How long can you stay in Australia without a visa? Is it even possible to stay back without holding a visa?
This is one question many intending visitors in Australia would like to know, and we provide answers to this question and other relevant questions about traveling to Australia.
Traveling To Australia
Unless you are from New Zealand with a valid passport to prove your identity, you need an Australian visa to enter the country. Those who enter the country with a visa are also expected to leave the country before their visa expires; otherwise, they will be living in the country without a legal permit which will be considered a violation.
Living in Australia without a visa has legal consequences, and Australia has one of the toughest immigration laws in the world. But there are situations where a foreign national finds himself in the country without a visa, especially if the one they entered the country with expires. What are they to do in such a situation?
How Long Can You Stay In Australia Without A Visa?
You can stay in Australia without a visa for 28 days, but you are advised to visit the Australian immigration officers to resolve the situation within that time. If your visa expires while in the country, you can get a leeway if you resolve the issue no later than 28 days after the visa expires. Failure to do that will attract several consequences, like getting banned for three years or more from entering the country, paying a fine, or, worse, jail time. The penalty for staying in the country without a visa will depend on the gravity of the crime, your activities in the country, and how long you stayed without a visa.
Legal Sanctions For Visa Violators
If you violate Australia’s immigration laws, you risk being arrested and treated as an unlawful citizens. Accused persons will be kept in detention by immigration and border agents. After a while, you will be removed from Australia, depending on your current situation. Should this happen, your chances of returning to Australia are slim or non existent as you would have violated the policies of the Australian government.
To avoid this unfortunate situation, it is best to visit your country’s embassy for help or contact an authoritative figure in Australia to assist you in getting your visitor visa renewed as quickly as possible.
You can stay in Australia without a visa for 28 days, but you are advised to visit the Australian immigration officers to resolve the situation within that time. If your visa expires while in the country, you can get a leeway if you resolve the issue no later than 28 days after the visa expires. Failure to do that will attract several consequences, like getting banned for three years or more from entering the country, paying a fine, or, worse, jail time. The penalty for staying in the country without a visa will depend on the gravity of the crime, your activities in the country, and how long you stayed without a visa.
Steps To Take If Your Visa Expires
Assuming your visa expires while you are in the country, the first step to take is to visit the nearest immigration office close to you as soon as possible. Presenting yourself to the authorities may seem like an uncomfortable decision, but it is the best course of action. This step will help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
If you have lived in the country for less than 28 days without an Australian tourist visa, your chances of successfully applying for a new visa are higher as there will be more options for you. Following the rules and laid down procedures of the authorities will help you avail of a new visa as soon as possible.
Better still, passport holders can contact an officer of the community status service resolution center at the immigration department to help you resolve your issue.
You Can Get A Bridging Visa
You can get a special visa called a bridging visa. This temporary valid visa is a short-term document that allows you to reside in Australia until your issues with the immigration authorities are resolved. Once your new visa is out, the bridging visa becomes invalid.
To be on the safe side, endeavor to depart the country before your visa expires; if you can’t, visit the nearest immigration office to apply for an extension as quickly as possible. Don’t wait until your visa expires before you submit a new application. It is also important to be law-abiding during your stay in the country to make it easier to get a new visa should the need arise to enter Australia.
How long can you stay in Australia without a visa will depend on your current situation and the discretion of the immigration authorities but ensure that you apply for a new visa in or before 28 days after the old one expires.