db100

A colleague was booked on the direct flight to Perth in mid February 2022. A couple of days after Qantas announced Darwin was to be the new arrival point, his flight was changed by Qantas automatically, that was a few weeks ago now.

I'm in a similar situation, although I validated my visa in February 2020 before returning back to the UK.

In the COVID concessions, I think visa application refunds were only applicable to 300, 403, 417 and 462 visas not the 489.  Unless you particularly want to try and get a refund, what's the harm in waiting to see if there are any visa concessions in the future?

I'm sure there will be a resolution in due course, I guess the priority at the moment is to give waivers etc to visa holders who are facing an immediate disadvantage or issue.

While a 489 leads to PR if we meet the residency and work requirements, it's listed as a temporary work visa on the DHA website.

I guess this is the section of the budget announcement relevant to us:

The Government will refund or waive the visa application charge (VAC) for temporary visa holders affected by the COVID-19 travel ban. Prospective Marriage, Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme visa holders will be able to access a VAC refund. Temporary skilled workers and visitor visa holders will be eligible to have the VAC for a subsequent visa application waived, to allow them to return to Australia once travel restrictions are lifted. Working holiday makers will be eligible to have the VAC for a subsequent visa application waived, to allow them to return to Australia once travel restrictions are lifted or otherwise be able to access a VAC refund. VAC refunds and waivers will be available to current visa holders who are unable to travel until the border reopens.

I'm in the same boat.  489 granted September 2019, validation trip in February and then planned to emigrate September 2020.  I've pushed that back to April 2021, I guess it's a waiting game to see if that happens or not. 

Have you checked to see if either, or both of your professions are on a skills shortage list?

This is the letter I've seen elsewhere on the forum, which refers to 489 & 491

I'm sure I read elsewhere on the forum that the DHA had released a letter saying the date of first entry obligation had been removed due to the current situation?

At mine I had a chest x-ray, blood sample and urine sample taken.

Did the usual height, weight, blood pressure, medical history questions. Did a brief sight test too.

Then lay on bed in underwear and the doctor had a feel for lumps and bumps, then tested knee and joint reflexes.

From arriving to leaving it was under an hour. Wasn't uncomfortable at all.

Yes, that sums up my position at the moment.

Was planning to go in September, now pushed back to March next year, maybe even June. Luckily I managed to do a validation trip just before lockdown.

I'm delaying. Have done my validation trip and was planning to move permanently in September. I've pushed that back to March 2021 now.

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll wait until they are requested.

Hi,

Earlier this month I submitted my visa application for a 489, sponsored by South Australia.  Having submitted and paid, I now have a link on my immi account profile to generate the letter with HAP ID to arrange a medical.  Should I do this now or is it better to wait for CO contact to request these?