Australian Visas - The importance of providing accurate information

It is crucial for applicants to provide true and correct information as part of an Australian visa application. Failure to do so can result in a refusal of a visa application, cancellation of a visa and an exclusion period for future visa grants.

The Government introduced the Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 as an integrity measure of the Australian visa program.

Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 allows the Minister to refuse a visa if:

• An applicant provides bogus documents or information that is false or misleading in relation to visa application or visa held in the 12 months before the current visa application

• The Minister is not satisfied with an applicant’s identity

If your visa application has been refused on the basis of PIC 4020, you may be banned from being granted another visa for three years (or up to 10 years where identity is concerned), unless a waiver has been granted.

It is important that you ensure that your visa application remains truthful and consistent and all subsequent visa applications remain consistent with your previous applications if you have made one in the past. This includes the documentation lodged with a visa application.

You can obtain further information related to the above topic by contacting one of our Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.