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Section 501 Visa Cancellation Revoked – Serious Drug Offence, 4-Year Sentence, Immigration Detention

Visa TypePermanent Residency – Section 501 Revocation
CategoryCharacter / Section 501

Case Summary

A permanent resident whose visa was cancelled under section 501 following a conviction for a serious drug offence resulting in over 4 years imprisonment, and who had been transferred to immigration detention on release, successfully had his visa cancellation revoked.

Background

The applicant was a permanent resident convicted of a serious drug-related offence and sentenced to over 4 years imprisonment. The sentence triggered section 501, and the Department cancelled his permanent residency visa on the basis of a substantial criminal record. Upon completing his criminal sentence, he was transferred directly to immigration detention. A prior revocation request had been lodged with limited information and inadequate representation; it remained pending while the applicant was detained. He had an adult Australian citizen child and a longstanding relationship with an Australian citizen partner.

Challenges

  • Serious drug offence with a sentence exceeding 4 years, clearly triggering the section 501 substantial criminal record provisions
  • Prior revocation request lodged with inadequate representation and limited information
  • Applicant was in immigration detention with proceedings pending

How We Helped

We prepared extensive new submissions comprehensively addressing the applicant's full immigration history, the circumstances of the offence, and his psychological status. We prepared a detailed Direction 90/99 submission addressing his ties and links to Australia. We documented his rehabilitation efforts — including completion of courses during detention and daily engagement with spiritual support — and presented evidence of his longstanding Australian community ties through his relationship with his Australian citizen partner and his adult Australian citizen child. Community and family support statements were included.

Schedule a call to discover how our experience and expertise made it possible

Key Success Factors

  • Comprehensive Direction 90/99 submission addressing all primary and other considerations
  • Evidence of active rehabilitation — courses completed in detention and spiritual engagement
  • Strong Australian family and community ties — longstanding relationship with Australian citizen and adult Australian citizen child
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Outcome

The application to revoke the section 501 visa cancellation was approved. The applicant was released from immigration detention.

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