Australia’s border policies from 1 December 2021

By Kristopher Kunasingam and Mark Dunphy

The Federal Government today announced the opening of international borders to the following visa categories:

• Subclass 300 – Prospective Marriage Visa;
• Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa;
• Subclass 403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa;
• Subclass 407 – Training Visa;
• Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa;
• Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa;
• Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (Skilled Visa);
• Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa;
• Subclass 500 – Student Visa.

Others include Student Guardian visas (Subclass 589/590), Parent visa (Subclass 870), Temporary Protection Visas (Subclass 785/790), Refugee and Humanitarian visas (Subclass 200/201/202/203/204).

The travel policy has still not extended to business travellers who would ordinarily use the Subclass 651, 601 or 600 visas. It also does not apply to bridging visa holders (ie those who have pending visa applications).

Provided the visa holders above are fully vaccinated by a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recognised vaccine, they will be able to travel to Australia without seeking an exemption. And if arriving through Victoria, New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, there is no need to undergo hotel quarantine.

This update follows our previous article on Australia’s border policies.

We will continue to bring you further updates.