Visa Expiry
Your visa is expiring — don't wait until it's too late.
If your visa is about to expire or has already expired, you need to act immediately. Once your visa expires without a valid application lodged, you become an unlawful non-citizen in Australia. This can result in detention, removal, and a re-entry ban that can last 3 years or more. The good news is that in many cases, there are options available — but only if you act quickly.
If your visa has not yet expired, the most important thing is to lodge a new visa application before the expiry date. In most cases, lodging a valid application before your current visa expires will grant you a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while your new application is being processed.
If your visa has already expired, you may be able to apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) to regularise your status while you make arrangements to depart or lodge a new visa application (if eligible). However, BVE options are limited and time-sensitive — the longer you remain unlawful, the fewer options you have.
Overstaying your visa can have serious long-term consequences, including a 3-year exclusion period that prevents you from being granted most visas to return to Australia. In some cases, this can be extended to a permanent exclusion. I can advise on your specific situation and the best course of action.
What I do
- Assess your current visa status and identify all available options
- Lodge a new visa application before your current visa expires (if possible)
- Apply for a Bridging Visa E if your visa has already expired
- Advise on the implications of overstaying, including exclusion periods
- Prepare applications to waive the 3-year exclusion period where possible
- Represent you in any dealings with the Department of Home Affairs