Are You Illegal?

Get Advice if You’re Staying Illegally in Australia

Are you still in Australia after your visa has expired, been cancelled or refused?

If so, you are an unlawful non-citizen. You are in Australia illegally and should call yourvisa4australia urgently for advice!

What Happens if You’re Identified as Illegal?

If you do not manage your situation carefully, you could be deported from Australia.

Long-term overstayers become neighbours, friends, colleagues, employees and even relatives of lawful Australian residents, some of whom might not be aware of their unlawful status. It is quite common for people to find out about their friends or neighbours being illegal and “dob them in” to Immigration. When this happens, it is quite common for Immigration to come to the home or work with the Police and take the overstayer into detention.

How Can I Get Caught?

The department uses a wide range of sources to find illegal migrants and people breaching their visa conditions. These sources can include employers, educational institutions, departmental investigations, community information, police, or other government agencies.

People who overstay their visa by more than 28 days may have an exclusion period preventing them from being granted a temporary visa to travel to Australia for three years.

What Can You Do About This if You Have No Visa?

If your situation is handled carefully, it may be possible to avoid the long exclusion period, and it may even be possible to get another visa for Australia. We recommend you call us urgently for advice on your own personal circumstances. If you do nothing, you could be deported!