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Subclass 408 Pandemic Visa Granted for Korean Professional Facing 485 Expiry

Visa TypeSubclass 408
CategorySkilled Migration

Case Summary

A Korean professional on an expiring 485 visa who no longer qualified for a further temporary graduate visa was granted a two-year 408 pandemic visa through timely policy monitoring and a well-prepared application submitted at the optimal moment.

Background

The applicant, a Korean professional, was working in Australia on a 485 Temporary Graduate visa that was approaching expiry. He did not meet the requirements to extend or obtain further stay at the time. The Australian Department of Home Affairs had introduced special 408 pandemic visa provisions for temporary visa holders working in specified critical sectors, creating a new pathway during this period.

Challenges

  • 485 visa approaching expiry with no direct extension pathway available
  • Required rapid identification of the newly introduced 408 pandemic visa provisions and accurate interpretation of eligibility criteria
  • Application timing was critical — the policy window was limited and could close without notice

How We Helped

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the special 408 visa provisions immediately following the policy announcement, accurately identifying the eligibility criteria for critical sector employment. We commenced application preparations immediately, gathering employer reference letters, payslips, professional qualifications, and employment evidence for the specified sectors — ensuring all documentation was prepared well before the 485 visa's expiry. We also prepared contingency options in case of processing uncertainty.

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Key Success Factors

  • Rapid policy analysis enabling immediate identification of eligibility and application commencement
  • Timely and complete documentation prepared well in advance of the 485 visa expiry
  • Comprehensive evidence of employment in a pandemic-critical sector, satisfying the specific eligibility criteria
Schedule a call to discover how our experience and expertise made it possible

Outcome

The Department processed the application promptly and granted a two-year 408 pandemic visa with no request for further information, securing the applicant's lawful status and continued employment in Australia.

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