Visa file / Review, intervention and cancellation
Visa cancellation and character s 116 / s 501
Notices of intention to cancel, character decisions and revocation requests. Respond within the time given.
In force
Who it is for
Visa holders who receive a notice of intention to consider cancellation, or face a character decision.
Published 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 you apply from
In or outside Australia.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Respond in time
Respond to the notice within the time given.
Where a registered migration agent can helpResponds within time.
- 02
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 03
Evidence
Rehabilitation, family and community evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpGathers evidence.
- 04
Review
Tribunal review time limits are short.
Where a registered migration agent can helpLodges review on time; character and criminal matters often also need an Australian legal professional.
Charges and processing times.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tribunal review | As set by the Tribunal |
These are fees, not visa application charges. The amounts are shown in the table. Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Not responding in time.
- Not addressing the grounds raised.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Response
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Refusals, cancellations and character matters have short, fixed time limits. Read the decision letter the day it arrives and contact a registered migration agent straight away.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.