Answer by Kert Stavorn, Belmore 2192 NSW

• A Condition 8503 on your visa means that:
  • after entering Australia you will not be allowed to extend or reapply for a visa other than a Protection visa while you are in Australia;
  • you will not be permitted to apply for any other type of visa while in Australia; and
  • you must leave Australia at the expiry of your visa.
• A Condition 8503 is given at the discretion of the Department of Immigration. It can be applied to most temporary visas and is usually given in circumstances where the Department of Immigration thinks you are at risk of not returning to your home country at the end of your visa period.
• It also applies when you are given a particular visa to enter Australia for compelling reasons even if you do not meet the health, character or other requirements. Reasons may include:
  • to attend an important family event such as a wedding or funeral;
  • to attend to  urgent legal matters; or
  • to attend to settling outstanding matters.
• This condition will continue to apply until:
  • you can get another new visa other than a bridging visa; or
  • you can get the condition waived.
• When you have a Condition 8503 on your visa the number ‘8503’ will appear on your visa label or visa letter. Most likely you will be told that such a condition has been placed on your visa and would be asked to sign a form acknowledging that you understand and accept the condition placed on your visa.
• In exceptional circumstances you may have Condition 8503 waived. However you must prove that:
  • there has been a change in your circumstances since the visa was granted;
  • that the change in circumstances was beyond your control; and
  • that there are compelling reasons to justify the waiver of the condition.
• Reasons may include:
  • an accident or illness after arriving;
  • a death or illness of a member of a close family member requiring you to take care of them or their dependants;
  • a natural disaster in your country where it would be unreasonable to require you to return home; or
  • war or political riots in your home country.