What Happens When I Withdraw a Pending Visa Application?
In cases where circumstances change after you lodge an Australian visa application. You might decide to apply for a different visa subclass, or perhaps you are no longer eligible for the one you applied for. You may consider withdrawing your application. While withdrawing seems like a simple way to “cancel” your visa request, it carries legal and practical risks.
Is Withdrawal Permanent?
Yes. Once you notify the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) that you wish to withdraw your application, the process is irreversible. You cannot “un-withdraw” or reactivate the application later. If you change your mind, you will have to lodge a brand new application and pay the full visa application charge (VAC) again.
What Happens to My Bridging Visa?
This is the most critical risk for applicants currently in Australia. If you hold a Bridging Visa (BV), such as a Bridging Visa A (BVA) (Subclass 010) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020), that was granted because of your pending application:
Your bridging visa will generally expire 35 calendar days after you withdraw your application.
If you do not lodge another valid visa application or leave Australia within those 35 days, you will become an unlawful non-citizen. This can lead to detention, removal and a 3-year re-entry ban.
So, ensure that you have a visa to fall back on before withdrawing your pending visa application to avoid being an unlawful non-citizen and attracting further visa complications.
Related: What Do You Do When Your Visa Application is Invalid?
What Happens to Section 56 or Section 57 Notices?
If you have received a Request for More Information (S56) or a Natural Justice (S57) letter from the Department, here are some possible scenarios that may happen to it after you withdraw the associated pending visa application:
An S56 letter is usually a checklist of documents, like police checks or health exams. After withdrawal, the request becomes irrelevant. This is because the application is no longer active; you are no longer required to provide the documents.
An S57 letter is serious. It is sent when DoHA finds negative information that could lead to a visa refusal, such as inconsistencies or concerns about PIC4020. After withdrawal, the Department will stop processing that specific visa; however, the adverse information stays on your immigration record. Keep in mind that withdrawing does not remove a suspicion of fraud. If DoHA believes you provided a bogus document or false information, that record will be visible to case officers who look at your future applications. It is often better to respond to an S57 letter supported by legal arguments with an immigration lawyer’s assistance rather than withdrawing and hoping the issue disappears.
Related: How Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020 Impacts Your Future Visa Applications?
Will I Get a Refund?
No, generally you will not get a refund. DoHA rarely provides refunds for withdrawn applications. The VAC is a fee for processing the application, not for the outcome. Unless you meet a very specific and narrow criterion, your money will not be returned.
Why People Withdraw a Pending Application?
The main reason people withdraw is to avoid having a visa refusal. A refusal may trigger a Section 48 (S48) bar, which prevents you from applying for most other visas while you are onshore. However, withdrawing is not always the best strategy. For example, if you are already subject to the S48 bar from a previous refusal, withdrawing your current application won’t remove that bar. Speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for professional guidance on the S48 bar for your visa pathway.
Related: Evidentiary Building Explained: Working with an Immigration Lawyer
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
What If My Employer Withdraws My Nomination After It’s Been Approved?
I Missed the 28 Day Window to Appeal My Visa – What are My Options?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Discuss a suitable visa pathway tailored to your circumstances by contacting one of our immigration lawyers. 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, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 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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