When applying for an Australian visa, one of the most important responsibilities you have is to provide truthful, complete, and accurate information. While it may be tempting to simplify things or withhold certain facts, doing so can lead to serious, long-term consequences, even after your visa has been granted.
In this blog, we’ll explore why truthfulness matters under Australian migration law, common areas where applicants make mistakes, and the real-life risks including visa refusal, cancellation, and complications in future applications.
Why Is Truthfulness So Important?
Under the Migration Act 1958, visa applicants are legally required to be honest in all aspects of their application. Failing to do so can lead to:
- Visa refusal under Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 for providing false or misleading information or bogus documents
- Exclusion periods from applying for another visa
- Visa cancellation, including permanent residency (PR) visas
- Barriers to future applications, including family visas and citizenship
This applies regardless of whether the incorrect information was provided deliberately or unintentionally.
Common Issues: Where Applicants Get It Wrong
- Declaring “Single” When in a De Facto Relationship
Many applicants incorrectly declare themselves as single to simplify their application, assuming that de facto partners don’t count unless married.
A de facto relationship is recognised under Australian migration law. Failing to disclose a partner can be viewed as intentional concealment, especially if you later try to sponsor them.
- Not Declaring Non-Migrating Family Members
Some applicants choose not to declare family members, especially children from previous relationships or partners they don’t intend to bring to Australia.
This is a critical error. All family members, whether migrating or not, must be declared in your application, if the form requires it. The Department relies on this information for health and character assessments, and to evaluate your overall credibility as an applicant.
- Failing to Disclose Health Conditions
Some applicants avoid disclosing health issues for fear it will impact their visa chances. But withholding this information can backfire.
Health concerns are assessed based on severity and public cost, not just diagnosis. Failure to disclose health conditions can lead to refusal under PIC 4020 or cancellation if discovered later.
It Doesn’t End with Grant: Risks After the Visa Is Approved
It’s a common myth that once a visa is granted, especially PR, the risks are over. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Case Example: PR at Risk Due to Undeclared Children
A client was granted a permanent visa. Years later, they applied to sponsor a child who was not declared on their original visa application. The Department discovered the omission.
The result? The Department initiated cancellation proceedings citing false or misleading information in the original application.
This could also affect future sponsorships, citizenship eligibility (which considers compliance with visa conditions), and the applicant’s credibility with the Department.
Final Thoughts: Integrity is Non-Negotiable
Truthfulness in your visa application isn’t just about ticking the right boxes, it’s about protecting your future.
Even small omissions can have long-term impacts, including:
- Refusals under PIC 4020
- Visa cancellation, even for permanent residents
- Unable to sponsor family members or becoming a citizen
If you’re unsure how to present your situation, or you’ve made a mistake in the past, it’s critical to seek professional guidance. Being upfront from the beginning is the safest path to a secure migration outcome.