Review and appeals · s 116 / s 501
Visa cancellation and character
Notices of intention to cancel, character decisions and revocation requests. Respond within the time given.
Who it is for
Visa holders who receive a notice of intention to consider cancellation, or face a character decision.
Key eligibility
- Section 109: incorrect information or false documents.
- Section 116: for example, circumstances of grant no longer exist, or visa conditions were not complied with.
- Section 501 character test: for example a substantial criminal record. Mandatory cancellation can follow a substantial criminal record while serving a full-time prison sentence; revocation must be requested within 28 days.
- Cancellation can affect family members and future visas.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia.
Your journey, step by step
Respond in time
Respond to the notice within the time given.
How a registered migration agent helps: responds within time.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
Rehabilitation, family and community evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: gathers evidence.
Review
Tribunal review time limits are short.
How a registered migration agent helps: lodges review on time; character and criminal matters often also need an Australian legal professional.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Tribunal review | As set by the Tribunal |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Common refusal risks
- Not responding in time.
- Not addressing the grounds raised.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: character requirement
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.