Having your skilled visa cancelled is more serious than a refusal — something you already held has been taken away, often turning you into an unlawful non-citizen overnight. If you've received a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC) or a cancellation decision on your Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, or 494 visa, you may still have the right to a skilled visa cancellation review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Acting within your legal deadline is critical — this guide explains your grounds, rights, and next steps.
Why Was My Skilled Visa Cancelled?
The Department of Home Affairs cancels skilled visas under several provisions of the Migration Act 1958, most commonly:
- Section 109 — incorrect, false, or misleading information in the original application, including undisclosed changes in circumstances (relationship status, employment, or a new dependent)
- Section 116 — broad discretionary grounds, including breach of visa conditions such as regional residence, work, or notification obligations
- Section 501 — character grounds, including a substantial criminal record
For regional skilled visas (Subclass 491/494), cancellation frequently follows an alleged breach of the mandatory regional-living condition, assessed against the designated regional area in force at the relevant time.
Do I Have the Right to a Skilled Visa Cancellation Review?
Most cancellations under sections 109 and 116 carry ART review rights, because the ART now conducts merits review of migration decisions following its establishment on 14 October 2024, replacing the former AAT. Section 501 character cancellations generally do not go to the ART — your main option there is a request for the Minister to revoke the cancellation under section 501C. Your cancellation letter will confirm which pathway applies to your case.
How Long Do I Have to Lodge a Review Application?
Skilled visa cancellation deadlines are among the tightest in Australian migration law and cannot be extended.
| Cancellation Ground | Typical ART Review Deadline |
|---|
| Section 109 (incorrect information) | 21 calendar days |
| Section 116 (general/condition breach) | 21 calendar days |
| Applicant in immigration detention | 7 working days |
| Section 501C ministerial revocation request | 28 days |
The deadline starts the day after you're notified — not the day you open the letter.