Residence permit renewal in Australia
Renewing an Australian residence permit—typically referred to as a substantive visa—involves applying for a new visa before the current one expires to maintain lawful status. Applicants must generally demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for their specific visa subclass.
Most applicants are advised to submit their renewal application several months before their current visa expires to account for varying processing times. Allowing sufficient time ensures that individuals remain on a 'bridging visa' if their current permit expires while the new application is being considered.
Start 90 days ahead
Processing times are highly variable depending on the visa subclass, with some categories experiencing significant delays due to high demand.
The process
- 1Identify the current visa subclass and confirm eligibility for a further stay.
- 2Gather the required supporting documentation, such as proof of identity, health insurance, and evidence of continued intent (e.g., employment contracts or enrollment documents).
- 3Submit the visa application online via the official ImmiAccount portal.
- 4Pay the associated visa application charge.
- 5Complete any additional requests for information, health examinations, or character checks if prompted by a case officer.
What to bring
- Current passport
- Evidence of meeting the visa criteria (varies by subclass)
- Health and character documents as required
- Proof of financial capacity or sponsorship if applicable
Who handles it
Department of Home Affairs (Jabatan Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Fees vary significantly by visa subclass. The current fee schedule is available on the Department of Home Affairs website under the 'Visa pricing estimator' tool.
What commonly goes wrong
- Applying after the expiry of the current visa may result in becoming unlawful, which can lead to detention or removal.
- Ensure all documentation is current and matches the specific requirements for the visa subclass, as incorrect submissions often lead to processing delays.
- Failure to maintain 'no further stay' conditions on an existing visa may prevent an application for certain types of new visas.
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs - Visa Finder immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- ImmiAccount - Official Login online.immi.gov.au
Other documents in Australia
Residence permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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