What to Do If Your Visa Is Cancelled – A Guide by Abbasi Migration

If your visa has been cancelled — or you’ve received a warning that it may be cancelled — it’s important to understand why, what your options are, and what steps to take next. This guide explains the main reasons for visa cancellation, what to do if you receive a cancellation notice, and your potential options if your visa is ultimately revoked.

Why Visas Are Cancelled

There are several main situations that often lead to visa cancellation:

• Breach of visa conditions

Every visa comes with specific conditions. For example, a student visa might limit the number of hours you can work while studying. If a student works more than the allowed hours while school is in session — and there are no valid exemptions — that can trigger a cancellation.
Similarly, employer-sponsored visas often require the holder to work for a specific employer. If that employment ends and remains unpaid or unaddressed beyond a certain number of days (for instance, 60 days), the visa’s conditions may no longer be met.

• Change in personal circumstances

Visas tied to personal situations — such as partner visas — may be cancelled if those relationships change before the visa becomes permanent. For example, if the relationship with a sponsor ends or if the visa holder is no longer enrolled for study (in the case of a student visa), these changes can jeopardize visa validity.

• Providing incorrect or false information

Even if a visa was initially approved, providing misleading, incorrect, or false information (or failing to declare important details) can lead to retrospective cancellation. Immigration authorities may review earlier applications or declarations and cancel visas if false information is discovered.

Even if a visa was initially approved, providing misleading, incorrect, or false information (or failing to declare important details) can lead to retrospective cancellation. Immigration authorities may review earlier applications or declarations and cancel visas if false information is discovered.

If You Receive a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation

If you are served with a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC) from the immigration department, this is a serious signal that your visa is under threat. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Act immediately and don’t ignore the notice. The NOICC outlines the reasons why the department is considering cancellation. It initiates a process of “natural justice,” meaning you have the right to respond.
  2. Seek professional immigration advice — contact a registered immigration specialist (e.g., Abbasi Migration) as soon as you can. Legal or specialist advice gives you the best chance to understand the grounds cited and to craft a compelling response.
  3. Provide a thorough, honest response within the deadline. The response could explain why breaching visa conditions was beyond your control, or provide evidence that counters allegations (if relevant). Late or missing responses often result in automatic cancellation.
  4. Explore alternative visa options or remedies. Depending on the circumstances, your adviser may recommend applying for different visas, submitting mitigation arguments, or preparing for an appeal or review process.

What Happens If Your Visa Is Cancelled

If the immigration department cancels your visa, you immediately become “unlawful.” This status has serious implications.

At that point, there are only a limited number of visa pathways you might still qualify for — such as a protection visa, a partner visa (if applicable), or possibly a bridging visa — depending on your circumstances.

But the success of such applications often depends on timely action, credible legal representation, and a clear understanding of your immigration history and any previous breaches.

Also — be aware that having a visa cancelled (especially due to false information or serious breaches) could affect future visa applications or even citizenship eligibility. Immigration authorities review past records, so it’s important to handle any cancellation carefully.

Preventive Tips: How to Avoid Visa Cancellation

To reduce the risk of visa cancellation, these best practices are highly recommended:

  • Always follow the conditions tied to your visa (work limits, employer restrictions, study obligations, etc.)
  • Notify immigration authorities promptly if your circumstances change — for example, if your employment ends, or if your relationship status changes for partner visas.
  • Provide complete, accurate, and honest information in applications, incoming declarations, and renewals. Mistakes or misrepresentations can be costly.
  • If you receive any kind of notification — especially a NOICC — respond quickly and consider obtaining professional legal advice.

How Abbasi Migration Can Help

Abbasi Migration specializes in immigration law and visa issues. If you receive a cancellation notice or find yourself with a cancelled visa, we can:

  • Review the reasons for cancellation and your visa history
  • Prepare a detailed response to any cancellation notice, with supporting evidence
  • Explore alternative visa or bridging visa options that may allow you to stay legally
  • Offer legal representation if appealing to tribunals (when applicable)
  • Provide guidance to minimize risk to future visa or citizenship applications

When time is tight, or consequences are serious — such as being declared unlawful — having professional guidance often makes the difference between deportation and a chance to stay.

Book an Appointment:

You can schedule a consultation with Abbasi Migration for professional visa assistance and personalized guidance.

FAQs

What is a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC)?

A NOICC is a formal notice from the immigration department indicating that they intend to examine whether your visa should be cancelled. It outlines the reasons/grounds, gives you the right to respond (natural justice), and typically requires a response within a set timeframe.

Not always immediately — but once a visa is cancelled, you generally lose lawful status. Your options become limited, and you may need to leave, apply for a new visa (if eligible), or seek legal remedies depending on your circumstances.

Yes — in many cases you may seek review through the relevant independent tribunal responsible for visa reviews or, in certain situations, pursue judicial review. The feasibility depends on the visa type, grounds for cancellation, and immigration law.

Yes. A cancellation — especially if it stemmed from false information or serious breaches — can have long-term consequences. Immigration authorities often consider a person’s visa history when assessing future visa or citizenship applications.

Potentially options include protection visas (if eligible), partner visas (if applicable), or bridging visas — but eligibility depends heavily on your specific situation. Often, success requires timely legal action and strong documentation.

Yes. Misuse — such as working more than permitted hours on a student visa — or failing to comply with conditions tied to employer-sponsored or partner visas can be grounds for cancellation. Even if done inadvertently, it can put your visa at risk.

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