In 2025, the Australian visa system saw a significant increase in onshore visa cancellations.
According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) release by the
Department of Home Affairs, a total of 5,158 visas were cancelled within Australia.
📊 Total Onshore Visa Cancellations (2025)
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Cancellations | 5,158 |
| People Removed After Cancellation | 1,502 |
👉 Key Insight: Around 29% of cancelled visa holders were deported.
📌 Visa Cancellations by Category
| Visa Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | 2,396 |
| Visitor Visa | 1,110 |
| Temporary Resident | 425 |
| Migrant | 228 |
| Working Holiday | 129 |
| Bridging | 158 |
| Other | 618 |
⚠️ Student visas alone account for ~46% of all cancellations – making them the highest-risk category.
⚖️ Visa Cancellation Laws (Migration Act)
The majority of cancellations happen under these sections of the Migration Act:
| Section | Reason | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| s116 | General cancellation (conditions breach, non-genuine student) | 3,696 |
| s501(3A) | Mandatory cancellation (criminal/character issues) | 672 |
| s109 | Incorrect information | 339 |
| s140 | Consequential cancellation | 230 |
👉 72% of cancellations happen under Section 116, mainly due to:
- Not attending classes
- Working beyond allowed hours
- Fake documents
- Not being a genuine student
📖 Official Law Source:
Migration Act 1958
🌍 Deportation by Citizenship (2025)
| Country | Removed |
|---|---|
| China | 173 |
| India | 137 |
| Vietnam | 94 |
| New Zealand | 88 |
| UK | 83 |
| Philippines | 68 |
| Japan | 67 |
| Fiji | 61 |
| USA | 40 |
| Others | 636 |
⚠️ India is the 2nd highest nationality in deportations, but this reflects higher student population—not misconduct rates.
📈 Latest Government Insights (2026 Context)
According to official migration reports:
- 37,981 visa cancellations recorded in 2024–25
- 91.6% were Student, Visitor, Temporary visas
- Australia has over 590,000 student visa holders
📖 Source:
Migration Trends Report
🚨 Why Student Visas Are Getting Cancelled
- Low attendance / course non-compliance
- Fake documents / fraud
- Working illegally
- Switching courses without approval
- Not meeting Genuine Student (GS) requirement
👉 Learn GS Process:
GS Guide
🎯 What This Means for Students in 2026
Australia is not “rejecting students” — it is enforcing stricter compliance.
If you follow rules → LOW risk
If you ignore visa conditions → HIGH risk
✅ How to Avoid Visa Cancellation
- Maintain attendance (80%+)
- Work only allowed hours
- Keep genuine documents
- Choose correct course
- Follow visa conditions strictly
📊 Plan Your Australia Study Journey
📞 Need Expert Help?
Guide to Heights provides:
- Admission Support
- Visa Filing
- GS Preparation
- Education Loans
- Accommodation & Airport Pickup
👉 Book Consultation
👉 Contact Us
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available FOI data and official government reports. Visa decisions depend on individual cases and current immigration laws.
