Important Notice Regarding Temporary Visas for Sri Lankans in Australia

March 30, 2020

As you are already aware, the Government of Sri Lanka has urged Overseas Sri Lankans who wish to return to Sri Lanka to safely remain where they are now until the risk of COVID-19 virus is minimized.

However, if you have an issue with the validity of your temporary visa due to the extended stay in Australia you need to contact the Department of Home Affairs in Australia and you must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. Following information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs will be useful for you:

Information on extending visas to stay in Australia:  https:// covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/

No further stay condition (includes 8503, 8534 and 8535)

This means you can’t apply for most other visas until you leave Australia. If your visa has less than 2 months validity remaining you can request to waive this condition. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/waivers-and-permissions/no-further-stay-waiver

A request for waiver can be made by completing Form 1447 ‘No Further Stay’ waiver request  or by request in writing: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1447.pdf

Condition 8558 (Non-resident cannot stay for more than 12 months in any 18 months period)

You will need to apply for a new visa that suits your new needs. Explore your visa options: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder

If your visa has expired, you need to apply for Bridging E visa (BVE) immediately in order to make your stay lawful.

For any other emergency you can contact the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra   through our 24 hour Hotline: 0061-492416141  or send an email via  slhc.canberra@mfa.gov.lk or admin@slhcaust.org.

 

 

 

Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

30 March 2020