Australia has been very martinet about its border policies since the inception of disastrous COVID-19. However, the moment has come that thousands of overseas students and migrants have been waiting for since Australia finally relaxing its borders. 

Starting December 1, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders, from international students to skilled workers and many others (you can see the complete list below), can enter Australia. Additionally, they need not apply for travel exemption. Over 200,000 refugees, international students and other eligible migrants are expected to return to Australia by January without needing travel exemptions. 

As mentioned above, you need to be fully vaccinated to take benefit of this recent development. You need to present a foreign vaccination certificate that meets the requirements stated by the Australian Passport Office- to the airline staff. 

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Announcement

After the vaccinated population exceeded 85% of adults over 16 in Australia, Prime Minister announced easing international border restrictions and taking a step towards Pre-COVID normality. 

“We said let’s get Australians home first, and that’s been occurring, and so from next month, we will welcome back students and start looking to (bring back) the skilled workers that are needed to ensure we can take full advantage of the economic recovery that we are working to secure.” 

Additionally, the Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews stated-

“Eligible visa holders include skilled workers and student cohorts, as well as refugees, humanitarians, and temporary and provisional visa holders. To access the new provisions, travellers will need to be fully vaccinated, and they will need to present a negative PCR test taken within three days before their departure.”

Which vaccines are approved?

As long as you have completed a course on a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognized vaccine, Australia will consider you fully vaccinated. 

You will be accepted for travel purposes if you fulfil these criteria and have been vaccinated with the following vaccines. 

• Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• AstraZeneca Covishield
• Pfizer/Biotech Comirnaty
• Moderna Spikevax
• Sinovac Coronavac
• Bharat Biotech Covaxin
• Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60-year-olds).
• Or one dose of:
• Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.

Additionally, a minimum of a week must have passed since you have taken the final dose of vaccination. Australia also recognizes mixed doses as “fully vaccinated” as long as TGA approves the vaccines. 

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Eligible VISA holders who can come to Australia

According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, the following VISA holders fall on the list of eligible VISA Holders.