Student Visa Cancellation After 5-Month Gap: My Experience and How I Lost My Visa
It's not uncommon for student visa holders to face visa cancellations after an unapproved gap period between studies, especially when the gap extends beyond the allowed two months without a valid reason. One such case is that of Z, whose Australian student visa was canceled after a five-month gap.
Case Example: Z's Visa Cancellation
Z's student visa was originally valid until November 2025, but his enrollment was suspended due to poor academic performance. During this suspension, Z did not transfer to another institution or apply for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), which led to a 5-month registration gap on the PRISMS system.
This gap violated Visa Condition 8202, which requires that student visa holders maintain continuous full-time enrollment, with no gaps exceeding 2 months, unless there are special circumstances.
Despite the fact that Z's school approved his early return to study in January, and he re-enrolled in a master's program, the previous gap in his enrollment remained an issue.
In May, the Department of Home Affairs issued a Notice of Intention to Cancel (NOICC), stating that Z had failed to maintain full-time enrollment between July 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025, violating visa condition 8202.
Why Did Z’s Visa Get Cancelled?
Even though Z responded by registering for a new course and submitting a COE, the Department still considered the 5-month gap as a violation of Condition 8202(2)(a). As a result, his student visa was canceled.
In this situation, Z reached out to us for a solution.
What We Did for Z
We advised Z to immediately submit a letter of explanation to the Department of Home Affairs, providing a detailed account of the 5-month gap and justifying it according to relevant laws and visa conditions.
If we did not receive a response by July 20, we recommended that Z lodge an appeal to have the decision reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Since appeal processes can take a long time, it was essential that Z apply for a new COE and submit a fresh visa application in the meantime to avoid further delays in his studies.
Important Advice for Students with Gaps
We urge all students who experience a gap—whether due to leave of absence or sick leave—to consult with an immigration professional about the requirements for their visa and COE. If an NOICC is issued, it’s crucial to seek professional help to write a proper explanation letter to avoid visa cancellation.
If the case is not handled properly, the consequences can be severe, leading to visa cancellation. Once a visa is canceled, the situation becomes more complicated, and the student may need to submit additional materials to explain the case and appeal the decision.
Why Seek Help from Professionals?
Navigating visa cancellations and appeals can be a complicated and stressful process. That's why we recommend seeking the assistance of licensed migration agents and registered lawyers. At Xinqidian Study Abroad & Immigration, we have 14 experienced licensed migration agents and 2 registered lawyers, with 20 years of experience in Australian immigration and education services.
With official offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Qingdao, Shanghai, and Changsha, we are one of Australia’s leading institutions for immigration and study abroad services.
If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional guidance and support in securing your student visa and addressing any concerns.