Lodged Your SC189 Visa? Why Notifying Changes of Circumstance to DoHA is Important
With the recent invitation round that was announced, you have successfully lodged your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application – congratulations! While submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) and ensuring all information claimed in the EOI is up to date is important to receive an invitation, however, now that you have received an invitation and lodged your SC189 visa, it doesn’t mean you can simply sit back and wait. Your journey isn’t over, and an important responsibility continues notifying the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) of any changes in your circumstances.
Why Must I Continue to Inform the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) of Changes of Circumstances?
As an applicant, you have a continuous obligation to inform DoHA of changes of circumstances that occur after you’ve lodged your visa application and before a decision is made. Failure to do so can impact your visa decision.
Related: I Did Not Disclose My Relationships on My Visa Application, Will It Be Refused by PIC4020?
What Constitutes a “Change of Circumstances”?
A change of circumstances is any significant alteration to the information you provided in your SC 189 visa application. This can include, but is not limited to:
Change in Personal Details
Change of name
Change of address or contact details
Change in Employment Status
Change of employer
Becoming unemployed
Criminal History or Legal Matters
Being charged with a crime, receiving a criminal conviction, or being involved in any legal proceedings (even if not yet convicted).
Changes to Family Composition
Marriage or entering a de facto relationship
Divorce or separation
Death of a family member is included in the application
Birth of a child, adoption of a child, or any other changes to your immediate family unit.
If you have a representative assisting with your application, ensure to let them know of the change of circumstances as soon as possible - Don't Lie to Your Immigration Lawyer! Why Honesty is Your Best Defence
How Changes Can Affect Your Subclass 189 Visa Application?
Your S189 visa application relies on the points you have claimed in your EOI. Changes can impact your eligibility for the visa, character and health assessments. Additionally, if you are unable to provide supporting documents to support your claimed points, your visa may still be refused.
New criminal charges or convictions, even minor ones, can trigger a review of your good character assessment, potentially leading to refusal.
Related: Do I Need to Disclose Minor Offences or Spent Convictions on My Visa Applications? or Charged, Not Convicted: Does it Affect My Visa or Citizenship Application?
Failing to notify DoHA can lead to visa processing delays as the Department may discover the changes through its own checks, raising questions about your honesty and potentially leading to refusal under Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 for providing false or misleading information.
What Can I Do for My Subclass 189 Visa Application?
Learn the types of changes you need to notify to the Department. If unsure, or how it might impact your application, speak with an immigration lawyer for clarification.
It is best to report to DoHA, ideally within a couple of weeks. This can be done through your ImmiAccount or by submitting a form.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Discovered a Mistake in Your Visa Application? How to Avoid PIC4020 Issues
Can I include my de facto partner in a Subclass 189 or 190 visa?
Why Keeping the Immigration Department Updated is Important for Your Visa Status
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Keep your circumstances and information transparent with the Department, especially when your visa application is pending. At Agape Henry Crux, schedule a time with one of our immigration lawyers, who work closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, specialising in handling highly complex matters. You can book a Migration Planning Session with our team by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If these aren’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
As navigating through the immigration law process may be difficult, our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails and meetings in person.
These are their stories…
