Visa cancellation
Visa Cancellation in Australia
Received a notice of intention to consider cancellation, or had your visa cancelled? Understand why visas are cancelled, how to respond and what your review options are.
Why Visas Are Cancelled
Under the Migration Act 1958, only the Minister or a delegate can cancel a visa. Cancellation can be discretionary, mandatory or happen automatically by operation of law, and if your visa is cancelled, visas held by your family members may also be cancelled.
Common reasons include not complying with visa conditions, giving incorrect or fraudulent information or documents, changes in your circumstances, character concerns, involvement in paying for sponsorship, breaching a work condition, a student no longer being enrolled, biosecurity breaches and importing objectionable goods.
Act quickly: time limits are strict
Time limits for ART review are very strict. They depend on the type of decision and whether you are in immigration detention, and your time limit is set out in your Department of Home Affairs decision letter. The tribunal has no power to extend the time limit, so contact us as soon as you receive a decision.
How to Respond
If you receive a notice, you usually have a short time to respond with reasons and evidence why your visa should not be cancelled. A well-prepared response is often your best chance.
If you do not meet the character requirement, your visa may be refused or cancelled under the character provisions. Separate rules and very short time limits can apply. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
The decision-maker considers all relevant circumstances. Check your conditions in VEVO and keep evidence of your work arrangements.
You may have a limited time to leave Australia, or no longer hold a valid visa. Being in Australia without a valid visa can lead to detention and removal, and can affect future visas.
If you are outside Australia, you can request voluntary cancellation of some visas, for example to claim superannuation after leaving a temporary sponsored work visa.
Based on information from the Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Review Tribunal (October 2026). Fees and time limits can change, and the time limit that applies to you is stated in your decision letter. This page is general information, not legal or migration advice for your circumstances.
Visa Cancellation FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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Reasons include breaching visa conditions, incorrect or fraudulent information, character concerns, paying for sponsorship and, for students, no longer being enrolled.
A letter giving you the chance to respond before a decision is made. Respond within the time given, with reasons and evidence.
Many cancellation decisions can be reviewed by the ART. Your decision letter states your review rights and time limit.
If your visa is cancelled, visas held by your family members may also be cancelled.
Facing a Visa Cancellation?
Contact us immediately so we can help you respond within your deadline.
