Quick Answer: If your Australian visa has been refused, you typically have 28 days (onshore) or 70 days (offshore) to lodge an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART, formerly AAT). ART review fees range from $3,496 to $10,000+ depending on visa type, and average processing times run 12–36 months for most visa streams. A visa cancellation, whether self-requested or Department-initiated, can take anywhere from a few days to several months and carries serious consequences including potential removal from Australia.
At VJ Consulting and Education, we work with applicants across the full spectrum of visa refusals, AAT/ART appeals, and cancellation scenarios — and the patterns we see consistently underscore why understanding each process in detail matters before taking any action.
How to apply for visa cancellation in Australia?
There are two very different processes here depending on who is initiating the cancellation. If the Department of Home Affairs is cancelling your visa, they will issue a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC) and you have the right to respond. If you want to cancel your own visa voluntarily, the process is simpler: you submit a written request to the Department, typically via ImmiAccount or by contacting the relevant processing centre directly.
For voluntary cancellations, you will need to provide your visa grant number, passport details, and a clear statement of your reasons. The Department does not have a dedicated online form specifically for self-initiated cancellations — most applicants lodge the request via a general enquiry or through a registered migration agent who can submit it formally.
Tip: Before requesting your own visa cancellation, confirm you are not on a bridging visa or that the cancellation will not affect a pending application. The consequences can be irreversible.
"I needed to cancel my 500 visa because I was returning home permanently. My agent sent a written request to the Department and it was confirmed within about three weeks — but they warned me I'd be barred from holding certain bridging visas afterwards." — A former student visa holder we assisted with their departure process
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
How long does visa cancellation take?
The timeline depends entirely on who is driving the cancellation. Department-initiated cancellations under s.116 or s.128 of the Migration Act can happen rapidly — sometimes within 24–72 hours at the border — while contested cancellations involving a response period can take weeks to months.
| Cancellation Type | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Border/character cancellation (s.128) | Immediate to 72 hours |
| Departmental NOICC process (s.116) | 4–12 weeks |
| Self-requested voluntary cancellation | 2–6 weeks |
| Minister-initiated cancellation (s.501) | Varies — days to months |
A migration agent with 22 years of experience explained in a Q&A session that the fastest cancellations occur at airports, where officers can act on the spot under s.128: the visa holder is detained and a decision is made before they clear the border.
Tip: If you receive a NOICC, you have a statutory response period — typically 28 days. Missing that deadline removes your right to respond and the cancellation proceeds automatically.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
How much does the AAT review cost?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) charges a lodgement fee that varies by visa category. As of 2025, the standard fee for most migration matters is $3,496. However, if the Tribunal decides in your favour, $3,298 of that fee is refunded.
| Application Type | Lodgement Fee | Refund if Successful |
|---|---|---|
| Most visa review applications | $3,496 | $3,298 |
| Fast Track review (student/visitor) | $1,862 | No refund |
| Protection visa merits review | $3,496 | $3,298 |
| Character cancellation review | $3,496 | $3,298 |
These fees are separate from any legal representation costs. Migration agent fees for preparing an ART appeal typically range from $3,000 to $8,000+ depending on case complexity, evidence required, and whether a hearing is needed.
Tip: If you are experiencing financial hardship, the ART does have a fee waiver process — speak to a MARA-registered agent about eligibility before lodging.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
How long does it take to appeal a visa refusal in Australia?
The short answer is: far longer than most applicants expect. Current ART processing times for migration matters range from 12 months to over 3 years depending on the visa type, complexity, and Tribunal workload. Student visa appeals are at the severe end of the backlog.
| Visa Type | Typical ART Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Student visa (500) | 18–36+ months |
| Partner visa (820/801) | 18–30 months |
| Skilled visa (189/190/491) | 12–24 months |
| Visitor visa (600) | 6–18 months |
| Protection visa | 24–48+ months |
One of our clients, a midwife whose Subclass 189 visa was refused in early 2025, described the ART timeline as "the hardest part — not knowing when a decision would come while being stuck on a bridging visa for potentially years."
"We lodged the AAT on time, but I genuinely didn't realise I'd be waiting this long. Eighteen months in and we still haven't had a hearing date." — A client whose 189 application was refused after a points overclaim was identified
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
How much does it cost to appeal a visa refusal in Australia?
The total cost of an ART appeal has two components: the government lodgement fee and professional representation. For most visa types, the government fee alone is $3,496. Add agent or lawyer fees and the realistic total cost ranges from $6,000 to $15,000+ for a contested case with a hearing.
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| ART lodgement fee | $3,496 |
| MARA agent preparation fee | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Migration lawyer (complex cases) | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Independent expert evidence | $500–$2,000 |
| Total (estimated) | $6,500–$15,000+ |
If the ART rules in your favour, the $3,298 refundable portion of the lodgement fee is returned — but professional fees are not recoverable.
Tip: Be cautious of agents who guarantee AAT success or charge unusually low fees. A migration agent explained in a Q&A session that unscrupulous operators sometimes cycle clients through repeated study visas and appeals to generate ongoing fees, rather than pursuing the most appropriate legal pathway.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
How long does it take to get a visa after an AAT appeal?
After a successful ART decision remitting your case to the Department, you are not immediately granted the visa — the Department must re-assess your application. This secondary processing typically takes an additional 3–12 months depending on the visa stream.
| Post-ART Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| ART remits case to Department | Day 0 |
| Department re-opens assessment | 4–8 weeks |
| Department requests updated documents | Within 28 days of request |
| Final visa grant (after remittal) | 3–12 months |
The total time from lodging an ART appeal to receiving a visa grant therefore commonly exceeds 2–4 years when you combine ART processing and subsequent Departmental processing.
Tip: Keep all your documents current during the appeal period. Skills assessments, English test results, health checks, and police clearances all have expiry dates — let them lapse and you risk a second refusal after the ART has already ruled in your favour.
→ Deep Dive: Rights and Options on AAT Review / Bridging Visa
How long does it take to cancel a visa in Australia?
This question is often asked alongside the process question, so to be direct: the timeline depends on the mechanism. An administrative cancellation following a NOICC takes a minimum of 4–12 weeks in practice. A character cancellation under s.501 can be completed in days once a decision is made by a delegate or the Minister personally.
One applicant we worked with received a NOICC and was given 28 days to respond. Despite submitting a comprehensive response, the cancellation was finalised within six weeks of the original notice. The speed surprised them.
"I assumed the process would take months and that I had time to arrange my affairs. The actual decision came back in under six weeks from the day I got the notice." — A client who faced a condition breach cancellation on a temporary work visa
If you are at the border and your visa is cancelled under s.128, there is essentially no delay — the cancellation is immediate and you may be detained while removal arrangements are made.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
How long does it take to cancel your Australian visa?
The answer here mirrors the above, but it is worth distinguishing the voluntary cancellation timeline specifically. When a visa holder requests their own cancellation, the Department processes these as administrative matters without urgency. In our experience, voluntary cancellation confirmations are typically issued within 2–6 weeks of the request being received.
| Request Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Voluntary self-cancellation (written request) | 2–6 weeks |
| Agent-submitted voluntary cancellation | 1–4 weeks |
| Department-initiated (NOICC pathway) | 4–12 weeks |
| Airport/border cancellation | Immediate |
There is no fee charged by the Department for processing a voluntary cancellation request. The cost, if any, is your agent's fee for submitting it.
Tip: If you are outside Australia when you request a cancellation of an onshore visa, confirm with the Department or your agent which bridging visa implications apply — the answer differs depending on whether you hold a substantive visa or are already on a Bridging Visa A or B.
How much does it cost to appeal a tourist visa refusal in Australia?
For visitor visa (Subclass 600) refusals, the ART review fee is the same standard rate — $3,496 — but the practical economics are often unfavourable. A tourist visa is typically granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, and an ART review can take 6–18 months to resolve. By the time the Tribunal decides, the purpose of the visit has often passed.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| ART lodgement fee (Subclass 600) | $3,496 |
| Refund if successful | $3,298 |
| Typical agent fee for visitor visa appeal | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Realistic total outlay | $5,500–$7,500 |
Our MARA-registered agents generally advise clients that for straightforward tourist visa refusals, a fresh application with a stronger supporting document package is often faster and cheaper than an ART appeal — unless there is a precedent concern (such as a character issue) that needs formal resolution.
Tip: If your visitor visa was refused and you are onshore, check immediately whether you are protected by a Bridging Visa A — lodging an ART review within 28 days of refusal is what triggers that protection.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
Can I appeal if my Australian visa is rejected?
Yes, in most cases — but the right to appeal depends on the visa type, your location at the time of refusal, and the ground of refusal. Most temporary and permanent visa refusals carry a merits review right before the ART. However, some refusals — particularly those involving character under s.501 or certain fast-track protection decisions — have limited or no review rights.
| Visa Category | ART Review Right? |
|---|---|
| Skilled visas (189/190/491) | Yes |
| Partner visas (820/309) | Yes |
| Student visas (500) | Yes (Fast Track) |
| Visitor visas (600) | Yes |
| Character refusal (s.501) | Limited — AAT or Federal Court |
| Fast Track protection decisions | Fast Track Review Panel only |
A MARA-registered agent with over 22 years of experience confirmed in a Q&A session: "Not all refusals are equal. Some carry full merits review rights, some go to a different tribunal, and some — particularly certain character matters — can only go to the Federal Circuit Court. Knowing which pathway applies is the first decision to make after a refusal."
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
Can a 491 visa be refused?
Yes, and refusals of the Subclass 491 visa are not uncommon despite applicants having received a state or territory nomination. A nomination does not guarantee a visa grant — the Department independently assesses every application against the full legislative criteria.
Common reasons a 491 is refused include: points overclaim, document fraud or inconsistency, failing health or character requirements, and the primary applicant or a secondary applicant not meeting identity requirements. Nomination itself can also be cancelled by the nominating state after the visa is lodged, which typically results in a refusal.
"I had my 491 nomination from a state government and genuinely thought it was a formality after that. The refusal came because one of our secondary applicants had a health condition that triggered a health waiver assessment — we just weren't prepared for that." — A recent client who went through the 491 regional pathway
One of our clients shared that after a 491 refusal, they successfully appealed to the ART and the case was remitted to the Department, eventually resulting in a grant — but the total process took nearly three years.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Refusal Reasons and Rates
Can a 190 visa be rejected?
Yes. A Subclass 190 visa refusal is less common than a 491 refusal in proportional terms, but it does happen — and the consequences are the same: you must appeal to the ART within 28 days (if onshore) or 70 days (if offshore) to preserve your review rights.
The most frequent grounds for 190 refusals our team has encountered include: the applicant did not actually hold the points claimed at time of invitation (particularly English scores that expired between SkillSelect expression of interest and visa lodgement), skills assessment not matching the nominated ANZSCO code, and nomination conditions not being met at time of decision.
"Based on what the applicant submitted and the refusal to provide full documentation, it appeared to be a case of overclaiming points. Your visa will be refused if you overclaimed points, even if you would have met the minimum invited points." — A MARA-registered agent responding to a 190 refusal case our team reviewed
Tip: Points must be valid and correctly claimed at the time of invitation, not just at lodgement. English test scores, age, and employment history are the most commonly miscalculated.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Refusal Reasons and Rates
What are common reasons for Australia visa rejections?
The Department does not publish a single unified list, but across skilled, partner, student, and visitor streams, our case experience points to six recurring refusal grounds. Among the applicants VJCE has assisted, documentation gaps and inconsistent statutory declarations are among the most frequently cited grounds the Department relies on when refusing a visa — making thorough preparation before lodgement the single most impactful step an applicant can take.
| Refusal Reason | Visa Types Most Affected |
|---|---|
| Insufficient evidence of genuine relationship | Partner (820/309) |
| Points overclaim or ineligible skills assessment | Skilled (189/190/491) |
| Failure to meet Genuine Student requirement | Student (500) |
| Health requirement not met | All visa types |
| Character requirement (PIC 4001/4020) | All visa types |
| Failure to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) | Visitor/Student |
Document fraud — including misrepresenting qualifications, employment history, or relationship evidence — triggers a separate and more serious public interest criterion (PIC 4020), which can result in a 3-year or permanent bar on holding further visas.
One applicant we worked with received a refusal noting that their English test result had been taken on the same day as their 485 lodgement — our agent flagged that the Department requires evidence to be dated at least one day prior to application.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Refusal Reasons and Rates
What is the rejection rate for partner visa?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes annual visa statistics. Partner visa refusal rates have historically been lower than student visas — approximately 5–10% of Subclass 820/801 onshore partner visa applications and Subclass 309/100 offshore applications are refused outright, though rates vary year to year and by nationality of applicant.
| Visa | Approximate Refusal Rate (2023–24) |
|---|---|
| Partner visa (820/309 combined) | ~8–12% |
| Student visa (500) | 15–25% (varies by nationality) |
| Skilled Independent (189) | ~3–7% |
| Visitor visa (600) | ~5–15% (varies by origin country) |
According to the Department of Home Affairs annual report data, partner visa refusals are most commonly driven by insufficient evidence of a genuine ongoing relationship, not meeting cohabitation requirements, or concerns about the sponsoring Australian citizen or permanent resident's character or sponsorship history.
Tip: The most common mistake in partner visa applications is under-documenting the relationship. The Department expects evidence across four categories: financial, social, nature of household, and commitment. Gaps in any category invite scrutiny.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Refusal Reasons and Rates
What happens if your Australian visa is cancelled?
A visa cancellation has immediate and serious legal consequences. The moment a visa is cancelled, you become an unlawful non-citizen if you have no other valid visa. The Department is required to detain unlawful non-citizens under the Migration Act, and removal from Australia may follow.
| Consequence | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa cancelled, no other visa | Unlawful non-citizen — subject to detention |
| Bridging visa (pending review) | May apply if cancellation is appealed in time |
| Re-entry ban | Typically 3 years for character-related cancellations |
| PIC 4020 bar | 3-year or permanent bar if fraud is found |
| Future visa applications | Must disclose prior cancellation on all future forms |
One applicant we assisted had their Subclass 482 visa cancelled after their sponsor employer lost their standard business sponsorship. They were not at fault, but the cancellation still meant they had 60 days to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or depart Australia.
"Nobody told me that my visa was tied to that employer's sponsorship status. When the company was deregistered, my visa went with it. I had no idea I was unlawful." — A client whose 482 visa was cancelled through no personal fault
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
How to request visa cancellation in Australia?
The process for requesting your own voluntary cancellation is straightforward, but the consequences are not always reversible. To request cancellation, you (or your registered agent) submit a written request to the Department of Home Affairs, including: your full name, passport number, visa grant number, date of birth, and a clear statement requesting cancellation and the reason.
Most voluntary requests are submitted via email to the relevant visa processing centre or through ImmiAccount messaging. There is no dedicated portal for this — it is handled as an administrative request.
Tip: Always obtain written confirmation from the Department that your visa has been cancelled. Do not assume a request sent equals a visa cancelled. Travel or work on a visa after you believe it has been cancelled, without confirmation, can create serious complications.
For complex situations — such as requesting cancellation while a new application is pending, or while you are onshore — always consult a MARA-registered agent first. The interaction between a cancelled visa and any pending bridging visa is not intuitive.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
What can cause visa cancellation?
Visa cancellations are generally triggered by one of three categories: breach of visa conditions, character grounds, or fraud/misrepresentation. Each has a different legal mechanism and different consequences.
| Cancellation Ground | Legal Mechanism | Key Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Condition breach | s.116 Migration Act | Working more hours than permitted on student visa; studying outside approved provider |
| Character/criminal conduct | s.501 Migration Act | Substantial criminal record; association with criminal groups |
| Fraud or misrepresentation | s.109 + PIC 4020 | False documents; concealing prior refusals |
| Sponsor obligations (work visas) | s.116 | Employer ceases trading or loses sponsorship approval |
| Relationship breakdown | s.116 | Partner visa holder separates before permanent visa granted |
A MARA-registered agent with 22 years of experience noted that many cancellations under s.501 character provisions have been applied to people with relatively minor offences — the test is not just whether you have been convicted, but whether the Minister is satisfied the person passes the character test.
"Character cancellations under s.501 can apply even to people who have been in Australia for decades and have Australian citizen children. The law is not sympathetic to length of residence in the way most people assume." — Our MARA-registered agent advising on a character cancellation matter
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
Can I cancel my own visa in Australia?
Yes. Voluntary visa cancellation is legally permitted and does happen — typically when a visa holder is leaving Australia permanently, has been granted a different visa and no longer needs the old one, or needs to exit quickly and wants to formalise their status. There is no statutory prohibition on requesting your own cancellation.
However, the practical implications require careful consideration before doing so. Once cancelled, you cannot simply reinstate the visa — you would need to apply for a new one, meet all current criteria, and pay a new application fee.
One of our clients cancelled their own student visa after accepting a permanent role offshore, believing it was a simple administrative step. They later discovered this created a disclosure obligation on all future Australian visa applications and had affected their eligibility for certain visa waivers.
Tip: If you hold a Subclass 485 visa or are partway through a skilled visa pathway, cancelling any underlying visa can affect your points, bridging visa entitlements, and eligibility for future grants. Get advice before acting.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Cancellation: Causes and Process
What is an AAT review?
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) — now formally rebranded as the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) since May 2024 — is the independent body that reviews decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs on visa applications and cancellations. A review is a fresh examination of the merits of the decision, not just whether the Department made a procedural error.
In a merits review, the Tribunal can affirm the original decision, set it aside and substitute a different decision, or remit the matter back to the Department with directions. The ART can consider new evidence that was not before the Department when the original decision was made.
"A lot of people don't realise that the ART is not just checking whether the Department followed the rules — it's actually re-making the decision based on all the information. That means new documents, new evidence, even new witnesses can all be put before the Tribunal." — Our MARA-registered agent, explaining merits review to a new client
The ART's Migration and Refugee Division handles the vast majority of migration review cases. As of 2024–25, the ART's caseload in migration matters is significantly backlogged, particularly in the student visa stream.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
What comes after AAT refusal?
If the ART affirms the Department's refusal decision, you have several potential options, but none of them are simple. The primary legal pathways are: judicial review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCA), or a Ministerial Intervention request under s.351 or s.417 of the Migration Act. VJ Consulting agents generally advise clients facing an ART affirmation to map out all remaining pathways — Federal Court review, onshore re-application, or offshore options — before the bridging visa expires, as the available window is often shorter than applicants anticipate.
| Post-ART Option | What It Involves | Realistic Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Circuit Court judicial review | Challenges legal error, not merits | Low — only if ART made a legal error |
| High Court special leave | For significant legal questions only | Very low |
| Ministerial Intervention (s.351/s.417) | Asks Minister to substitute a more favourable decision | Very low — Minister's discretion |
| New visa application | Start fresh if circumstances have changed | Depends on visa type and new grounds |
Judicial review does not re-examine the merits of your case — it only considers whether the ART made a jurisdictional error or error of law. It is not a second appeal.
Tip: If you receive an ART refusal, seek advice within 14 days. Court deadlines are strict and missing them typically extinguishes your right to judicial review entirely.
→ Deep Dive: Visa Refusal / Appeals
How long does it take to appeal a visa refusal?
The end-to-end timeline for a full ART appeal — from lodgement to a final decision — currently ranges from 12 months to 3+ years. This is one of the most important facts to convey to clients considering an appeal: the process is a long-term commitment with bridging visa implications throughout.
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Lodging the ART application | Day 1–28 post-refusal |
| Tribunal acknowledgement and case number | 2–4 weeks |
| Pre-hearing case management | 3–12 months |
| Hearing date allocated | 12–30 months from lodgement |
| Decision issued after hearing | 1–6 months post-hearing |
The student visa stream has seen the most severe blowouts. One applicant we assisted with a student visa Subclass 500 ART appeal waited 26 months before receiving a hearing date, during which time they remained in Australia on a Bridging Visa A.
Clients in skilled visa streams — particularly the Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 — have generally seen faster timelines, in the 12–18 month range.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
How often are visa appeals successful?
Success rates vary significantly by visa type and the ground of refusal, but in general, the ART sets aside (overturns) the Department's decision in roughly 30–50% of cases that proceed to a full merits hearing. However, this figure requires important context: many cases are withdrawn before hearing, and the cases that proceed are not a random sample.
| Visa Stream | Approximate Set-Aside Rate (Heard Cases) |
|---|---|
| Partner visas | ~45–55% |
| Student visas | ~30–40% |
| Skilled visas | ~35–50% |
| Visitor visas | ~25–35% |
| Character cancellations (s.501) | ~20–30% |
According to Department of Home Affairs ART performance data, the overall set-aside and remittal rate across all migration cases in recent years has sat between 35–45% for finalised decisions.
One applicant we assisted in a Subclass 189 visa refusal appeal — where the refusal was based on a points discrepancy — had their case remitted after the Tribunal accepted corrected documentation establishing the actual points were validly held at time of invitation.
→ Deep Dive: Appealing a Visa Refusal: AAT Reviews
Can I travel while on AAT?
The answer is: only if you hold a Bridging Visa B (BVB). When you lodge an ART review application within the statutory deadline, you are typically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), which allows you to remain in Australia lawfully — but does not permit you to re-enter Australia if you depart.
| Bridging Visa Type | Travel Rights |
|---|---|
| Bridging Visa A (BVA) | Stay in Australia only — no travel |
| Bridging Visa B (BVB) | Travel permitted for a specified period |
| Bridging Visa C (BVC) | No travel |
To travel, you must apply for a BVB before you depart Australia. If you depart on a BVA without first obtaining a BVB, your BVA ceases on departure and you cannot return to Australia while the ART review is pending.
"I was on appeal and needed to go home for a family emergency. My agent applied for a Bridging Visa B urgently. We got it within 10 days, but it was very stressful. I had no idea I couldn't just leave and come back." — One applicant we assisted with their partner visa appeal
One of our clients asked exactly this: they had received a 491 nomination while on a student visa appeal and wanted to know if the bridging visa would carry over. The answer is nuanced — lodging a new visa application while on ART review can affect your bridging visa entitlements and you should always get advice before doing so.
→ Deep Dive: Rights and Options on AAT Review / Bridging Visa
Can I apply for another visa while on AAT?
Yes, in most circumstances — and it is often a strategically sound decision to do so, particularly if new grounds for a visa application have emerged since the original refusal. Lodging a new substantive visa application while your ART review is pending does not automatically withdraw the review, and maintaining the appeal while also applying for a new visa gives you two parallel chances at resolution. In VJ Consulting and Education's experience, deciding whether to lodge a parallel visa application while an ART matter is on foot requires careful analysis of bridging visa conditions and merits strength, since the strategic benefit varies considerably depending on the visa subclass involved.
However, there are important considerations:
- Lodging a new application may alter your bridging visa status — confirm with your agent before lodging
- If the new application is also refused, that creates a second potential ART timeline
- Some visa types have conditions preventing concurrent applications
An applicant we worked with was on an ART review for a student visa refusal and received an invitation to apply for a Subclass 491 visa. They lodged the 491 application while maintaining the ART appeal, and were granted a new Bridging Visa A linked to the 491 application — but needed careful advice to ensure the two processes did not conflict.
Tip: Always get written advice from a MARA-registered agent before lodging any new application while an ART matter is pending. The interaction between the two processes can have unintended consequences for work rights, travel, and health insurance entitlements.
→ Deep Dive: Rights and Options on AAT Review / Bridging Visa
How much is visa cancellation?
The Department of Home Affairs does not charge a fee to cancel a visa — whether the cancellation is voluntary (self-requested) or Department-initiated. There is no government
