Why was my visitor visa refused?

Receiving a visa refusal is always devastating. However, receiving a visitor visa refusal is extra annoying because it’s just a visit, right? What could possibly go wrong…

The truth is, that a lot of people are having a hard time obtaining visitor visas to Australia and most visitor visas don’t come with review rights. So if you have received a refusal for a visitor visa, quite often your only option is to apply again. 

However, your first application will be on the Department’s records and unless you can provide substantial new information with your second application, another refusal is a very likely outcome. For this reason, it’s advisable to seek professional advice before you submit another application.  

When assessing a visitor visa application, the Department of Home Affairs takes a number of aspects into account. Here are the most important ones: 

• your financial situation (do you have sufficient funds to support yourself)

• the economic and political situation in your home country

• your personal situation in your home country (are you in stable employment, studying, married with children…)

What all of the above boils down to, is whether or not you are a genuine visitor. Or in other words: if there is a chance that you breach your visa conditions (e.g. seek work) or overstay your visa. So it’s important to not only explain the reasons why you want to visit Australia but also include sufficient information on why you would want to return after your trip.

If you have been refused a visitor visa, but have family in Australia you could also consider applying for a family-sponsored visitor visa instead. It is important to understand that only a sufficiently close family member who is an Australian citizen or a settled Australian permanent resident is able to sponsor you. Also, a security bond payment may be required, which will only be returned in full after your departure from Australia. 

If you have received a visitor visa refusal and wish to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent. We offer personal consultations as well as via Skype, Whatsapp, Phone or Email.