No Further Stay (8503) - What You Need to Know

The No Further Stay (8503) condition is a restriction placed on certain Australian visas. If your visa has this condition, you cannot apply for most temporary or permanent visas while you are in Australia. To remain in Australia longer, you must first request a waiver of the 8503 condition before applying for any new visa.

Who Gets the 8503 Condition?

This condition is not automatically applied to all visas. It is commonly attached to:

  • Student visas
  • Visitor (Tourist) visas
  • Working Holiday Maker visas
  • Bridging Visas A and B

Can You Get a Waiver?

Yes - but only in specific situations. You may request a waiver of the 8503 condition if:

  • You hold a temporary visa with the 8503 condition AND
  • There has been a major, unforeseen change in your circumstances outside your control

Examples of Acceptable Reasons

A waiver may be considered if you have experienced:

  • A serious illness or injury
  • The death of an immediate family member
  • A natural disaster or civil unrest in your home country
  • Other exceptional and compassionate circumstances

Note: Marriage or entering a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident does NOT qualify for a waiver.

How to Request a Waiver

You must submit a No Further Stay waiver request before your current visa expires. The request form will ask for:

  • Details of your visa and immigration history
  • The unexpected event and how it affected you
  • Supporting documentation (e.g. medical reports, death certificates, etc.)
  • Contact information

Failing to apply before your visa expires may result in deportation or other legal consequences.

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting the waiver request does not guarantee approval. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your case and may ask for more information. Once a decision is made, you'll be notified in writing.

If the Waiver Is Approved
- You may be allowed to apply for a new visa while staying in Australia. However, approval of the waiver does not guarantee the success of your new visa application.

If the Waiver Is Denied
- You will be unable to apply for another visa while in Australia. In many cases, you may need to leave the country and apply offshore. In some instances, this condition can also affect your ability to re-enter Australia in the future.