Student visa holders and New Zealand citizens in Australia and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis?

International students who have been in Australia for longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.

The Government will undertake further engagement with the international education sector who already provide some financial support for international students facing hardship.

International students working in supermarkets will have their working hours return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight on 1 May 2020, as more Australians are being recruited into these roles.

International students working in aged care and as nurses continue to have their hours extended to support these critical sectors.

The Government will also be flexible in cases where Coronavirus has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions (such as not being able attend classes).

International students in their first 12 months are expected to support themselves given their visa application commitment that they had sufficient funds to support their stay in Australia.

New Zealand citizens who are in Australian on the Special Category Subclass 444 visa and who arrived before 26 February 2001 are eligible to access Australian welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment.

New Zealanders on Subclass 444 visas and who arrived after 2001 will have access to the JobKeeper payment, if they have lived in Australia for 10 years or more.

The Government is advising those New Zealanders who are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support should consider returning to New Zealand.

If you would like to discuss your visa application, your student visa status or information for New Zealand citizens, please contact our team of Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers today.