Can I Travel while My VACCU Assessment is Pending?
Navigating the immigration process is complicated and confusing, especially when it involves character assessments by the Visa Applicant Character Consideration Unit (VACCU). Many applicants wonder whether they can plan ahead to travel while their VACCU assessment is pending.
Understanding VACCU Assessment
When applying for an Australian visa, the VACCU assesses the character of visa applicants to ensure that they meet the Australian character requirements. The VACCU processing time can be long, and while it is ongoing, applicants may be unsure about their travel options.
Can I Travel While VACCU Assessment is Pending?
Holding a Bridging Visas with ‘No Travel’ Condition and Visa Application is in VACCU
If you are holding a bridging visa that is attached to your visa application that is processing at VACCU, you may have to check the bridging visa conditions. If you leave the country while holding one of the bridging visas with a ‘no travel’ condition, you may not be able to enter back into Australia.
Related: Can My Bridging Visa be Referred to VACCU?
Holding a Bridging Visa B and Visa Application is in VACCU
If you are holding a Bridging visa B (BVB) (Subclass 020), you can travel overseas for a specific period of time. If you do decide to leave Australia while your visa application is still in progress, you may risk having your visa application being refused. If your visa application has been decided while you are overseas, you may not have the jurisdiction to appeal for the visa decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) unless you are able to return to Australia.
Not Holding a Substantive Visa and Visa Application is in VACCU
If you are an unlawful non-citizen and you have decided to leave Australia, you will be at risk of a 3-year re-entry ban.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Travelling while your VACCU assessment is pending requires careful consideration. Speak with an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law on your best next steps. At Agape Henry Crux, our immigration lawyers specialise in highly complex matters like yours. Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling. You can schedule an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
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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