What Are Your Visa Options? | Iran Middle East Conflict
As conflict escalates in Iran and the Middle East, many individuals are faced with uncertainty regarding when they will be able to return home safely.
If you are currently in Australia from one of these affected regions and are concerned about your visa status due to the evolving conflict, it is important to understand that there may be options available to help you remain lawfully in Australia and extend your stay.
Firstly, review the expiry date and conditions of your current visa on VEVO or your visa grant letter. There are typically strict timelines and conditions attached to any temporary visas, student visas or visitor visas. If you stay in Australia beyond the expiry of your current visa without applying for another valid visa, it can result in serious complications with your future visas and potentially lead to unlawful status.
Check Your Current Visa Conditions
You should also check whether any specific conditions, such as “No Further Stay” (8503, 8534, 8535, or 8540), are attached to your visa. If there is such a condition on your current visa, a waiver must then be requested to apply for another visa while in Australia based on “compelling and compelling circumstances”.
What Are Some Visa Options to Extend My Stay in Australia?
Based on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a new visa. If the situation has affected you and your family and you wish to extend your stay, there are visa options available, as recommended by the Australian Government, including the skilled, family, student, and visitor visa programs.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas can be granted for up to 3, 6 or 12 months and currently have the shortest processing time.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600) Tourist Stream
Criteria:
You will have to meet health and character requirements.
You will need the financial capacity to support yourself while you are in Australia.
One of the main criteria is being a genuine visitor:
You will have to demonstrate a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) that you are only in Australia for temporary purposes and that this visa is not an avenue towards long-term residency in Australia.
Considering current circumstances, you will have to provide evidence that you have strong ties to your home country and do wish to return once it is safe for you to do so.
Family Visa Options
If you are currently in Australia visiting a partner or immediate family that are Australian citizen or a permanent resident(s) (PR), the following visa options may be available to you:
Visitor Visa (Family Sponsored Stream)
Criteria:
have a sponsor.
intend to come to Australia as a visitor only.
You will have to meet health and character requirements.
You will need the financial capacity to support yourself while you are in Australia.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)
This visa is a pathway to PR and takes up a long processing time.
You must be prepared to provide evidence of your genuine relationship, including meeting the requirements for the four (4) pillars: financial, social, household and genuine commitment.
Prospective Marriage (Subclass 300) visa
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 9 to 15 months from your visa grant date, and you must marry your intended spouse within that period.
The Department continues to prioritise aged, compassionate and compelling applications. This is reflected in current processing times. If you are at risk when returning to your home country, this may be considered.
Parent Visas
If you are a parent to an Australian citizen or PR child, there are a few options for Parent visas to choose from, including contributory parent visas, aged parent visas, and more to extend your stay in Australia.
Although the application process may be complicated and expensive, and the processing time is extremely long, speak with an immigration lawyer about which pathway is best for you.
Skilled Work Visa Options
If you have the relevant qualifications or work experience, skilled visa options may be viable for you and provide a longer-term solution.
These include:
You will need to meet the visa eligibility requirements before applying:
Your occupation is in demand in Australia, as shown on the Core Skills Occupation List.
You meet skills, English language, and experience requirements.
You are already working or can secure sponsorship from an employer.
Keep in mind that skills assessments and eligibility criteria can be complex and that your age, English proficiency, and qualifications are highly relevant factors.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If your circumstances are affected by the conflict and you are unsure how to extend your stay in Australia, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, has been recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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