Migrating to Australia can be exciting, but a crucial part of the entire process is the visa application. One single omission or error can lead to delays or perhaps even rejection of your application, which can subsequently end your dreams of moving to Australia abruptly. There are many common pitfalls that individuals make when filling out Australian visa applications, and we’ve listed a few of them below to take note of: 

  • Not Understanding Visa Eligibility Requirements

Perhaps one of the most common mistakes one can make when applying for a visa to Australia is applying for the incorrect visa (or at least applying for a visa that you do not meet the eligibility criteria for). You can explore your visa options using the Australian Government’s website, but you should always carefully read the eligibility criteria to ensure that it’s right for your circumstances.

  • Inaccurate or Missing Information

For good reason, the application process for an Australian visa requires filling out relevant information pertaining to your circumstances. Failure to provide accurate information or leaving out important information can certainly lead to delays and longer processing times, may require investigation (which adds further delays), or can lead to outright rejection of your visa application.

  • Incomplete Documentation

Similarly, omitting fields or entire documents will most certainly lead to delays or even rejection of your application. Always ensure that all your t’s are crossed and your i’s are dotted so that your application can be processed.

  • Applying for the Wrong Type of Visa

There are many different visas to come to Australia, some for family reasons, others for humanitarian reasons, still others for business reasons. Within each category, there are dozens upon dozens of visa subclasses, each with its own unique eligibility requirements. Don’t choose the wrong type of visa for your circumstances.

  • Not Meeting Character/Health Requirements

Although just about all visa categories and subclasses are unique, two things they all have in common is the need to meet the health and character criteria required by the Australian Government. Read the health requirement and character requirement carefully. These are important criteria that you will need to meet in order to apply for a visa to Australia, so you must at the very least meet these in order to even consider proceeding further with a visa application.

  • Failure to Disclose Previous Visa Applications

You may have applied for visas to Australia in the past and perhaps you’ve been granted a visa or been denied. This information is important for processing your current application and you must be honest and declare this during the application process.

  • Lack of Preparation for Visa Interview

You may need to attend an interview for a visa, residency, or citizenship to Australia. Failure to attend the interview will most certainly not reflect well on your application, and failing to prepare well in advance can also lead to delays or further investigation. Prepare for your interview well in advance and make a positive impression.

  • Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed

You may think that it’s faster and cheaper to simply apply online yourself for a visa to Australia. Provided you fill out your application properly and submit all documentation on-time when requested, this may be true, but in reality many applicants are either overwhelmed or burdened by getting everything right. Use the services of a qualified and genuine immigration law consultancy to improve the chances of success for your application.

AIM Lawyers

Contact us at AIM Lawyers for professional immigration services to Australia.