IMPORTANT CHANGE TO AUSTRALIAN VISITOR VISAS – NO FURTHER STAY CONDITION
From 28 November 2026, significant changes will apply to Visitor visas and other short-stay visitor visas.
Under the Migration Amendment (Preventing Further Stay for Visitor Visas) Regulations 2026, condition 8503 (No Further Stay) will become mandatory for:
Subclass 600 – Visitor visa (all streams)
Subclass 601 – Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Subclass 651 – eVisitor
What does this mean?
Condition 8503 generally prevents visa holders from applying for most other substantive visas while they are in Australia. This means that, unless the condition is waived, visitors will not be able to apply onshore for another visa to extend their stay or change their visa status. Applications for protection visas are excluded.
Who will be affected?
The changes apply to visa applications lodged on or after 28 November 2026. They do not apply retrospectively to applications lodged before that date.
Previously, condition 8503 was mandatory only for certain Visitor visa streams, while for other streams it could be imposed at the Department's discretion. It could not be imposed on ETA or eVisitor visas.
Planning to visit Australia?
If you are considering travelling to Australia and may need to remain here for longer or explore other visa options, it is important to understand the implications of these changes before lodging your Visitor visa application.
At AUMA Australian Migration Alliance, we can help you understand your visa options and plan your migration pathway.
Comments