What Should I Do If VACCU Contacts Me?
For Australian visa applicants, if your history contains any character concerns, such as a criminal record, past immigration breaches, or associations with certain groups, your file may likely be referred to the Visa Applicant Character Consideration Unit (VACCU). If you receive a letter from VACCU, it means the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) is formally investigating whether you pass the character test under Section 501 of the Migration Act. This is a risky and complex legal situation.
Related: What is VACCU and Why is My Case There?
Identify the Type of Contact
VACCU rarely calls out of the blue. Usually, their first point of contact is a formal letter. The most common notices are:
Request for Further Information (s56) letter, where they may ask for specific court records, police certificates, or military discharge papers.
Natural Justice letter - Invitation to Comment (s57) means they have found adverse information about you and are giving you a chance to explain why your visa should not be refused.
If you receive a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal (NOICR), it may mean that VACCU is telling you they are planning to refuse your visa unless you can provide a powerful legal reason for them to change their mind.
Don’t Panic, But Respect the Deadline
The most critical thing to do is check the deadline. VACCU letters often have strict timeframes, sometimes as short as 7 days to 28 days. If you do not respond by the date listed on the letter, VACCU will decide based on the information they already have. Engage for professional advice from an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law who specialises in VACCU matters to assist you with addressing any of the Department’s concerns.
Related: VACCU Explained: Why Some Visa Refusals Take So Long
Be 100% Truthful and Consistent
VACCU officers are highly trained investigators. They have access to global databases, including shared records with the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. If you attempt to hide a past conviction or downplay an incident, VACCU will likely find out. A visa refused under PIC 4020 can lead to a 3-year or a 10-year visa ban.
Related: Don't Lie to Your Immigration Lawyer! Why Honesty is Your Best Defence
Gather Your Evidence of Good Character
To overcome a character concern, you need to prove that you are a reformed and valuable member of society. You should begin gathering:
Certificates from counselling, community service records, or stable employment history.
Letters from respected Australian citizens (employers, doctors, community leaders) who know about your past but can vouch for your character today.
Proof of how a refusal would harm your Australian partner or children (medical reports, school letters).
Why You Need Professional Assistance and Guidance for your VACCU Matter?
When VACCU contacts you, they aren't just looking for a story. They are looking for legal arguments that align with Ministerial Direction 110. Get tailored advice that you can get nowhere else by Jason Ling, Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, and for the team at AHC to prepare a professional legal submission with evidentiary building drafted by an immigration lawyer who will argue your case based on the government’s own priority pillars:
The protection of the Australian community.
The best interests of any minor children in Australia.
Expectations of the Australian community.
The strength and nature of your ties to Australia.
Related: Steps to Take if Your Visa Application is with VACCU
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
What Happens When Your Case Goes to VACCU - A Guide to High-Risk Visa Applications
Do I Need a Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer? Understanding the Difference
Visa Options After Character Cancellation – Is There Still Hope?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Our team at AHC Lawyers are ready to fight with you for your character-related visa issue. Avoid m Speak with one of our two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law - Jason Ling or Angela De Silva at Agape Henry Crux. They specialise in highly complex visa matters. If you are unsure or in doubt, consider arranging a consultation with us to get tailored professional advice and guidance on your next best step. You can book a consultation with us by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and in the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
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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