Overstaying your visa in Australia — even by just a few days — can have serious and long-lasting consequences. If you or a family member has overstayed a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, it’s important to understand what happens next and what your options are.
How Does a Visitor Visa Overstay Happen?
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The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa typically allows you to stay in Australia for a set period during each visit — commonly three months per entry. Even if your visa is valid until a future date (for example, 2028), you must still leave Australia within the permitted stay period for each arrival.
If you stay even one day beyond your permitted period, your visa ceases automatically and you become unlawful. This will show on VEVO as having no current visa.
What Are the Consequences of Overstaying?
The consequences of a visa overstay can be severe:
- Unlawful status: You are immediately considered an unlawful non-citizen
- Section 48 bar: You generally cannot apply for most visas while onshore in Australia
- Exclusion period: An overstay can result in a three-year exclusion period (or longer) from being granted most Australian visas
- Long-term impact: Migration professionals have noted that an overstay can potentially affect your ability to obtain Australian visas for a very long time — in some cases, indefinitely
What Should You Do Immediately?
If you discover that you’ve overstayed, the recommended course of action is:
- Apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE): This visa is designed to allow unlawful non-citizens to legalise their status temporarily while they prepare to depart Australia. It avoids potential complications at the airport when leaving
- Arrange your departure: Plan to leave Australia as soon as possible to minimise the consequences
- Seek professional advice: Depending on your circumstances, there may be options to mitigate the impact of the overstay
Why a BVE Is Recommended
While you could technically go to the airport and depart as an unlawful non-citizen, applying for a BVE first is generally the better approach. It:
- Legalises your status so you’re departing lawfully
- Avoids a potential interview or detention at the airport
- Demonstrates good faith to the Department of Home Affairs
Can You Come Back to Australia After an Overstay?
Returning to Australia after an overstay depends on the length of the overstay and your individual circumstances. In many cases, there will be an exclusion period during which you cannot be granted another visa. After this period, future applications will need to address the overstay and demonstrate compelling reasons for the visa to be granted.
If you’re in this situation, getting professional advice as early as possible is critical. The steps you take now can make a significant difference to your future immigration options.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents to discuss your specific situation.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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