Public Interest Criteria (PIC) Visa Issues Explained
You may have heard that visa applicants have their visas refused or cancelled due to a PIC issue, which is often related to their specific circumstances. In the Australian Migration Act, Public Interest Criteria (PIC) refer to specific issues that are assessed on various grounds, such as character, security, health, and compliance with the law.
What are the Public Interest Criteria (PIC) Issues?
PIC Visa issues arise when the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) identify concerns that relate to the public interest, such as:
Health conditions that may place a burden on the Australian healthcare system
Breaching visa conditions or overstaying
Providing false or misleading information or bogus documents
What are the Types of PIC Visa Issues?
PIC 4002 - Risk to Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
PIC 4003 - Contrary to Australia’s foreign policy interests
PIC 4004 - Debts to the Commonwealth
PIC 4009 - Applicant could obtain support in Australia from other family members
PIC 4010 - Undue personal difficulty or costs to the Australian community
PIC 4011 - Risk factor – 5 years ago applied for PR in Australia
PIC 4012 - Children under 18, travelling without parents
PIC 4013 - Risk factor – 3 years ban due to cancellation of visa
PIC 4014 - Risk factor – 3 years ban due to leaving Australia without a substantive visa
What are the Common PIC Issues and Their Consequences?
If applicants meet one of the PIC criteria and pose a risk to the community, their visa may result in a visa refusal or visa cancellation, which can lead to a ban or restrictions for future visa applications or re-entry to Australia.
What can I do to Address My PIC Issue?
Speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for any PIC concerns, as your visa is at risk of a refusal or cancellation.
Some PICs can be overcome by applying for a waiver, especially those based on character and health grounds. This process is technical and complicated; hence, having an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, such as Jason Ling or Angela De Silva, may be beneficial.
Related:
Can You Still Get a Visa If You Fail the Health Requirement? Complex Cases Explained
How Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020 Impacts Your Future Visa Applications?
Facing a Character Test Failure Under Section 501? Why You Need an Accredited Specialist
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
PIC can influence your visa decision and impact your future immigration prospects; however, it is not the final decision. Contact Agape Henry Crux and speak with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law for personalised advice on your next best step. Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling. The team of immigration lawyers specialise 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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