I Did Not Disclose My Relationships on My Visa Application, Will It Be Cancelled/Refused by PIC4020?
It is the visa applicant’s obligation to ensure that the information provided is true and accurate and truly reflects the circumstances. However, if you discovered that you did not disclose the correct relationship status, you may be worried because of this small mistake, it may lead to a visa refusal or visa cancellation under Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020. You may be right to worry about it; however, hope is not all gone for your visa.
PIC 4020 requires applicants to provide complete, truthful and accurate information in their visa application forms and supporting documents.
How PIC4020 Could Affect Your Visa?
In the circumstance where you failed to disclose your relationship status, whether a spouse, de facto partner, or in a significant relationship, this failure (including if it is an honest mistake) can be seen as providing false and misleading information. A similar article we covered on “I Did Not Disclose That I Am “In a Relationship’—Can I Add My Partner as a Dependent on My Student Visa (SC 500)?”
If discovered by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), your visa may be cancelled, or the lodged visa application may be refused under PIC 4020. An error can result in a 3-year ban and up to a 10-year ban on applying for certain visas, impacting your future visa applications and immigration pathway.
DoHA will also assess whether nondisclosure of any relevant information may be considered under PIC4020, which can affect a visa's eligibility or visa conditions. A common example is the General Skill Migration (GSM) program; if an applicant fails to disclose their relationship status, their visa may be cancelled under PIC4020.
What Can I Do to Prevent a Visa Refusal/Visa Cancellation under PIC4020?
If you realise an oversight, promptly inform DoHA before your visa application is finalised, and you can update the accurate information through your ImmiAccount.
Otherwise, it is always good to be proactive and consult with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, who typically specialises in highly complex visa matters such as these. They can identify and forecast your visa pathway, addressing any potential issues that may arise for your future visa applications.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Contact Agape Henry Crux and speak with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law - Jason Ling or Angela De Silva for tailored professional advice on the next best step to address the PIC4020 issue for your visa. 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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