How Can I Address Health or Character Issues in My Visa Application?
When applying for a visa to Australia, applicants must meet specific health and character requirements as part of the assessment process. These requirements are in place to ensure that individuals coming to the country do not pose a risk to public health and safety. However, if you have health or character issues, addressing these concerns can help increase your chances of a successful application.
Understanding Health & Character Requirements
The Australian government prioritises health, so all visa applicants must undergo medical examinations to evaluate their health status. This process typically involves a medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician who will assess various health aspects of the applicant’s health.
In addition to the medical examination, visa applicants are also required to pass a character test. Character assessments ensure that applicants do not have a criminal record or pose any risk to the Australian community. They include a review of past convictions, charges, and any other behaviour that may raise concerns.
How to Address Health & Character Requirements?
Address Health Requirements
If you are ill or have a permanent condition, it is best to disclose it in your visa application.
Your visa may typically be successful as long as your medical expenses are under the current significant cost threshold. Note that the significant cost amount does not equal your personal medical cost.
Hence, prepare all of the documents that are relevant to your medical history and current medical treatment.
We highly recommend that you speak with an immigration lawyer to assist on how to address the issues, some visas allow the applicant to submit a waiver for the health issues.
Address Character Requirements
As for character, provide police checks from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and/or police clearance from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Be transparent about any past criminal offences in your visa application.
Providing any false and misleading information will jeopardise your visa application.
Prepare documents and character references from reputable individuals who can support your application and attest to your good character.
Be prepared that there may be a chance that your visa application may be referred to the Visa Applicant Character Consideration Unit (VACCU), which will delay the application process. Speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law for professional advice on a strategy to meet your visa goals.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have any character or health issues regarding your ongoing visa applications, seek professional advice and assistance from one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law at Agape Henry Crux. Our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents specialise in handling highly complex matters. They can help you navigate your complex circumstances and prepare a compelling case for your matter. You can schedule an appointment with us to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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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