immigration status and need assistance to overcome barriers to that
resolution, may be eligible to be provided with short term support in order to
resolve that barrier.
Individuals on a bridging visa with work rights, and who have the capacity to
work, are expected to support themselves while their immigration status is
being resolved.
During the COVID-19 period, applications for support under SRSS will be
assessed on a case-by-case basis.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
I have applied for my second or third WHM visa. Can I keep working while I am waiting for a decision on my application?
While your new application is being processed, a bridging visa will come into
effect which generally carries the same conditions as your previous visa,
including in relation to work rights. You and your employer can check Visa
Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) at any time to confirm your work
rights.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to process my COVID-19 Pandemic event visa application?
The Department is prioritising the processing of applications for people
working in critical sectors. Other applications may take longer to finalise.
You should submit as much evidence to support your application as possible.
When you lodge a valid application for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa, you
will be granted a bridging visa which generally carries the same conditions as
your previous visa, including any work rights. If your current visa expires,
the bridging visa will maintain your lawful status in Australia until your
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa application is finalised.
You can check Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) at any time to
confirm your visa status and conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a letter of endorsement to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
If you are applying for the visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector (such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care,
disability care or childcare) you must provide evidence of your ongoing
employment, which:

confirms the dates of your employment
confirms which critical sector (such as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care or childcare) you are working in and
provides evidence that an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position.

Evidence could include payslips, a contract and/or a letter from your
employer.
Doctors and Nurses with an offer of employment in the health care sector must
provide evidence of their medical qualifications, and a letter of offer of
employment from a hospital or clinic.
If you are a temporary visa holder with no other visa options and you are
unable to depart Australia, you must attach a statement that tells us why you
cannot apply for another type of visa, why you are not able to depart
Australia before your current visa expires, and what actions you are taking to
try to arrange your departure as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and/or
flight availability resumes.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
I am a Bridging Visa holder and want to depart Australia. What should I do?
The Department’s Status Resolution Service can assist eligible individuals
wishing to depart from Australia (where this is currently possible). The
Department contracts the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and
Serco (Homeward) as service providers to facilitate its voluntary return and
reintegration programs.
Returns assistance may be available and may provide an eligible recipient with
one, or any combination of assistance, including:

independent returns counselling
plane ticket
assistance to obtain travel documents
reception assistance in country of return
travel assistance to final destination

To be considered eligible for returns assistance, you must:

be a non-citizen;
not hold a visa that permits re-entry to Australia;
elect to voluntarily return to a country-of-origin or a country where you have a right of entry and stay; and
demonstrate you are unable to self-fund their return.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my visa be valid for?
The validity period on the visa will vary depending on the individual
circumstances following these general principles:

Applicants who have been on the Seasonal Worker Program or Working Holiday Maker program and are working in critical sectors will be granted a visa for up to 12 months.
Applicants working in critical sectors will be granted a visa for up to 12 months.
All other applicants will be granted a visa for up to six months with the validity period dependant on the individual circumstances such as when they may be able to return home.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
I had to leave Australia and I couldn’t complete my specified work due to COVID-19. My visa is likely to cease before I can come back to Australia. Can the validity be extended?
It is not possible to extend the validity your WHM visa. If you wish to return
to Australia in the future, you will need to apply and meet the requirements
for an appropriate visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may not meet the
requirements for another WHM visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my visa has been granted with work rights?
People who are working in critical sectors will be given permission to work on
their COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. All other people holding this visa will
not have permission to work.
Permission to work is managed through mandatory condition 8107. Workers in
critical sectors who indicate their work activities in their visa application
will be given permission to engage in those work activities when the COVID 19
Pandemic event visa is granted.
People applying for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa as a last resort to
remain lawfully in Australia until their departure will not be granted
permission to work.
Under condition 8107 a person who is granted a subclass 408 visa for the
purpose of remaining lawfully in Australia until they are able to return home
and who then work, would be engaging in an activity that is inconsistent with
the purpose of the visa grant. Consequently, action could be taken to cancel
that visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Employers
Due to the COVID-19 border restrictions, WHMs are unable to travel to Australia at present. What other options are available to access workers to address labour needs?
In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government has
announced temporary measures to assist temporary visa holders currently in
Australia, including WHMs, who are currently unable to return to their home
country, to extend their stay in Australia. WHMs are already able to work for
the same employer in the agricultural sector for up to 12 months, instead of
the usual six month limitation for other sectors. They can apply for a further
WHM visa if they have undertaken specified work for three months on their
first WHM visa or six months on their second WHM visa.
If a WHM working in the agricultural sector is not eligible for a further visa
and is unable to return to their home country, they can apply for the
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE)
visa to continue working in the agricultural sector. This also applies to
those working in other critical sectors such as food processing, health care,
aged care, disability care or child care.
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace
laws and should first try to employ Australians. Overseas workers have the
same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
What is the Government doing to support industries that rely on Working Holiday Makers?
To support the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health care,
aged care, disability care and child care, the Government is providing
flexible arrangements for Working Holiday Makers (WHMs).
WHMs working in these critical sectors will be exempt from the six month work
limitation with one employer and will also be eligible for a further visa to
continue working in these sectors if their current visa is due to expire in
the next six months.
If a WHM is working in the critical sectors but is not eligible for a further
visa and is unable to return to their home country, they can apply for a
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE)
stream visa.
WHMs who are applying for this visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector must have evidence from their employer that they have ongoing work that
an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot do.
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace
laws. Overseas workers have the same rights under Australian workplace law as
all other employees.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
What services are available to assist me?

If you cannot resolve your visa status, the Department of Home Affairs' Status Resolution Service (SRS) can help.
SRS officers can explain your visa options and tell you how decisions you make now can affect your options later on. They can also help you plan your departure from Australia, and refer you to other services where necessary.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
Can I extend my current visa to stay in Australia if I am unable to return to my home country?
You can apply for a further WHM visa if you have undertaken specified work for
three months on your first WHM visa or six months on your second WHM visa.
The following industries and areas are approved as specified work for subclass
417 (Working Holiday) visa holders:

plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia
fishing and pearling in regional Australia
tree farming and felling in regional Australia
mining in regional Australia
construction in regional Australia and
bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas only, carried out after 31 July 2019.

The following industries and areas are approved as specified work for subclass
462 (Work and Holiday) visa holders:

plant and animal cultivation in northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia
fishing and pearling in northern Australia only
tree farming and felling in northern Australia only
tourism and hospitality in northern Australia only
construction in northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia and
bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas only, carried out after 31 July 2019.

You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You may be
eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a
decision is made on your visa application.
If you are granted a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government
Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa, work undertaken on this visa does not
count as specified work for the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM
visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders
I am unable to return to my home country due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Can I work for another employer while I wait to return home?
Yes. During the COVID-19 period, workers currently in Australia under the
Seasonal Worker and Pacific Labour schemes will be exempt from the requirement
to work for a single employer and be able to move between approved employers.
This will allow flexibility and continued support for the agriculture sector
in meeting seasonal workforce demands.
Workers and employers are required to advise the Department of Home Affairs
and Department of Education, Skills and Employment about any change in
approved employer, as per existing arrangements.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
Can I count work in COVID-19 critical sectors already considered ‘specified work’ (e.g. plant and animal cultivation), for the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM visa?
Yes. Existing arrangements for specified work will remain in place.
However, the Australian Government has announced temporary measures to assist
WHMs working in the agricultural sector who are not eligible to apply for a
further WHM visa.
WHMs working in the agricultural sector, who are unable to return to their
home country can apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian
Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa. This also applies to those
working in other critical sectors such as food processing, health care, aged
care, disability care and child care. This visa will allow you to remain
lawfully in Australia, and continue working, should you wish to do so, until
you can return to your home country.
If you are applying for this visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector, you must have evidence from your employer that you have ongoing work
that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot do.
Work undertaken on a subclass 408 visa does not count as specified work for
the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM visa.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs
website.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my COVID-19 Pandemic event visa be valid for?
If you are employed in a critical sector such as agriculture, food processing,
health care, aged care, disability care, and childcare you may be granted a
visa that allows you to stay for up to 12 months.
If you have been in Australia under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific
Labour Scheme and are continuing your work in agriculture or another critical
sector you may be granted a visa allowing you to stay for up to 12 months.
If you are not working in a critical sector, you may be granted a visa that
allows you to stay for up to six months to ensure you remain lawful while you
are unable to travel home from Australia.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
I am applying for the visa as a last resort and the application form is asking for my employer details, however I am not employed. What can I do?
From 22 April 2020, an improved ImmiAccount application form will be available
for those applicants who are applying as a visa of last resort for the
COVID-19 AGEE stream of the subclass 408 visa. The question regarding employer
details will remain for those who are applying on the basis of their work in a
critical sector. Working Holiday Makers working in the Agricultural sector,
for example, will need to have prearranged employment if they need to apply
for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if I am not working in a critical sector?
If you are not working in a critical sector, you can only apply for the
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if you have no other visa options available to
you.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
What is the Government doing to support student visa holders?
The Government is taking a flexible approach in relation to student visa
conditions where COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions have prevented
conditions being met, such as attendance at class or use of online learning.
The Government has temporarily relaxed the enforcement of the 40 hour work
limitation for the following critical sectors:

International students who are existing workers in major supermarkets to help get stock on shelves due to high demand (implemented 7 March).
International students who are existing workers in the aged care sector are able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight (implemented on 18 March 2020).

Student visa holders who are enrolled in nursing can undertake work to help
and support the health effort against COVID-19 as directed by health
officials.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a COVID-19 AGEE Pandemic event visa?
Permission to work will be limited to people working in a critical sector such
as agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care, and
childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These sectors may be updated from time to time in response to needs identified
during the
COVID-19 period. While holding a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa, you are only
permitted to work in critical sectors.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Pacific Labour Scheme visa holders
I am unable to return to my home country due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Can I work for another employer while I wait to return home?
Yes. During the COVID-19 period, workers currently in Australia under the
Pacific Labour Scheme will be exempt from the requirement to work for a single
employer and be able to move between approved employers. This will allow
flexibility and continued support for the agriculture sector in meeting
seasonal workforce demands. Workers and employers are required to advise the
Department of Home Affairs and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about
any change in approved employer, as per existing arrangements.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
I am unable to return to my home country due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Can I extend my current visa to stay in Australia?
You can apply for a further WHM visa if you have undertaken specified work for
three months on your first WHM visa or six months on your second WHM visa.
The following industries and areas are approved as specified work for subclass
417 (Working Holiday) visa holders:

plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia; o fishing and pearling in regional Australia
tree farming and felling in regional Australia
mining in regional Australia
construction in regional Australia and
bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas only, carried out after 31July 2019.

The following industries and areas are approved as specified work for subclass
462 (Work and Holiday) visa holders:

plant and animal cultivation in northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia
fishing and pearling in northern Australia only
tree farming and felling in northern Australia only
tourism and hospitality in northern Australia only
construction in northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia and
bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas only, carried out after 31July 2019.

You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You may be
eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a
decision is made on your visa application.
If you are granted a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government
Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa, work undertaken on this visa does not
count as specified work for the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM
visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to do a medical examination to get the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
You and any family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our
health requirement. This means you may need to undergo a health check.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
Due to COVID-19, I couldn’t complete the specified work I need to apply for my second or third WHM visa. Can I extend my visa to give me more time to look for work?
If you have not completed the 3 or 6 months of specified work required to
apply for a second or third WHM visa, you should apply for another visa to
remain lawfully in Australia until you are able to depart.
If you are working in the agriculture, food processing, health care, aged
care, disability care or child care sectors, you are not eligible for a
further visa and you are unable to return to your home country, you can apply
for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event
(AGEE) stream visa. This visa will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia,
and continue working until you can return to your home country.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa cost?
There is no Visa Application Charge for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa and
no subsequent temporary application charge.
To not be charged for this visa you will be required to select ‘YES’ to the
Visa application charge concession question on page 2 and then select ‘NIL
VAC’.
You might have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and
biometrics.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
I am unable to support myself in Australia, what can I do?
If you are unable to support yourself, you should make arrangements to return
to your usual country of residence, noting that it is a condition of all
student visas that holders have access to funds to support themselves for the
duration of their stay in Australia.
If you have held a student visa for 12 months or longer and cannot meet your
immediate living expenses, you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian
superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial year.
The Government will continue to engage with the international education sector
which is providing some financial support for international students facing
hardship.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
I am on a bridging visa. Can I apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
Temporary visa holders, including bridging visa holders can apply for the
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa if they meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Bridging visa holders who have a s.48 bar and/or who have not held a
substantive temporary visa in the 28 days prior to application will not be
able to apply.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
Are these arrangements limited to students?
Student visa holders are already permitted to work in Australia with a usual
limitation of 40 hours per fortnight. In light of the current circumstances,
these arrangements respond to needs raised by sectors having regard to the
critical role that student visa holders play in their workforce to deliver
essential goods and services to the Australian community.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Agriculture is a critical sector that supplies essential goods to all
Australians.
To support our agriculture sector, the Government has announced temporary visa
measures to help with the continuity of essential goods and services in
response to COVID-19.
The Government will apply flexible arrangements to allow critical workers,
including Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme participants and
Working Holiday Makers, to extend their stay in Australia.
These temporary arrangements will allow critical workers to remain in
Australia, continue to support the agriculture sector, and stabilise the
workforce in this critical sector
Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers will have visa
conditions temporarily relaxed and given options to extend their stay in
Australia for a defined period to support the agriculture sector.

Seasonal Worker Programme workers with visas due to expire will be able to apply for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.

Pacific Labour Scheme workers with visas due to expire can apply for a new Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403) Pacific Labour scheme stream visa.

Workers currently in Australia under these programs will also be exempt from the requirement to work for a single employer and be able to move between approved employers, allowing flexibility and continued support for the agriculture sector in meeting seasonal workforce demands.

Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme arrangements, including those relating to employers, will be carried over to the new visa arrangements, continuing the link with the agricultural sector.

In addition, Working Holiday Makers who are working in critical sectors (i.e.
agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care or child
care) will be exempt from the six month work limitation with one employer and
eligible for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa in the Australian
Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Working Holiday Maker visa holders
I am overseas. Can I be granted a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) visa (COVID-19 pandemic event)?
The COVID-19 pandemic event visa can only be granted to people already in
Australia who have ongoing work in a critical sector, who are not eligible for
a further visa and who are unable to return to their home country due to
COVID-19 border restrictions.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Who is eligible to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa?
The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa is available to people who are:

in Australia
are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19
have 28 days or less remaining on their current visa or where their last temporary visa has expired less than 28 days ago
are not eligible for any other visa based on their intended activities or
have evidence from their employer that they have ongoing work in a critical sector and that an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident cannot fill the position.


Frequently Asked Questions
Seasonal Workers
There are around 8,000 Seasonal and Pacific workers in Australia.
Seasonal and Pacific workers whose visas are expiring can apply for a further
visa to allow them to stay in Australia and support the agriculture sector,
subject to Labour Market testing. This is consistent with the principle that
visa settings should not displace job opportunities for Australians.
Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour scheme workers, as well as Working
Holiday Makers and other visa holders working in agriculture, will be able to
extend their stay in Australia to support the agriculture sector:

Seasonal Worker Programme workers with visas due to expire will be able to apply for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.
Pacific Labour Scheme workers with visas due to expire can apply for a new Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403) Pacific Labour scheme stream visa.

Workers currently in Australia under these programs will also be exempt from
the requirement to work for a single employer and be able to move between
approved employers, allowing flexibility and continued support for the
agriculture sector in meeting seasonal workforce demands.
Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme arrangements, including
those relating to employers, will be carried over to the new visa
arrangements, continuing the link with the agricultural sector.
Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour scheme workers who cannot meet
their immediate living expenses can access up to $10,000 of their Australian
superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial year.
More information about these temporary arrangements is available on the
Department’s website.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary visa measures supporting the agriculture sector
Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders
I am unable to return to my home country due to COVID-19 border restrictions. Can I extend my current visa to stay in Australia?
It is not possible to extend your visa or apply for a new Temporary Work
(International Relations) (subclass 403) Seasonal Worker Programme stream
visa, but you must apply for a different visa before your current visa
expires.
The Australian Government has announced temporary measures to assist temporary
visa holders in Australia working in the agricultural sector, who are
currently unable to return to their home country, to extend their stay in
Australia.
You can apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government
Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa (from 00:00 AEDT on 4 April 2020). This visa
will not have a visa application charge (VAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic
event. Employer arrangements similar to the Seasonal Worker Programme will
also apply to the subclass 408 visa. This visa will allow you to remain
lawfully in Australia, and continue working, should you wish to do so, until
you can return to your home country. Further information is available on the
Department of Home Affairs
website.
You may be eligible to be granted a bridging visa that will allow you to
remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made on your visa
application.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
You should only apply for this visa is you are unable to depart Australia,
your temporary visa expires in less than 28 days (or did not expire more than
28 days ago) and you have no other visa options available to you.


Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV)
What should I do if I am unable to support myself in Australia and am not eligible for one of the above payments?
Under recently announced measures, New Zealand citizens and permanent
residents can access up to $10,000 of their Australian superannuation tax-free
in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
If you are unable to support yourself, are not eligible for any of the above
payments, and unable to find any employment, you should consider returning to
New Zealand.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
I am on a WHM visa and am unable to support myself in Australia, what can I do?
If you are unable to support yourself, you should make arrangements to return
home.
If you cannot meet your immediate living expenses, you can access up to
$10,000 of your Australian superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial
year.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
I am on a Temporary visa and I have a job offer to work in a critical sector. Can I apply for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa?
If you have evidence from your employer that you have ongoing work in a
critical sector (i.e. agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care,
disability care or child care) that an Australian citizen or permanent
resident cannot do, you may be eligible for the Temporary Activity (subclass
408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa.


Frequently Asked Questions
International students
How will employers access this temporary measure?
The Department of Home Affairs has set up a form for supermarkets to request
access to these temporary arrangements.
The form “Employer request relating to relaxation of enforcement of student
visa working hours” is available online.
Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace
laws. Overseas workers, including international students, have the same rights
under Australian workplace law as all other employees.
All aged care approved providers or Commonwealth funded aged care service
providers that have been issued with a RACS ID or a NAPS ID have been given
access to the temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders.
These aged care providers should refer to the correspondence provided to them
by the Department of Health for further details.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
To respond to COVID-19, the government has introduced flexible and temporary
visa arrangements that support Australia’s public health measures.
The Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event
(AGEE) stream visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event visa) is being utilised to manage
the extraordinary circumstances that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic
event. The measure is temporary in nature, will be subject to ongoing review
and will be wound back appropriately in line with the end of the pandemic.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Visa of last resort
Other temporary visa holders may apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa
only where there is no other visa option and it is not possible to leave
Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow you to remain lawfully
in Australia until it is safe and practical for you to return to your home
country.


Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Visa Holders
What can I do if I cannot return to my home country?
If you cannot return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa
and engage with the health system when necessary.
Visitor visa holders should apply for a new visa before their current visa
expires to maintain their lawful status.
If a visitor has a “No Further Stay” condition on their visa (including 8503,
8534 or 8535) and less than two months validity remaining, they can request a
waiver of this condition to allow them to lodge a new visa application.
For information on extending a stay in Australia if you are unable to depart,
see Staying in Australia.
If you have worked in Australia and cannot meet your immediate living
expenses, you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian superannuation tax-
free in the 2019-20 financial year.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Working in critical sectors
Working holiday makers working in critical sectors such as agriculture, food
processing, health care, aged care, disability care and childcare who are not
eligible for any other visa and are unable to return to their home country can
apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.
Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders with visas due to expire within 28 days
are also able to apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa.
Other temporary visa holders whose visas are about to expire, have no other
visa options, are unable to return to their home country and who are working
in critical sectors may apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. Evidence
of this work will need to be submitted with the application.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
Bridging visa holders with ongoing matters at Merits or Judicial Review?
Your Bridging visa will keep you lawfully in Australia until the review
decision has been finalised. If your substantive visa is not granted, and you
are unable to depart Australia, you will need to apply for a further Bridging
visa to keep you lawful.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
I am overseas. Can I be granted a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa?
The COVID-19 Pandemic event visa can only be granted to people in Australia.


Frequently Asked Questions
Bridging visa holders
My Bridging visa expires on a specific date. What should I do?
If your Bridging visa specifies a validity date, and you are unable to depart
Australia, you should apply for a further Bridging visa before it expires.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Pandemic - Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the critical sectors?
The Government is making announcements about critical sectors. Currently the
critical sectors are agriculture, food processing, health care, aged care,
disability care and childcare. These sectors will be subject to ongoing review
with new sectors being added if required, or removed if the Australian labour
market is fulfilling the need.


Frequently Asked Questions
Employer sponsored temporary work visas
I can’t find another employer what should I do?
Those visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus and who cannot
find another employer to sponsor them, should make arrangements to depart
Australia.


Frequently Asked Questions
Working holiday makers
Can I count work in a COVID-19 critical sector, like health care, as ‘specified work’ for the purpose of applying for a second or third WHM visa?
No. Existing arrangements for specified work will remain in place but the
Australian Government has announced temporary measures to assist WHMs working
in critical sectors who are not eligible to apply for a further visa.
If you are working in the agriculture, food processing, health care, aged
care, disability care or child care sectors, you are not eligible for a
further visa and you are unable to return to your home country, you can apply
for the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event
(AGEE) stream visa. This visa will allow you to remain lawfully in Australia
and continue working until you can return to your home country.
If you are applying for this visa to work or continue working in a critical
sector, you must have evidence from your employer that you have ongoing work
that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot do.
Further information is available on the Department's
website.


Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand 444 Special Category Visa (SCV)
Am I able to access any support in Australia?
If you are a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and meet other eligibility
requirements, you will be eligible for all welfare payments, including the Job
Seeker and Job Keeper payments.
If you are not a protected SCV New Zealand citizen and you hold a TY444 visa,
you will still be eligible for the Job Keeper payments through your employer.


Frequently Asked Questions
Employer sponsored temporary work visas
What can I do if I cannot return to my home country?
If you cannot return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa
and engage with the health system when necessary.
Where you have been stood down by your employer or had your hours reduced but
remain employed, you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian
superannuation tax-free in the 2019-20 financial year.
For information on extending a stay in Australia if you are unable to depart,
see Staying in Australia.


Symptoms of Coronavirus
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from
mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with
these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been
reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea.
Caring for yourself or others

How to protect yourself
How to care for someone who is sick
What to do if you are sick


Testing for COVID-19
Who should be tested
To learn if you have a current infection, viral tests are used. But not
everyone needs this test.

Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.
CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find a place to get tested.


Testing for COVID-19
Results

If you test positive for COVID-19 by a viral test , know what protective steps to take if you are sick or caring for someone.
If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test , you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.

**** If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of
test, you still should take preventive measures to protect yourself and
others.


Test for Current Infection
How to decide if you should get a viral test
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Here is some information that
might help you make decisions about getting a viral test.

Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. They may not need to be tested.
At this time, there is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19.

CDC has guidance for who
should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local
health departments or healthcare providers.


Test for Current Infection
How to get a viral test
COVID-19 testing differs by location. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and
want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. You can also visit
your
state
or local health
department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find
a place to get tested.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two viral tests
that let you collect either a nasal swab or a saliva
sample at home. However, you will still need to send your sample to a
laboratory for analysis.


Test for Current Infection
What to do after a viral test
To get your test result, please check with the group that performed your test,
such as your healthcare provider or your health department. Check the CDC
website to locate your health department
information.
How long it will take to get your test results back depends on the test used.

If you test positive for COVID-19, know what protective steps to take If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone.
If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop illness. In other words, a negative test result does not mean you won’t get sick later. This means you could still spread the virus.


Test for Past Infection
How to get an antibody test
Check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer antibody tests.
If you test positive

A positive test result shows you have antibodies that likely resulted from an infection with SARS-CoV-2, or possibly a related coronavirus.
It’s unclear if those antibodies can provide protection (immunity) against getting infected again. This means that we do not know at this time if antibodies make you immune to the virus.
If you have no symptoms, you likely do not have an active infection and no additional follow-up is needed.
If you have symptoms and meet other guidelines for testing, you would need another type of test called a nucleic acid test, or viral test. This test uses respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose, to confirm COVID-19. An antibody test cannot tell if you are currently sick with COVID-19.
It’s possible you might test positive for antibodies and you might not have or have ever had symptoms of COVID-19. This is known as having an asymptomatic infection, or an infection without symptoms.

If you test negative

If you test negative for COVID-19 antibodies, you probably did not have a previous infection that has gotten better. However, you could have a current infection. It’s possible you could still get sick if you have been exposed to the virus recently, since antibodies don’t show up for 1 to 3 weeks after infection. This means you could still spread the virus.
Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies, and some people may not develop antibodies.
If you have symptoms and meet other guidelines for testing, you would need another type of test called a nucleic acid test, or viral test. This test uses respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose, to confirm COVID-19. An antibody test cannot tell if you are currently sick with COVID-19.


Test for Past Infection
CDC’s work in antibody testing
CDC is evaluating commercial tests
CDC is evaluating the performance of commercially manufactured antibody tests
in collaboration with other government agencies. FDA has authorized emergency
use of several antibody tests.
For more information:

FDA Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19

Insight into FDA’s Revised Policy on Antibody Tests: Prioritizing Access and Accuracy

CDC is conductingserologic surveillance
CDC is looking at data from antibody
tests to estimate the total
number of people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States.
CDC is also using antibody testing to learn more about how the body’s immune
system responds to the virus and to explore how the virus spreads among people
exposed to it. The information CDC is looking at comes from many groups,
including blood donors and household contacts of people who had symptoms and
were diagnosed with COVID-19.
CDC is supporting state, local, tribal and territorial laboratory
capacity.


How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.


How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus spreads easily between people
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are
highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from
person-to-person without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably
between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that
this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as
efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.


How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus does not spread easily in other ways
COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads. It
may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not
thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.

From touching surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.
From animals to people. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.
From people to animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.


How COVID-19 Spreads
Protect yourself and others
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
You can take steps to slow the spread.

Maintain good social distance (about 6 feet). This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and
others.


How to Protect Yourself & Others
Know how it spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Do not gather in groups.
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing tipsHand Hygiene in
Healthcare Settings


When to wear gloves
When cleaning
When you are routinely cleaning and disinfecting your
home.

Follow precautions listed on the disinfectant product label, which may include-
wearing gloves (reusable or disposable) and
having good ventilation by turning on a fan or opening a window to get fresh air into the room you’re cleaning.

Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.


When to wear gloves
When caring for someone who is sick
If you are providing care to someone who is sick at home or in another non-
healthcare setting

Use disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting the area around the person who is sick or other surfaces that may be frequently touched in the home.
Use disposable gloves when touching or having contact with blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine.
After using disposable gloves, throw them out in a lined trash can. Do not disinfect or reuse the gloves.
Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.


When to wear gloves
When gloves aren’t needed
Wearing gloves outside of these instances (for example, when using a shopping
cart or using an ATM) will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19
and may still lead to the spread of germs. The best way to protect yourself
from germs when running errands and after going out is to regularly wash your
hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol.


When to wear gloves
Other ways to protect yourself
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and is mainly spread through droplets created
when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can protect
yourself by keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) from others and washing your
hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol) at key times, and
practicing everyday preventive actions.


Social Distancing
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space
between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or
physical distancing:

Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent
COVID-19,
keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid
being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the
country and world.
Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor
spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it
is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have
no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at
higher risk __ for severe illness from COVID-19.
Many people have personal circumstances or situations that present challenges
with practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please
see the following guidance for additional recommendations and considerations
for:

Households Living in Close Quarters: How to Protect Those Who Are Most Vulnerable
Living in Shared Housing
People with Disabilities
People Experiencing Homelessness


Social Distancing
Why practice social distancing?
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6
feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the
air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be
inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected
but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or
object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or
eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as
sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit
opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected
people outside the home.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can
get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and
protecting themselves, their family, and their community.


Social Distancing
Tips for social distancing

Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
If you need to shop for food or medicine at the grocery store or pharmacy, stay at least 6 feet away from others. Also consider other options:
Use mail-order for medications, if possible.
Consider a grocery delivery service.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others, including when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store.
Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.

Avoid gatherings of any size outside your household, such as a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops, or any other place. This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults. Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out. To help maintain social connections while social distancing, learn tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
Work from home when possible. See additional information for critical infrastructure workforce from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis, if possible.
If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.

Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch
with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or
stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to stressful
situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can
be difficult. Read tips for stress and coping.


What to Do If You Are Sick
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have
COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to
help protect other people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care

Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
Stay in touch with your doctor . Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Avoid public transportation , ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people
and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you
need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a
cloth face covering.

Additional guidance is available for those living in close quarters and shared housing.
See COVID-19 and Animals if you have questions about pets.

Monitor your symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough, or other symptoms.
Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Call ahead. Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

If you are sick wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth

You should wear acloth face covering, over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people or animals, including pets (even at home)

You don’t need to wear the cloth face covering if you are alone. If you can’t put on a cloth face covering (because of trouble breathing, for example), cover your coughs and sneezes in some other way. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect the people around you.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2 years, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is not able to remove the covering without help.

Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical grade facemasks are reserved
for healthcare workers and some first responders. You may need to make a cloth
face covering using a scarf or bandana.
Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw away used tissues in a lined trash can.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Handwashing Tips

Avoid sharing personal household items

Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
Wash these items thoroughly after using them with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom; wear disposable gloves. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but you should clean your bedroom and bathroom, if possible.

If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and disposable gloves prior to cleaning. They should wait as long as possible after the person who is sick has used the bathroom before coming in to clean and use the bathroom.

Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.

Use household cleaners and disinfectants. Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found here.
Complete Disinfection Guidance