"No Further Stay" condition: Everything you need to know.

Latest news: Changes to immigration policy announced at a press conference on 17th September 2026 by the Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke: “No Further Stay” condition will apply to all future visitor visas.

Note: The government aims to implement this policy change progressively over the next 12 months.

“No Further Stay” condition means that if a person holds a visa with this condition attached, they can’t apply for a substantive visa except a protection visa. Condition 8503 states that even if the visa this condition is attached to is no longer in effect, it still applies to the person (or until the person has left Australia).

Note: a substantive visa is any visa other than a bridging visa, a criminal justice visa or an enforcement visa.

A person can check if their visa has a “No Further Stay” condition by checking the grant letter or VEVO.

Yes, it is possible to waive the “No Further Stay” condition, according to the government, in certain circumstances, such as:

• A person is unable to travel due to a medical condition.
• They are unable to travel due to the death or illness of a close family member.
• A natural disaster in their home country.
• War or civil unrest in their country.
• The school a person enrolled on cannot provide the approved course.

• Marriage (or de-facto relationship)
• Pregnancy
• Deterioration of existing illness (unless able to show it developed since the grant of the visa)
• Elective surgery

The “No Further Stay” condition can be imposed when the law allows it. Some visas must have this condition. Some visas are subject to the department’s discretion (such as the 400 visa). For some, it can never be imposed (such as the 866 visa).

An individual can check if the visa has the “No Further Stay” condition by reading their grant letter or checking their VEVO account.

According to Mr Burke, all future visitor visas will have a “No Further Stay” condition.

Learn what the announced immigration policy change means for 485 visa dependant, student dependant visas, and Working Holiday visas.

Once the “No Further Stay” condition policy change to visitor visas is completely rolled out:

• First, visa holders before the policy change aren’t affected;
• Second, future visa holders (applicants applying after the change) must leave Australia when their visa expires.

It means future visa holders may not be allowed to extend their stay in Australia. To apply for a visa extension or an entirely different visa, they must first leave Australia.

A person can apply for a waiver of the “No Further Stay” condition by completing form 1447 and attaching additional materials (including but not limited to a letter explaining circumstances, medical documents, police reports, etc.).

The “No Further Stay” condition prohibits a person from staying in Australia after their visa expires. A person can request a waiver (whether the circumstances may grant a waiver depends on each individual).

The newly announced immigration policy means future visa holders may have to leave Australia as their visa nears expiry, since it will include a “No Further Stay” condition.

So, individuals should stay up to date and, when it is rolled out, seek expert guidance.

Navigating the regulatory framework and policy changes requires professional understanding.

The good news is we have multiple MARA-registered migration agents with extensive experience guiding students toward their dreams and making the process hassle-free. We are an ethical registered migration agent with a track record of integrity and honesty. For complete guidance and to learn what this immigration policy change means for you, consult with us.

• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/waivers-and-permissions/no-further-stay-waiver
• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/australian-government-migration-policy-changes