Whether you’re a visitor or a temporary resident, the right visa is your green light to study, work, or simply explore this vast country. But if your Australian visa has expired while you’re travelling, don’t panic. If you’ve lost track of the date or run into unexpected delays, it helps to act quickly to avoid complications.
At Remitly, we know that dealing with visas can be stressful, especially when you’re new to a country. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to resolve your visa situation and stay on the right side of immigration rules.
Understanding what happens if your visa expires
If your visa has expired, you’re considered an unlawful non-citizen under Australian migration law. While this situation can be stressful, understanding the potential consequences can help you take the right steps.
Overstaying your visa could lead to fines or possible detention. If you have an overstay record, it can also make it more difficult for you to secure visas in the future. However, the good news is that there are solutions available if you make a genuine mistake. Acting quickly and following the right procedures can help you resolve the situation and move forward.
Steps to take straight away
If you’ve realised that your visa has expired, don’t panic; there are steps you can take to deal with the situation. First, check your visa status using the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) tool or the myVEVO app to confirm your current standing.
Next, reach out to the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch, the more likely you’ll be able to find a solution that works for you.
Keeping records of all your communications, such as emails and phone calls, is also a good idea. This can be useful if you need to speak with an immigration lawyer or apply for a new visa in the future—more on that later.
Common misconceptions about expired visas
There are several misconceptions about visa expirations that can lead people to make mistakes. One common myth is that overstaying by just a few days doesn’t matter, but even a short overstay can have consequences. So, if your visa is about to expire or has expired, like we said—take action straight away.
Another misconception is that staying under the radar until you’re ready to leave is a safe option. In reality, this can bring you more serious issues, such as fines, travel bans, or even deportation.
Lastly, some people think that they can apply for any new visa right away, but certain visas require you to hold a valid visa at the time of application. If your visa has expired, you might need to consider a Bridging visa first.
If you stay informed and address visa matters as quickly as you can, you can protect your future travel and residency opportunities in Australia. If you’re unsure about your situation, consider talking to professionals; they can give you the facts and offer peace of mind about your available options.
Legal and procedural options
If you find yourself in this awkward spot, the Australian Department of Home Affairs encourages visitors and newcomers to remain lawful and contact them to explore possible solutions. By doing the right thing you’ll have a much better chance of finding a suitable visa pathway or making arrangements to comply with Australian immigration laws.
How to contact Australian immigration authorities
As we’ve said, reaching out to Australian immigration authorities as soon as possible is the best first step to take when dealing with any visa issues. Letting them know as soon as you can shows good faith and can help reduce the risk of penalties.
To get in touch, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs‘ official website or call their helpline. They may provide guidance on applying for a Bridging visa, arranging your departure, or exploring alternative visa pathways that work for your situation.
If you speak with the immigration authorities, it will help your case to be honest. Provide accurate details about your situation and your willingness to resolve the issue, especially if you want to stay in Australia legally. Transparency can also help ensure you receive the best advice for your specific case.
Exploring options for a Bridging visa
A Bridging visa can keep you in Australia if your substantive visa—the temporary or permanent visa that has allowed you to be in the country legally—has expired or is about to expire:
- Bridging Visa E (BVE): The BVE (subclass 050 or 051) might allow you time to arrange your departure legally, or even to apply for another visa if you’re eligible.
- Bridging Visa A or B: Typically granted if you already submitted a new visa application before your previous visa ended. But once your visa expires, your Bridging visa options might change.
The bridging visa doesn’t guarantee you can remain in Australia indefinitely. It’s a temporary fix to ensure you’re not breaching immigration law. Only Bridging Visa B lets you leave Australia and re-enter the country legally while you wait for a decision on a longer-term visa.
Legal pathways for returning home safely
If you’ve decided you’ll leave the country, you still need to do so legally to avoid future travel troubles:
- Arrange your departure
Book a flight and gather your belongings. You may need a Bridging visa to exit Australia legally and prevent an “overstay” label that would make it very difficult to come back to Australia later. - Departure from detention
In rare cases, if you’re already unlawful and face possible detention, working with an immigration lawyer might help you get a Bridging visa that allows you to exit smoothly and avoid the dreaded prospect of deportation. - Re-entering in the future
Cooperate with immigration officials to keep the best possible record and a higher chance of success if you choose to return to Australia later.
Practical steps for repatriation
Sometimes, a personal or urgent circumstance might push you to leave Australia quickly after your visa has expired. If this happens, it might be easy to overlook something that will cause you trouble.
Checking the status of your passport and travel documents
- Passport validity: Confirm your passport is still valid for at least six months beyond your anticipated departure date, as many airlines and countries require this.
- Visa status: Ensure any bridging or departure arrangement is in place so you won’t face legal troubles at the airport.
- Proof of onward travel: Some carriers ask for evidence of your plans to return home or continue travelling elsewhere.
Planning your travel back home
Book your flight tickets as early as possible to avoid paying extra for higher, last-minute fares. Inform your family or hosts about your updated travel plans so they can prepare for your departure. If you arrived on a long-stay visa like a Partner Visa, now’s the time to think about getting your stuff boxed up ready to be transported home.
If your circumstances have changed, confirm what you can and can’t take out of the country; for example, certain Australian wildlife products may be restricted. Australian border controls are strict and these matters are taken extremely seriously, so consider double-checking airline baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees—or worse—at the airport.
Contacting airlines about your situation
If your visa has expired, consider talking to the airline ahead of time to confirm that you have everything you need to leave. Some airlines may require proof of approval from immigration authorities before they let you board the plane. By checking this, you could save yourself a lot of time and trouble.
If you already had a flight booked for a later date but for whatever reason you’re having to leave sooner, ask about rebooking or refunds. Also, check transit requirements if you have a layover, as some countries have strict entry or visa rules.
Avoiding overstay penalties
The Department of Home Affairs takes overstaying seriously, but by handling the situation quickly and honestly, you can reduce or even prevent some of the consequences, like fines or worse.
Understanding fines and legal implications
Overstaying your visa can lead to several legal and administrative challenges. The Australian government may impose fines based on the length and circumstances of your overstay, so resolving your visa status quickly is in your own best interest.
In more serious cases, people who significantly overstay may face re-entry bans, meaning they could be barred from returning to Australia for several years. A history of overstaying can affect your credibility with immigration officials.
So of course it’s much better not to find yourself in this position in the first place.
Steps to ensure you comply with Australian law
- Track your visa expiry: Use a calendar or reminders to keep on top of your status, or check your date on your myVEVO app.
- Apply for a new visa in time: If you plan to stay longer, ensure you lodge a visa application before your current visa ends.
- Inform the authorities: As we’ve mentioned, if you’ve already overstayed and it’s a genuine mistake, contact the Department of Home Affairs as soon as you can.
Future travel plans
The best approach is to keep a clean immigration record or rectify any previous overstay issues as quickly as you can. But if you’ve got an eye on future travel into or out of Australia, or even beyond, here’s how things might stand.
How visa expiration might affect your travel history
Overstaying in Australia may raise red flags for border agencies in other destinations, as many countries share immigration data. If you’re asked about a past visa overstay on a future visa application, even for a completely different nation, don’t try to hide this information—it can lead to automatic refusal.
Some people may end up with a Section 48 bar, which prevents non-citizens in Australia who’ve had a visa refused or cancelled from applying for another visa while still Down Under. In these cases, departing the country may be the only option before you reapplying for another visa.
Planning for a future return to Australia
If you’re hoping to visit Australia again or planning a long stay later, you’ve complied with all bridging visa conditions and you left the country legally, you should at least be eligible to reapply for a visitor or work visa from outside Australia.
But if you’re considering permanent residency, any history of overstaying can make the process more challenging. If you have strong ties to Australia, such as an Australian spouse, options like the Partner Visa are open to you.
Seeking expert legal advice for reassurance
We mentioned earlier that you might need to consult professional advice.
- When to involve a lawyer: If your situation is complex or if you fear forced removal, a professional can advise you on your next move.
- Where to find help: Look for registered migration agents or official resources. The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) ensures agents meet professional standards.
You may also be able to count on support from your community, too. Immigrant-focused organisations or community groups can share experiences and recommendations on reliable attorneys or relevant government updates.
But we’ll end by repeating our advice from earlier—by far the best way is to download the myVEVO app, keep an eye on your status—and the date—and stay on the right side of Australia’s strict visa rules.
FAQs
Can you travel back home with an expired visa?
Yes. However, consider getting a Bridging visa or clarify your exit arrangement with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure you leave Australia legally. Leaving the country without correct documentation can result in issues at border control or if you try to re-enter Australia later.
What happens if you overstay your tourist visa in Australia?
Overstaying your tourist visa means that you’re in the country illegally. You may face fines, a re-entry ban, or refusal of future visa applications. The authorities can even detain you if they suspect you’re avoiding leaving legally. Always contact immigration officials quickly if you overstay so they can help you with different options.
Can I apply for a new visa in Australia after it expires?
It depends on your specific visa conditions and how long you’ve stayed with an expired visa. Some people may be eligible to apply for another substantive or bridging visa, while others might have to leave the country first and apply from overseas. Check with the Department of Home Affairs or talk to an immigration lawyer to evaluate your options.
How long can you legally stay in Australia without a visa?
Essentially, not at all—you need to hold a valid visa at all times. Once your visa expires, you’re no longer legally allowed to stay, except in some cases with bridging visas. There’s no grace period for being in Australia without a visa—the day your visa expires is effectively the day you’ll need to leave.