Melbourne Visa Extension
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship allows extension of some valid visas if the extension application has been lodged two weeks prior to the expiry of the current visa. While some extensions or renewals will allow you remain in Australia depending on your circumstances, in other cases you will be required to leave the country and re-enter under a new visa type.
While most extension related inquiries, applications and correspondence can be conducted over the phone or online, it may be necessary to visit one of the following two Melbourne offices in person. It is highly recommended that you call the office before visiting as appointments are required for most circumstances.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Melbourne CBD Office
Ground Floor
Casselden Place
2 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
9am-4pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 131 881
Fax: 03 9235 3300
Postal Address:
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001
Dandenong Office
51 Princes Highway
Dandenong VIC 3175
9am-4pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 131 881
Fax: 03 8762 2600
Postal Address:
Private Mail Bag 5001
Dandenong Vic. 3175
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Tourist / Visitor Visas or ETAs (subclasses 676, 967, and 651)
Depending on the type of visa you have, extension may be possible under certain circumstances. Extensions are assessed on a case by case basis. In most cases another three months will be granted if the initial visa was for three or six months.
For more information on conditions of extension and instructions on how to apply see http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/
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Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) / Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
These visas are generally not extendable except in cases of emergency, in which case the extension will only be for a limited time. For more information contact one of the offices above by phone.
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Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (subclass 679)
Extension of this visa is not possible. However, you may be eligible to apply for this visa again once you have departed Australia.
For detailed current information http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/visiting-family/679/
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Sponsored Business Visitor (subclass 459) / Business Short Stay (subclass 456)
Extension of these visas is not possible. If you wish to remain in Australia under similar conditions stipulated by this visa it is recommended that you file an application for a Temporary Business Visa (Long Stay, Subclass 457). Having already been granted a Short Stay visa you will be eligible for Long Stay, and can apply within Australia.
For detailed current information http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled
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Skilled – Independent Migrant Visa (subclass 175) / Skilled Sponsored Migrant Visa (subclass 176)
These visas grant permanent residency and do not require extension.
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Skilled Regional Sponsored Provisional Visa (subclass 475)
This visa is not extendable, however if you hold this visa and you have lived in the nominated regional area for 2 years, and worked for more than 12 months, you may apply for permanent residency.
For detailed current information on this visa see http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/475/
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Skilled Recognised Graduate Temporary Visa (subclass 476)
Although this visa is not extendable, at any point during its validity (18 months) you may apply for permanent residency if your skills and experience develop to provide sufficient points to meet the points test threshold (120) as a skilled migrant.
For detailed current information on this visa see http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/476/
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Business Development Provisional Visa (subclass 160) & Business Owner Residence Visa (subclass 890)
This visa can not be extended. However, if after 2 years you have met specific business requirements you will be eligible to apply for the Business Owner Residence visa which allows you permanent residence status.
For detailed current information on these visas see http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/160/
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Senior Executive Provisional Visa (subclass 161)
State / Territory Sponsored Senior Executive Provisional Visa (subclass 164)
Investor Provisional Visa (subclass 162)
State / Territory Sponsored Investor Provisional Visa (subclass 165)
None of these visas allow for extension, but all of them allow you to apply for permanent residency once specific business goals have been met.
For detailed current information on these visas see http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/provisional-visa-options.htm
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Temporary Business Long Stay Visa – Standard Business Sponsorship (subclass 457)
This visa is renewable from within Australia if you and your employer (sponsor) apply for an extension before it expires.
For detailed current information on extending this visa see http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/
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Investor Retirement Visa (subclass 405)
This visa is extendable indefinitely every 4 years given you continue to meet the strict income and investment requirements.
For detailed current information on how to extend this visa see http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/retirement/405/
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Student Visas
Most student visas allow for extension depending on the circumstances. If your student visa does not allow extension, it is still very likely that you can reapply for another type of student visa without having to leave Australia.
For detailed current information on your visa and how to apply for extension see http://www.immi.gov.au/students/
