Discovered a Mistake in Your Visa Application? How to Avoid PIC4020 Issues
Finding a mistake in your visa application can be stressful, especially since such errors might lead to delays, refusals, or even cancellations. One common concern among visa applicants is issues relating to Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020, which requires applicants to be honest in their visa applications. Here’s what you need to know about PIC 4020, how it can impact your application, and steps to avoid any visa refusals or cancellations.
What is PIC 4020?
PIC4020 refers to a visa criterion by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) that emphasises the importance of the visa applicant providing complete, truthful and accurate information in all visa applications. Suppose DoHA finds that you intentionally withheld material facts or provided false information, or that it was an honest mistake. In that case, your application may be refused, or your visa may be cancelled under PIC 4020 and a potential ban of 3 to 10 years on applying for certain visas.
In simple terms: “You must disclose all relevant facts about your application.”
Why is PIC 4020 Important?
DoHA expects visa applicants to declare all relevant information, including relationships, health conditions, criminal history, and previous visa issues.
Any fact that could influence the decision-making process is considered and must be disclosed.
Failing to disclose material facts, even unintentionally, can result in visa refusal, cancellation, or a ban from obtaining future Australian visas.
What Mistakes Can Lead to PIC 4020?
Examples of reasons that may attract PIC4020 issues are not limited to:
Omitting or hiding previous visa refusals or cancellations
Failing to disclose relationships or previous marriages
Providing incorrect or incomplete personal details
Forgetting to mention past legal or immigration issues
How to Avoid PIC 4020 on Visa Applications?
Always answer every question truthfully and honestly. When in doubt, disclose and explain. It is better to explain than to be caught later for nondisclosure.
Double-check all forms for accuracy and completeness. Make sure no relevant information is missing.
Keep records of all relevant facts, such as previous visas, health exams, police clearances, and relationship evidence. Prepare to provide supporting evidence if requested.
If you discovered that your pending visa application has false or misleading information, seek guidance from an immigration lawyer on how to proceed and inform DoHA promptly.
If you are unsure about whether certain facts are material or how to disclose sensitive information, we highly suggest that you speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for tailored guidance.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Discovered a mistake? Act quickly to correct or disclose the information. Avoiding PIC 4020 issues is about being honest and transparent throughout your visa application process. Contact Agape Henry Crux and speak with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, Jason Ling or Angela De Silva, for personalised advice. Our team of immigration lawyers specialises in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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