What to Do If Your Visitor Visa to Australia is Refused
If your visitor visa application to Australia has been refused, it can be a frustrating and disappointing experience. However, it is important to remember that a visa refusal is not necessarily the end of the road. In this article, we will discuss some steps you can take if you are located outside of Australia and your visitor visa has been refused.
Understand the reason for the visa refusal
If your visa application is refused, the first thing you should do is read the notice from the Department of Home Affairs (‘the Department’). This will tell you why your application was refused and help you decide what to do next.
When the visa is refused, you will receive two letters in one attachment that explain the decision:
IMMI Refusal Notification; and
Decision Record
You can find the reason for the refusal in the “Decision Record” letter usually under the subheading “My decision is based on the following factors”. This section is usually near the end of the letter. Here is an example.
In this example, the applicant said they worked for a certain employer. The Department checked with the employer and did their own research but could not confirm that the applicant really worked there. Because of this, the visa application was refused. We don’t know what proof of employment the person provided, but it was not enough.
2. Reapply for the visa or appeal the decision
If your visa application is refused and you can provide more evidence, the fastest way to try again is to reapply. Make sure you provide extra documents to address the reasons why your previous application was refused. It may help if you have a sponsor or guarantor (see section 4 below).
If you want to appeal the decision, a family member in Australia may be able to appeal for you with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). They have to do this within a certain time and pay a fee. The processing time can take 1-2 years. Because it takes so long, most people choose to reapply for the visa instead.
3. Consider these factors when submitting a new visitor visa application
When reapplying for a visitor visa to Australia, it is important to think about what you may have missed in the previous application and provide new evidence. Check the Department’s website for information on what documents to include. Ask yourself what documents can you provide to show that you:
Are a genuine visitor
Will not work in Australia
Will leave Australia before the end of the visa expiry
Have enough funds to support your stay in Australia
Have strong reasons to return to your home country
The more evidence you can provide to satisfy each of the above factors, the stronger your application would be.
Here are some common reasons for visa refusals and ways to make your application stronger.
If your visitor visa was refused due to insufficient:
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Why the Department is asking for this:
The Department wants to see that you have enough money or be able to access money to spend in Australia.
For example, you claim you want to spend 1 month in Australia but only have $500 which will only last a few days and you do not have any friends or family to help. This would show that you are not genuinely coming to Australia for a holiday, may work and may overstay your visa.
The funds must also be legitimate which is why your bank statement should show regular income. If there is a sudden and unexplained increase of funds, the application may be refused as there may be suspicion that the fund is not yours.
Examples of evidence you can provide:
Bank statements from the last three months
Payslips
Term deposits that can be withdrawn
Credit card statement showing available limit to spend
Letter from family or friends in Australia who has agreed to cover your accommodation and expenditure during your travel
Other evidence of regular income or support from family
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Why the Department is asking for this:
If someone has a skilled or well-paid job, they are more likely to return to that job in their home country and not overstay their visa.
Example of evidence you can provide:
Letter from employer
Tax return
Evidence you own your own business
Payslips
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Why the Department is asking for this:
If someone has strong family ties in their home country or if they have family members who are dependent on the applicant, they are more likely to return to their home country and fulfill their obligation.
Example of evidence you can provide:
Family register
Bank statements showing financial support of family member
Submission from you
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Why the Department is asking for this:
The Department wants to see that you have plans to visit only for tourism purposes or to see friends and family.
Example of evidence you can provide:
Travel plan or itinerary
Flight ticket showing return date
Tickets to see any attractions
Invitations to weddings, birthdays or any special occasions in Australia
Submission from friends or family
Submission from you
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Why the Department is asking for this:
If you have previously traveled to developed countries with no issue, you may be considered a good traveler and will pose a low risk to Australia.
Example of evidence you can provide:
Previous flight tickets, bookings or boarding pass
Entry and exit stamps in passport
Previous tour itinerary
Do not provide false or misleading information in the application, even if you are advised to do so by a third party, such as a travel agent. The Department can check the information in different ways, like calling your employer or Bank, use social media or GoogleMaps to check an address.
4. Resubmit the visitor visa with a sponsor or guarantor
If you have a relative in Australia who is a citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you under the Sponsored Family Stream. Under this stream, the Department can ask the sponsor to pay a security bond which will be returned after you depart Australia within the visa period. The bond can range from $5,000 - $15,000.
Being sponsored by a relative may provide extra incentive for the Department to positively assess your application, but it does not guarantee a visa approval. You must still show that you are a genuine visitor and meet all the usual requirements as explained above, especially if you have previously been refused a visitor visa.
5. Seek professional assistance from a registered migration agent
Applying for a visa after it has been refused can be complicated and time consuming. A registered migration agent can help you by:
Explaining why your visa was refused
Telling you the best way to apply for a successful visa
Giving advice on extra documents that can make your application stronger based on your situation.
A migration agent can also help you prepare a detailed submission to accompany your new application, explaining how the additional documents and evidence address the Department’s reasons for refusal and demonstrating that you meet the requirements for a visitor visa.
By working with a migration agent and providing the necessary information, you can increase your chances of submitting a strong new application that has a higher likelihood of success.
A visitor visa refusal can be disheartening, but it’s important to remember that there are still options available. By understanding the reasons for the refusal and improving the quality of your supporting documents, you may still be able to achieve your goal of visiting Australia.
If you are considering visiting Australia and would like to submit your visa application with confidence, feel free to contact us. We can assist in expertly preparing your visitor visa application from £250. If you or your travel agent has prepared your application but you are not confident, we can review your application and provide expert advice from £150.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.