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SuperReacher(I'm new)I'm new
12 May 2026

Hi,


I left Australia after my Working Holiday Visa ended last year. I see that I have some money in a super. It has been 6 months since I left and my visa expired. I havent touched this Super or added to it. There is over $5k in there.


1) Why hasn't it been transferred to be ATO-held yet? I read that this is supposed to happen after 6 months?


2) If it becomes ATO-held, and I apply to withdraw that money (early access), then will I need to provide certified copies of my passport? With the current super account, because the amount if over $5k, if I want to apply to withdraw the money, this certification is a requirement. It's a big hassle for me, which is why I'm hoping that the same requirement doesn't apply if that money is ATO-held.


My current plan is to wait for it to become ATO-held and then withdraw it.


-Best wishes

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1 replies
23 views
1 replies

All replies

KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support
13 May 2026

Hi @SuperReacher,


You don't need to wait for your super to become ATO-held. You can apply to withdraw your super right now using the Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) online application system.


Your super fund will transfer your super to the ATO as unclaimed super money if it's been 6 months or more since both you left Australia and your visa ceased to be in effect. The timing depends on when your super fund processes this transfer, so it doesn't automatically happen at exactly the 6-month mark. It's an action your super fund takes, not an automatic system transfer.


Regarding certified documents, the requirements differ depending on how you apply. If you use the DASP online application system, it will automatically confirm your immigration status online with the Department of Home Affairs. You won't need to get documents certified or apply for a Certification of Immigration Status from Home Affairs unless your super fund specifically directs you to.


You may be required to provide certified copies of your identity documents if you:

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