Spousal Visa in Australia: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Spousal Visa in Australia: Common Mistakes to Avoid

The number of spousal visa applications rejected by the Australian Department of Home Affairs this year is higher than ever before, with many rejected because of simple errors, inconsistencies or incorrect evidence. With non-refundable application fees of more than $7,000, these errors can be very costly. These minor errors are not only a financial waste, but can also affect subsequent related matters due to time delays. In this article, we look at some of the common visa mistakes couples make when applying for a partner visa in Australia. Try to minimize the possibility of mistakes.

1. Failure      to meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements are the first consideration for spouse visas Eligibility is the first requirement for all visa applications. If you do not meet any of these requirements, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will most likely reject your application. Make sure that you and your partner meet all the eligibility requirements for applying for a spousal visa, such as that your partner must be an eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident.

2. Inconsistency

It is vital that all documents on your visa application are consistent, as inconsistencies can be dangerous to immigration officers reviewing your application. When applying for a partner visa in Australia, you will need to submit multiple documents. Some of the requested information appears to be duplicated, while others are identical, such as your address details, and certain information about your relationships, travels and history.

3. Conflicting      evidence

This is another common visa mistake we've found, but it's easy to avoid. As any partner visa takes longer to process, couples may change their address before and during the filing and processing of their application.
It is important that the forms and correspondence from both parties are updated with any changes to ensure that the Home Office understands that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Inconsistent or conflicting addresses may indicate to the case officer that your relationship has ended.

4. Insufficient      evidence

A common mistake we often see spousal visa applicants make is to make the relationship statement too brief. Since this is the basis for a spousal visa, the declaration is crucial to your application, so it is important to complete it correctly.
We recommend:
• Spend at least 6 - 10 hours drafting your relationship statement
• The relationship statement is approximately 4 - 10 pages long
• Describe in detail how you met your partner

5. Rush      to file

The Visa application takes a lot of time and effort. Do not rush to finish, as some important documents and requirements may be overlooked. From the gathering of all the necessary documents to the submission stage, it is important to be detailed and comprehensive.

6. No      legal advice was sought

During the process, the visa process can be complicated or overwhelming due to special or unexpected circumstances. At this point, seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney may help you resolve this issue. Immigration lawyers are trained and experienced professionals who are able to resolve a wide range of issues in an Australian visa application.

What should I do if my visa is denied?
You can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for reconsideration. Details about this option will be included in the denial decision you receive. Of course, you can also consult an immigration attorney before filing an administrative appeal, as an immigration attorney can give you reasonable and efficient advice based on your actual situation.

The above common mistakes will not help you avoid all problems, but it can help you reduce unnecessary hassle and problems in your spousal immigration application process, and handle your visa issues efficiently and succinctly.