PIC 4020 and Section 57 Natural Justice Letter in Visa Applications
One key regulation designed by Australia’s immigration system, which aims to prevent fraud and false information in visa applications, is the Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020. When an application triggers PIC 4020, onshore applicants will often receive a Section 57 (s57) Natural Justice Letter—a crucial opportunity to respond before a visa decision is made by the Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) officer.
What is PIC 4020?
PIC 4020 requires all applicants to provide true, accurate, and consistent information throughout the entire visa process. If the Department suspects that false or misleading information, fraudulent documents, or inconsistencies have been submitted—whether in the current or previous visa applications—PIC 4020 may be triggered, leading to potential visa refusals.
This regulation has serious consequences:
The Department can refuse your visa if it finds evidence of misleading information or fraudulent documents.
If PIC 4020 is breached, a three-year ban might be imposed, barring applicants from reapplying for most visas unless they seek a waiver. Engage with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law to identify and demonstrate any strong, compelling, and compassionate reasons.
If the falsified information relates directly to your identity, a 10-year ban can be imposed, with no opportunity for a waiver.
What is the Role of the Section 57 (s57) Natural Justice Letter?
When concerns about PIC 4020 arise, DoHA may issue a Section 57 (s57) Natural Justice Letter. This letter informs the applicant of the issues raised regarding the information provided. It allows responding and explaining before the Department makes a final decision on the visa.
What the letter may include:
The specific details or documents raising concerns.
An outline of the Department’s intention to refuse the visa.
An invitation for the applicant to provide additional evidence or clarification.
How to Respond to the S57 Letter Due to PIC4020 Effectively?
Consider arranging a consultation with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for professional advice and strategy for your next best visa pathway.
Engage with an experienced immigration lawyer to strengthen your application and submit a detailed, truthful explanation addressing the concerns in the letter.
Work together with a representative to include evidence or supporting documents that clarify any inconsistencies.
Respond within the specified timeframe provided by DoHA; missing the deadline can result in an automatic refusal.
Related:
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Applicants must take the processes relating to PIC 4020 and the Section 57 Natural Justice seriously. If your visa has been refused due to PIC 4020, speak with one of the two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law – Jason Ling or Angela De Silva at Agape Henry Crux for personalised advice and guidance. 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.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…
