Australia to Open Borders from Dec 1 for International Students & Skilled Workers

Australia is a leading immigration and international student destination in the world. However, the spread of the Wuhan virus forced the Australian government to close the borders for foreign nationals as an imperative protective measure. As a result, the country became among the ones affected less by the virus. The strict COVID guidelines and the impulsion of lockdowns prevented Australia from being impacted by the virus badly.

Now, as COVID effects are diminishing everywhere, Australia is modifying the traveling guidelines. As per a recent announcement made by the Australian government, from December 1, 2021, the fully vaccinated Australian citizens, Australian PRs, and eligible visa holders will be allowed to travel to and from Australia without the need of a travel exemption. The news is one of the best news for the international students who want to Study in Australia or other nationals who have been waiting to travel to Australia for a long.

The guidelines you must go through before planning to fly to Australia are as under

Vaccination Criteria to Perform Australia Immigration

The fully vaccinated people having the relevant documents ready will be able to immigrate to Australia without hassle. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) department of Australia has declared the approved vaccine list for the aspirants. The list includes

• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• AstraZeneca Covishield
• Bharat Biotech Covaxin
• Moderna Spikevax
• Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
• Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60-year-olds).
• Sinovac Coronavac
• OR one dose of:
  • Johnson & Johnson (Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine)

The doses must be taken in a minimum gap of 14 days and all the doses must be completed at least 7 days prior to travel. The candidates who have taken mixed doses of two vaccines are also permissible. In case a candidate is not vaccinated as per the specifications set by the Australian government then it will not be considered legitimate for Australia Immigration. However, relaxations are made for the people under specific circumstances which are discussed below

• If a traveler cannot be vaccinated because of medical reasons, he must present necessary documents to evidence the same. Such travelers will have to quarantine after they cross the border of Australia. The quarantine criteria may differ on the basis of the state to which you are traveling.
• The children within 12 to 17 years are allowed to travel with their fully vaccinated parents or guardians whether they are vaccinated or not.
• In case a child is traveling with not vaccinated parents or guardians then the entire family will have to quarantine.

Proof of Vaccination

According to the regulation by Australia Immigration authorities and TGA, the people seeking to travel to and from Australia will be required to present the proof of vaccination to the airline professionals.

• The passengers vaccinated from overseas countries must have a vaccination certificate satisfying the following criteria
  • The certificate must be acquired from national or state/provincial authorities.
  • The certificate must be in the English language. If not, the traveler must have a translated copy of the same.
  • The certificate must have the following things mentioned on it
    • Name of the candidate (same as passport).
    • DOB of the candidate (same as passport).
    • Brand name of vaccination.
    • Number of doses along with the date of completion. 

• Both paper printout and digital copy of the certificate will work.
• Those travelers who are vaccinated in Australia will have to present the International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate.

Eligible Visa Subclasses

Not all travelers are allowed to travel to Australia without applying for a travel exemption as per the announcement. Only those candidates who belong to any of the following visa subclasses can leverage the facility

Endnote

The Australian government and Australia immigration authorities are hoping that 90% of people who are above 16 years will get vaccinated by the end of this year. With the phenomenal efforts of the health department and health workers, nearly 85% of people are already vaccinated. Looking at the delightful progress and circumstances, Australia has made a big decision. 

So friends, finally the time to realize your Australia immigration or study in Australia dream has come. For any sort of assistance, feel free to reach our Australia Immigration Consultants!