New Replacement stream

 

This SC 485 stream allows holders of these visas to obtain another SC 485 visa of the same duration as their original visa, if they were unable to stay in Australia for the full period of their previous visa due to the COVID restrictions in force from 1 February 2020 to 14 December 2021.

 

Current and former SC 485 may apply if they:

 

• were outside Australia when the original SC 485 visa was granted and entered Australia on the original visa before 15 December 2021, departed Australia after this entry but before 15 December 2021 while holding the original visa,

 

or

 

• were in Australia when the original SC 485 visa was granted and were outside Australia at any time between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 while holding the original visa.

 

Secondary visa holders who were granted SC 485 visas on the basis of being the member of the family unit of the primary visa holder, will also be eligible for the Replacement stream if the primary visa holder is eligible.

 

A cut-off date of 1 January 2027 will be imposed on applications for the Replacement stream.