Time flies: What to do when your Australian visa is about to expire?

Valentina Omaña
Sep 23
2 min read

Time flies, and suddenly, that moment we all fear arrives: the expiration of your visa in Australia.

Before you panic, forget the idea that you can stay a month after your visa expires. That’s not entirely true.

Only in very specific cases, such as hospitalizations, trials, or medical emergencies, could you request a special permit to stay longer. If that’s not your situation, it’s your responsibility to leave the country before your visa expires.

If your plans include staying a bit longer, here are all the legal options you have:

1. Renew with a Tourist Visa:

Ideal if you want to spend more time in Australia without working legally.

Duration: 3 to 12 months
Approximate cost: From AUD $480

Requirements:

Show proof of your return ticket.
Justify the reason for your extension (tourism, saying goodbye to friends, selling assets).
Provide documentation such as hotel bookings or itineraries.

💡 Remember: You won’t be able to work legally with this type of visa.

2. Work and Holiday Visa:

If you meet the requirements, the Work and Holiday visa is another alternative to stay and work in Australia:

Important: The first application must always be made outside of Australia.

Once approved, you’ll be able to re-enter the country and work while enjoying your stay.

💡 Tip: You’ll need to leave and re-enter the country for the visa to be valid.

Key Tips Before Your Visa Expires:

Apply for a new visa before your current one ends.
Start the application process at least a month and a half before the expiration date.
Avoid extra costs: If you apply for more than one consecutive second visa within Australia, the government charges an additional fee of AUD $700.
Don’t improvise, plan ahead, and avoid legal issues.

At AustraliaPRO, we have specialists who help you:

Assess which visa to apply for based on your situation.
Manage your stay extension without mistakes.
Ensure your legal stay in Australia.

If you want a strategic plan for your trip and migration to Australia, visa advice, and migration options, at AustraliaPRO we are ready to help. Write to us on WhatsApp and request your free consultation here.

To stay updated with the latest news on migration and Skills Assessment—and to connect with other professionals on the same path—we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, solve doubts in real time, and receive continuous support from our team and fellow migrants. You’re not alone in this journey! Join now and be part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia.