Character, cancellations and identity issues
At Farrell Rose Migration Lawyers, we understand how distressing it can be to face visa cancellations, character concerns, or identity-related issues. Our experienced team is here to provide clear advice and strong representation to help protect your visa status and future in Australia.
Visa Cancellations
If your visa has been cancelled—or you’re at risk of cancellation—it’s essential to act quickly. We can assist with:
Notices under Section 116, Section 501, and Section 133C
Responding to cancellation warnings or proposals
Urgent appeals and AAT reviews
Our goal is to resolve issues early, and where cancellation has occurred, to fight for your rights through available appeal pathways.
Character Issues
If the Department of Home Affairs believes you do not meet the character requirements, you may be refused a visa or have an existing visa cancelled. We assist clients who are:
Facing character-related refusal under Section 501
Affected by criminal charges or past convictions
Seeking to provide evidence of rehabilitation or mitigating circumstances
We will work with you to prepare a detailed and compelling response to the Department.
Identity Concerns
Inconsistencies or doubts about your identity can delay or prevent visa approval. We help clients:
Resolve identity mismatches or document concerns
Respond to requests for further identity verification
Prepare supporting documentation and statutory declarations
With extensive experience in complex identity issues, we’re equipped to help you navigate and resolve these challenges.
What Do You Need Help With?
Family & Partner Visas
Supporting Australians to bring their family members to Australia.
Student Visas
Assisting you to study in Australia and with your post-study work options.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Helping businesses sponsor overseas workers via 482, 186 & 494 visas, and manage compliance.
Visa Cancellations
Assisting individuals facing visa cancellations under character, compliance, or other grounds. We help you respond to notices, appeal decisions, and protect your right to stay in Australia.
General Skilled Migration
Helping professionals and skilled workers with State Nominated (subclass 190) visas, Skilled (Independent) (subclass 189) visas and Skilled Work (Regional) (subclass 491) visas.
Citizenship
Advising and assisting permanent residents to become Australian citizens as well as applications for citizenship by descent and evidence of citizenship.
Character, cancellations and identity issues
Helping you establish your identity, address character issues under s501, and respond to visa cancellation notices under s109 or s116.
Judicial and merits review
Helping to represent you in the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) (formerly the AAT) or the Federal Circuit and Family Court, Federal Court or High Court of Australia.
Protection Visas
Assisting you to lodge Protection (subclass 866) visa applications in Australia or access Australia's offshore Humanitarian visa program
How We Work
- Consultation
- Personalised Strategy
- Application Process
- Ongoing Support
- Outcome
Why Choose Farrell Rose?
- Experienced & Dedicated – With over 19 years of experience, we understand how stressful navigating Australia’s immigration processes can be. We will assist you to find the most cost effective and direct route to a positive migration outcome.
- Excellent Client Reviews – We are proud to maintain a great success rate and a strong reputation, backed by numerous 5-star reviews from satisfied clients.
- Open & Honest Communication – Transparency is at the core of our practice. We provide clear advice, step-by-step guidance, and updates throughout your immigration process.
- Personalised Solutions – No two immigration cases are the same. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and offer tailored strategies for the best possible outcome.
- A strategic and creative approach – our combined expertise in migration and refugee law allows us to bring innovative solutions to your immigration matter backed by legal rigor, dedication and professionalism.
Meet The Team
Our team combines deep legal expertise with compassion and integrity to guide you through every step of your migration journey.
Our Recent Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 501 allows the Minister to refuse or cancel a visa if you don’t pass the character test. If this happens, you may be detained and removed from Australia. You may have appeal rights depending on your situation.
Yes, you may be able to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or Federal Court, depending on who made the cancellation decision. It’s critical to act fast—strict time limits apply.
Character concerns often involve criminal charges, past convictions, association with certain groups, or risk assessments made by the Department of Home Affairs. Each case is assessed individually.
You should seek legal advice immediately. This notice gives you a limited opportunity to respond before the Department makes a final decision. A strong, well-prepared response can help prevent cancellation.
If the Department has doubts about your identity—due to inconsistent documents, name mismatches, or lack of records—your visa may be refused or delayed. We can help resolve these issues by gathering and presenting the right evidence.
You can request revocation of the cancellation, but there are strict deadlines and legal criteria. A lawyer can help prepare a strong application and improve your chances of success.
Yes, but your application may be scrutinised under the character test. We can help you prepare supporting evidence to show rehabilitation and explain the circumstances of your past offences.
Our Office Locations
We offer in person appointments in our Melbourne and Sydney offices. Can’t make it to the office? We also offer video and telephone appointments.
Melbourne Office:
Level 35, 477 Collins Street,
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Wurundjeri Country
Sydney Office:
201 Kent Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Gadigal Country
Get.
Started.
Today!
Take the first step toward your Australian dream with expert guidance from Farrell Rose. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking permanent residency, or planning for citizenship, we are here to simplify the process and support you every step of the way.