The pandemic and the various travel restrictions enormously impacted the lives of immigrants in Australia. There is a large group of us who were within the country during the pandemic on a post-study visa. 

We spent the past two years working on the frontline in critical sectors such as the healthcare industry or in hotels and supermarkets. We worked in essential services such as the communication industry. Due to the pandemic, we weren’t able to get experience in our desired field. I’m calling on the government to help onshore immigrants renew our temporary 485 visas, just as offshore applicants were allowed to do so.

The government recognised the commitment made by international students who got stuck overseas due to border lockdown during the pandemic by allowing them to extend their visas. But those of us who stayed back in Australia throughout the pandemic and contributed to the community did not get this same extension. 

Our work experience on the visa gives us the opportunity to apply for a temporary work visa going forward but our experience during the pandemic left us ineligible for this pathway. Why are the onshore applicants being treated unfairly? The government must recognise our commitment and contribution just as it did for offshore applicants.

We use the two-three year post study visa to gain work experience and often go back to our countries. In the last two years though, we’ve had to work difficult hours, often having to change jobs every few weeks to meet the demands of the community in this extraordinary time of a health crisis.

We believe we have been shockingly ignored and the contributions we made to tackle this difficult period are not being valued. We believe that the new government will correct this unfairness towards the Onshore 485 visa holders and give justice to those who risked our lives and careers as front-line laborers. 

New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom have given significant relief including Permanent Residency (PR) pathways to people who supported the countries' economy during the pandemic. Many of us have had to spend years apart from our families, separated from our young children and spouses.

Now that the economy is growing again, Australia needs workers. There is already a group of trained, hardworking and committed individuals who can continue helping the economy and country. 

After some very stressful years, we deserve the opportunity to get skills and experience in fields we are passionate about so we can obtain employment in other countries. 

We’ve invested a lot of time and money in Australia. We are just asking to be valued and respected in return.

Please sign and share this petition to support those of us on 485 visas so we may get an extension or a 408 visa to live our Australian dream.