Novel Coronavirus – Information for all affected visa holders and applicants – 15 Feb 2020 Update
Novel Coronavirus – Information for all affected visa holders and applicants
People Currently in Australia
I am a visa holder in Australia, my visa is about to expire and I cannot return to China. Can I extend my stay in Australia?
If you wish to remain in Australia beyond the expiry date of your current visa, you must apply for a further visa.
Please contact us for further information on what visas you may be eligible to apply for.
When should I apply for another visa to remain in Australia?
Applications should be made before your current visa expires. In this case a bridging visa will be granted which will keep you lawful in Australia until a decision is made on your application.
Information on bridging visas can be found at:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/bridging-visa-a-010
I am a visa holder in Australia and my visa has condition 8558 (Non Resident cannot stay for more
than 12 months in any 18 month period) and I have already been in Australia for nearly 12 months in the last 18 months? Do I need to apply for a new visa in order to remain?
If you currently hold a visa which includes condition 8558, and you wish to remain in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18 month period, you will need to apply for a further visa in order to avoid breaching this condition.
Please contact us for assistance on applying for a further visa.
I am a visa holder in Australia and my current visa has the ‘No Further Stay’ condition attached? Can I stay in Australia?
If your current visa includes a ‘No Further Stay’ condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535), you are unable to make a valid application for most other visas while you are in Australia. If you wish to remain in Australia beyond your visa’s expiry date, a request to waive this condition must be made.
Please contact us for assistance on applying for a ‘8503 – No Further Stay Waiver.
If you don’t have a valid visa. What do I do now?
If your visa has expired, you need to apply for a Bridging E visa (BVE) immediately in order to become lawful. A BVE is a short-term visa that lets you remain lawful while you make arrangements to leave, finalise immigration matters or wait for an immigration decision.
People Outside Australia
Do not attempt to travel to Australia within 14 days of leaving or transiting mainland China, unless you are an:
o Australian citizen
o Permanent resident
o New Zealand citizen resident in Australia
o Immediate family member of an Australian citizen or permanent resident including spouses / de facto partners, minor dependants and legal guardians
o Diplomats
Can I return to Australia using my Bridging B visa (BVB)?
No. Travel restrictions mean you will be unable to enter Australia. If you have left or transited through mainland China within 14 days, do not attempt to travel to Australia. Bridging visas are not able to be granted if you are outside Australia. If your Bridging visa expires and you are outside Australia, you will need to apply for another visa once the travel restrictions have been lifted.
I am currently overseas and will not be able to enter Australia before my visa ceases. What do I need to do to travel to Australia?
If you are outside Australia and are unable to enter before your visa’s validity ceases, you will need to apply for a new visa if you wish to travel to Australia. It is not possible to extend the validity period of a visa.
I think my visa has been cancelled. What do I do now?
If you think you visa may have been cancelled, please email [email protected] with your details including full name, date of birth and passport number.
Further Information
If you require further information on the government’s current travel ban please contact us for further advice and assistance. Ethos Migration Lawyers will continue to provide updates for this situation as they become available.