PIC 4020 and False Information: Can You Recover from a 10-Year Ban?

Facing a visa refusal or cancellation under Public Interests Criterion (PIC) 4020 due to false or misleading information or documents can have severe consequences, including a potential 10-year ban on applying for further Australian visas. This can be a nightmare situation for those who wish to enter or continue to stay in Australia, as it may lead to an unlawful status.

What is PIC 4020?

PIC 4020 is designed to ensure that all visa applicants provide truthful, accurate and complete information in their information and supporting documents. Suppose an applicant is found to have submitted false or misleading information or documents. In that case, their visa may be refused/cancelled, and they may face a visa ban of up to three years or 10 years in certain circumstances.

What are the Consequences of a 10-year Ban?

If the visa applicant provides false identity information or documents, their visa application will be refused, or their visa will be cancelled, preventing them from applying for any further new visa applications.
The ban may still impact your ability to apply for most Australian visas and affect your immigration record, even after the ban lapses.

What Can You Do If You Received a Notification from the Department for PIC 4020?

Review the decision thoroughly to understand the reason for the visa ban being imposed.
Consult with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to assess your options. They can provide professional insights into whether the PIC 4020 ban can be addressed through a waiver.
Obtaining a waiver can be complicated; therefore, we suggest engaging with an immigration lawyer to assist with the technical aspects of the matter, ensuring the response is strengthened by relevant legislation and case law.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

Being subject to a 10-year ban under PIC4020 is a serious matter, if you are in this scenario, have a strategic planning today can save you time, money and stress tomorrow. At Agape Henry Crux, you have the option to speak with one of the two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law – Jason Ling or Angela De Silva for personalised advice on your next best step. 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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