When a visa expires, most people do not know where to turn. The Department of Home Affairs runs a service for exactly that situation. It is called the Immigration Status Resolution Service.
The service matters more now. On 17 September 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs announced more compliance officers and more detention capacity for people who overstay. We cover that announcement in our article on overstaying and the 2026 compliance change.
Who the service is for
The Department says the service can help a person who does not hold a valid visa. In migration law, that person is an unlawful non-citizen. The service also works with people who hold a Bridging visa E.
According to the Department, a person in either group can meet with a status resolution officer. In addition, the service gives information on how to avoid becoming unlawful in the future.
What the service does
MIA Notice 16 of 18 September 2026 described the service in three parts.
- Bridging visa E grants.
- Assistance with voluntary departure.
- Referral pathways for financial, counselling and logistical support.
The aim is for the person to remain lawful. That applies while the Department decides a substantive visa application. It also applies while the person arranges to leave Australia.
What a Bridging visa E is
The Department describes the Bridging visa E as a short term visa. It lets a person remain lawful while they make arrangements to leave, or while they resolve their status. The Department also says a person can apply through ImmiAccount for free.
However, a Bridging visa E is a limited visa. For example, it usually has no travel rights, so it ends if the holder leaves Australia. Work rights depend on the conditions of the grant. Our article on bridging visas and work rights explains how conditions work.
Support programs
The Department’s website mentions two programs. First, some people may be eligible for the Status Resolution Support Services program. Second, the Returns and Reintegration program may assist a person who has no right to remain and needs to depart.
What the service does not do
The service does not grant substantive visas. Furthermore, its officers work for the Department. They can explain options, but they do not act for the person in front of them.
For that reason, independent advice should come first, or at least alongside contact with the service. A lawyer can check whether a pathway exists before the person makes any decision about departure. For example, some people have a partner visa pathway or a review right they did not know about.
Why acting early matters
First, time spent unlawful can affect later visa applications. In some cases an exclusion period applies to future temporary visas. Second, some onshore applications are barred for a person who has had a visa refused and holds no substantive visa. As a result, the order of each step matters.
Finally, the compliance announcement changes the risk. A person who engages early generally keeps more options open than a person who waits to be located.
The Department’s session on 21 September 2026
The Department scheduled a virtual presentation on the service for 21 September 2026. The agenda covered Bridging visa E grants, voluntary departures and referral pathways.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the Immigration Status Resolution Service?
The Department says a person can meet a status resolution officer if they hold a Bridging visa E or do not hold a valid visa.
Does it cost money to apply for a Bridging visa E?
The Department says a person can apply for a Bridging visa E through ImmiAccount for free.
Can the service grant me a new visa to stay?
The service deals with Bridging visa E grants. It does not grant substantive visas.
Should I get advice before contacting the Department?
Independent advice helps a person understand every option first. Status resolution officers work for the Department and do not act for the individual.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Sources: the Department of Home Affairs Status Resolution Service web page, accessed 19 September 2026, and MIA Notice 16 of 18 September 2026.
Confidential advice first
We can review your position in confidence before you contact the Department. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. Please seek advice about your own circumstances before you act.
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