What Most Australian Visa Applicants Get Wrong at the Start of the Year 2026
As we enter a new year, many aspiring migrants to Australia begin planning their visa applications. While the drive is high, it is also a time when common, yet avoidable, mistakes are made – mistakes that can set back your immigration goals for months or even years.
What are the Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid?
Underestimating Processing Times and Document Validity
The mistake one can make is assuming application processing times will be quick, or that supporting documents, such as skills assessments or English tests, are valid indefinitely.
Make sure to check on the official Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) website for the latest processing times. Visa processing times can be lengthy, especially for complex visas. Skills assessments and English test results often have validity periods (e.g., 3 years for skills assessments, 1-3 years for English tests). If these expire during processing or while waiting for an invitation, you’ll face delays.
To avoid this mistake, check the validity dates of all your essential documents. If anything is due to expire soon, prioritise renewing it without delay. Factor in processing delays when calculating document validity.
Relying on Outdated Information
As immigration policy and law changes frequently, a common mistake an individual might make is using last year’s skills lists, points calculators, or visa criteria without verifying the latest updates.
Note that what was applicable last year may no longer be relevant this year. This is true for state nomination programs, which often revise their criteria and occupation lists annually.
To avoid this mistake, always check the official Department of Home Affairs’ website and individual state/territory government websites for the most current information.
Related: Don’t Lose Your Points! The Importance of Updating Your EOI
Not Proactively Addressing Potential Issues (PIC4020, Character and More)
If an individual hopes that minor discrepancies, a forgotten conviction, or a past visa breach won’t be noticed.
Then they may be wrong, as DoHA conducts thorough checks. Undisclosed issues, especially those related to character, bogus documents or false information (PIC 4020), or past visa non-compliance (PIC 4013/4014), will eventually be uncovered and can lead to severe penalties, such as visa refusal or bans.
To avoid this mistake, be completely honest and transparent. If you have any past issues, disclose them fully. Seek professional advice from an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law on how best to present these issues and mitigate their impact proactively.
Neglecting to Build a Strong Evidentiary Case
It is easy for a visa applicant to solely focus on meeting the minimum visa criteria or points and neglect to gather robust, comprehensive evidence.
However, for many visas (especially partner visas, or those requiring genuine intent), you need strong, well-organised evidence across all aspects of your claim. A lack of compelling evidence can lead to refusal, even if your situation is genuine.
To avoid this mistake, start collecting evidence (financial records, communication, photos and more) early. Engage with a professional immigration lawyer to build a strong “evidentiary building” strategy that supports the claim you make.
Misinterpreting Requirements for Dependents
A common mistake is assuming dependent family members automatically qualify or meet the same criteria as the primary applicant.
The reality is that dependents, particularly children over 18 years of age, often have their own specific eligibility criteria (e.g., financial dependency, age limits and more).
Review the “Member of Family Unit” (MoFU) criteria carefully for all visa subclasses, and ensure that every dependent meets their specific requirements.
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
How do I Overcome Health Requirements if I Have a Child with Health Issues?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Assist
The start of a new year in 2026 is an ideal time to kickstart your Australian migration plans. By avoiding these common mistakes and proactively addressing potential hurdles, you may achieve a favourable visa result. The team works closely with two of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law - Jason Ling or Angela De Silva, as they specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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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