Key Points
- Refunds have been offered to certain Working Holiday Maker visa holders who paid a Visa Application Charge
- Extension of the validity period for the Temporary Graduate visa
Overview
As of January 19, 2022, the government of Australia will issue Visa Application Charge (VAC) refunds to Working Holiday Maker (subclass 462 and 417) pass holders who are outside of the country or traveling between January 19, 2022, and April 19, 2022, and cannot enter Australia. The government will release an online application form in the coming weeks. For additional information on refunds, click here.
On February 18, 2022, Australia’s government will extend the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa for some holders until September 30, 2022. This extension will apply to individuals who have been affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions with expired Temporary Graduate visas. Eligible visa holders will receive a notification directly from the Department of Home Affairs concerning the extension.
What are the Changes?
The government of Australia announced several changes to immigration visa types. Over the course of the pandemic, the government of Australia has issued refunds for select visa holders who paid a VAC and who have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. WHM visa holders may now be eligible for a VAC refund if they are outside of the country from January 19, 2022, to April 19, 2022. The government has also extended the validity period of Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Australia’s website for the latest updates and information on Australia.
