RFI and Visa Refusals
A request for further information – or worse, a visa refusal – can be stressful, confusing, and time-critical.
Handled correctly, an RFI can be an opportunity to strengthen an application. Handled poorly, it can lead to refusal and long-term consequences.
Requests for Further Information (RFIs)
An RFI is issued when the Department is not satisfied that an application meets legal or policy requirements based on the material provided.
Not all RFIs indicate a problem: many visa applications take a long time to be decided –sometimes more than a year (or years, in fact). In those cases, RFIs are often issued simply because required documents have expired during processing, or the case requires a routine update.
However, an RFI may often signal that the Department has concerns about eligibility, genuineness, or credibility. The wording, scope, and timing of the request matters – and it should always be read carefully before responding.
The response must address the decision-maker’s concerns directly, lawfully, and with supporting evidence – not simply repeat what was already provided.
RFIs are common in complex cases, particularly where there are concerns about:
• Genuineness of employment or business activity
• Salary, market rate, or position alignment
• Relationship evidence in family visas
• Inconsistencies in documents or migration history
• Character, health, or integrity-related matters
I assist by:
• Analysing the RFI against the Migration Act, Regulations, and policy
• Identifying what the Department is actually concerned about
• Preparing structured, persuasive written submissions
• Advising what evidence helps — and what may cause harm
• Ensuring responses are legally targeted and internally consistent
Visa Refusals
A visa refusal can have serious and lasting consequences, including:
• Loss of lawful status
• Ineligibility for certain visas
• Impact on future applications due to adverse findings
• Disruption to employment, business operations, or family life
Not all refusals are lawful. Many are based on:
• Misinterpretation of evidence
• Failure to consider relevant information
• Over-reliance on policy without proper legal reasoning
• Procedural unfairness or flawed credibility assessments
I assist clients after a refusal by:
• Reviewing refusal decisions line-by-line
• Identifying legal and procedural errors
• Advising whether merits review, judicial review, or re-application is appropriate
• Preparing review submissions or strategic re-lodgement plans
• Managing risk in future applications
Review and Appeal Strategy
Not every refusal should be appealed — and not every case should be re-lodged immediately.
Part of my role is to give clear, practical advice on:
• Whether a decision is reviewable
• Strengths and weaknesses of an appeal
• Timing and cost-benefit considerations
• How to avoid repeating the same issues
Why Early Advice Matters
Many refusals could have been avoided with:
• Better framing of evidence
• Early identification of risk
• Clear legal submissions at the application stage
If you have received an RFI, time is critical — even when the request appears routine.
If you have received a refusal, the way you respond next can shape your migration options for years.
Speak With Me
If you are facing an RFI, refusal, or are concerned about the strength of a current application, I can help you understand your position and your options.
Contact me to discuss your circumstances and next steps.
An RFI is issued when the Department is not satisfied that an application meets legal or policy requirements based on the material provided.
Not all RFIs indicate a problem: many visa applications take a long time to be decided –sometimes more than a year (or years, in fact). In those cases, RFIs are often issued simply because required documents have expired during processing, or the case requires a routine update.
However, an RFI may often signal that the Department has concerns about eligibility, genuineness, or credibility. The wording, scope, and timing of the request matters – and it should always be read carefully before responding.
The response must address the decision-maker’s concerns directly, lawfully, and with supporting evidence – not simply repeat what was already provided.
RFIs are common in complex cases, particularly where there are concerns about:
• Genuineness of employment or business activity
• Salary, market rate, or position alignment
• Relationship evidence in family visas
• Inconsistencies in documents or migration history
• Character, health, or integrity-related matters
I assist by:
• Analysing the RFI against the Migration Act, Regulations, and policy
• Identifying what the Department is actually concerned about
• Preparing structured, persuasive written submissions
• Advising what evidence helps — and what may cause harm
• Ensuring responses are legally targeted and internally consistent
Visa Refusals
A visa refusal can have serious and lasting consequences, including:
• Loss of lawful status
• Ineligibility for certain visas
• Impact on future applications due to adverse findings
• Disruption to employment, business operations, or family life
Not all refusals are lawful. Many are based on:
• Misinterpretation of evidence
• Failure to consider relevant information
• Over-reliance on policy without proper legal reasoning
• Procedural unfairness or flawed credibility assessments
I assist clients after a refusal by:
• Reviewing refusal decisions line-by-line
• Identifying legal and procedural errors
• Advising whether merits review, judicial review, or re-application is appropriate
• Preparing review submissions or strategic re-lodgement plans
• Managing risk in future applications
Review and Appeal Strategy
Not every refusal should be appealed — and not every case should be re-lodged immediately.
Part of my role is to give clear, practical advice on:
• Whether a decision is reviewable
• Strengths and weaknesses of an appeal
• Timing and cost-benefit considerations
• How to avoid repeating the same issues
Why Early Advice Matters
Many refusals could have been avoided with:
• Better framing of evidence
• Early identification of risk
• Clear legal submissions at the application stage
If you have received an RFI, time is critical — even when the request appears routine.
If you have received a refusal, the way you respond next can shape your migration options for years.
Speak With Me
If you are facing an RFI, refusal, or are concerned about the strength of a current application, I can help you understand your position and your options.
Contact me to discuss your circumstances and next steps.
Let’s Discuss Your Visa Strategy
Every case starts with a conversation.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Let’s Discuss Your Visa Strategy
Every case starts with a conversation.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
Contact me to arrange a confidential initial consultation — online or in person.
