Common Visa Mistakes People Make in Australia – And How to Avoid Them

Introduction

Navigating Australia’s immigration system can be tricky for new migrants, students, and families. Even small mistakes can lead to major consequences – such as visa cancellations, refusals, or even bans from returning.

This updated 2025 guide highlights seven common compliance mistakes and offers simple, actionable tips to help you stay visa-compliant and worry-free.

Breaching Work Conditions

Mistake:

Many temporary visa holders, such as those on subclass 482 (TSS) or 407 (Training visa) visas, sometimes work in roles or hours not permitted by their visa.

Student visa holders (subclass 500) are especially at risk, as they’re limited to 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods.

How to Avoid:

• Check your specific visa conditions on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
• Keep a work log to track your hours – especially if you’re a student.
• Get confirmation from your employer or migration agent before taking on extra work or changing roles.
• Note: Research students (Master’s by research or PhD) can work unlimited hours while studying.
• The government is considering increasing the student work cap to 60 hours per fortnight, but it hasn’t yet come into effect as of October 2025.

Missing Visa Expiry or Extension Deadlines

Mistake:

Forgetting to extend your visa or apply for a new one before your current visa expires can leave you unlawfully in Australia.

This is common for those transitioning from a student visa to some other visas (e.g., from 500 to 485 or further 500).

How to Avoid:

• Set calendar reminders at least 3–6 months before your visa expires.
• Speak to a registered migration agent early to plan your next visa pathway.
• Check if your visa has a “No Further Stay” condition (8503) – this means you can’t extend your visa from inside Australia.
• Keep an eye on visa processing times, as these can change frequently (for example, subclass 491 updates in 2025).

Not Reporting Life Changes

Mistake:

Failing to tell the Department of Home Affairs about important life updates – like a new address, marital status, or the birth of a child – can breach your visa conditions.

How to Avoid:

• Log in to your ImmiAccount and update your details within 14 days of any change.
• Keep a record or screenshot of any update you make.
• Understand which changes may affect your visa – for example, a relationship breakdown for a partner visa holder can impact eligibility.

Misunderstanding Study Obligations

Mistake:

Some international students lose their visa status because they don’t stay enrolled full-time or change courses without getting approval.

How to Avoid:

• Confirm your enrollment status with your education provider each semester.
• Always seek approval before changing courses or switching institutions.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attend classes regularly.
• If you are studying multiple packaged courses, ensure there are no long study gaps between them.

Ignoring Health and Character Requirements

Mistake:

Not disclosing medical issues or criminal convictions – even minor ones – during visa renewal or permanent residency applications can result in visa refusal or cancellation.

How to Avoid:

• Be honest and transparent when declaring your health or police history.
• Complete medical checks and police clearances as soon as requested.
• Keep a personal file of all your health and character documents for future use.
• If unsure, seek advice from a migration lawyer or registered agent before submitting forms.

Overlooking Employer Sponsorship Obligations

Mistake:

If you hold an employer-sponsored visa (e.g., 482 or 186 or 407 or 400) and change jobs without notifying the Department, your visa may become invalid.

How to Avoid:

• Inform the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days if you stop working for your sponsor.
• Secure a new approved sponsor before switching jobs.
• Review your employment contract to make sure your salary and role still match what’s listed in your sponsorship.
• Keep communication records with both your current and new employers.

Failing to Understand Travel Restrictions

Mistake:

Many visa holders on bridging visas travel overseas without the right permission, only to find they can’t return to Australia.

How to Avoid:

• Check if your visa allows multiple entries on VEVO before booking any travel.
• Apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if you need to travel temporarily while waiting for another visa decision.
• Don’t travel on a Bridging Visa A, as it will automatically expire once you leave Australia.
• Consult a migration agent if you’re unsure about your travel rights or re-entry rules.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with your Australian visa doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it just requires a bit of planning and awareness.

By knowing your conditions, keeping records, and updating details on time, you can avoid most visa troubles.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out to a registered migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs for official information and recent updates.

Remember: compliance today keeps your future visa and PR goals secure tomorrow.