Temporary visa ending
Check VEVO, leave before your lawful stay ends, keep departure evidence and prepare DASP only if you meet ATO eligibility.
Leaving Australia Permanently Checklist
This guide is for temporary visa holders whose visa is ending, international students, working-holiday makers, and permanent residents or citizens moving overseas. It covers visa status, tax, super, housing, records and practical account closures.
First answer: not everyone can claim money back
Leaving Australia does not automatically mean you can claim DASP, a tax refund or a visa refund. DASP is mainly for eligible temporary residents after they have left Australia and after their temporary visa has ceased. Final tax outcomes depend on your income, residency and withholding.
Leaving Australia questions answered directly
How do I find out when I need to leave Australia?
Check your current visa status and conditions in VEVO and read any Home Affairs notices. Your required departure date may depend on visa expiry, cancellation, bridging visa status or a specific notice, so do not rely only on memory or a travel booking.
How can I check my visa expiry date and conditions?
Use Home Affairs VEVO to check the visa expiry date, travel facility and conditions attached to your current visa. Save a copy for your records before you leave.
What happens if my Australian visa expires?
If you are in Australia after your lawful stay ends, you may become unlawful and should contact Home Affairs or a registered migration adviser urgently. Visa expiry, visa cancellation and unlawful status are different issues and can have different consequences.
Is there an exit visa for Australia?
Australia does not normally require a separate exit visa for ordinary departure, but you must have lawful status and valid travel documents. Some circumstances, notices or court/family matters can affect travel, so check official instructions if your case is unusual.
Do I need to cancel my visa before leaving?
Not everyone should cancel a visa before leaving. Cancellation can affect future options or trigger other consequences, so only request cancellation when official guidance or qualified advice supports it.
Can an international student keep or withdraw money after the visa ends?
Many students keep an Australian bank account temporarily for wages, bond, tax or refunds, but bank rules, fees and identity checks vary. You can usually withdraw your own money subject to bank access and compliance checks; confirm overseas access and two-factor authentication before departure.
Can I claim an Australian tax refund or DASP after leaving?
A tax refund is not automatic; it depends on income, tax residency, withholding and deductions. Eligible temporary residents can generally apply for DASP after they have left Australia and their temporary visa has ceased, but Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are generally not eligible for DASP.
What should a working-holiday maker do before departure?
Collect payslips, income statements, super fund details, employer contacts and tax records before leaving. Keep bank access active until wages, tax outcomes, bond and any eligible DASP payment are resolved.
What records should an international student retain?
Keep confirmation of enrolment records, transcripts, completion letters, attendance or withdrawal correspondence, OSHC records, visa grants, tax records, payslips and rental documents.
What should a permanent resident consider before moving overseas?
Check resident return travel facility dates, tax residency, Medicare or private health implications, super access rules, bank access, voting or government records and evidence needed for a future return.
Guidance by situation
International student
Notify your provider, check visa conditions, finalise accommodation, keep academic records and maintain access to email and two-factor authentication.
Working-holiday maker
Keep payslips and payment summaries, confirm super fund details, lodge required tax information and keep one bank account open until refunds settle.
Permanent resident or citizen
DASP is not the usual pathway for you. Focus on tax residency, Medicare/private cover, banking, voting or government records and return planning.
Printable departure checklist
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Who to notify
- Employer, recruiter, payroll team or education provider.
- Landlord, agent and state bond authority.
- Electricity, gas, internet, phone and subscription providers.
- Bank, super fund and the ATO contact details.
- Private health insurer, Medicare or Services Australia where relevant.
- State transport, toll, licence or vehicle registration bodies if applicable.
Common questions
Can I claim DASP before I leave?
You can prepare information before departure, but the ATO DASP claim is for eligible temporary residents after they have left Australia and after their temporary visa has ceased.
Should I close my Australian bank account immediately?
Often it is practical to keep one account open until wages, bond, tax or super payments settle. Check fees, access and overseas contact options before closing.
Do I need to cancel my visa?
Not always. Cancellation can have consequences, so check Home Affairs guidance and get qualified advice if unsure.
What records should I keep?
Keep visa grants, VEVO checks, payslips, income statements, tax returns, super statements, rental records, final bills and departure evidence.