Receiving a Request for Further Information (RFI) or a visa refusal is stressful, but it is not the end of the road. An RFI is a normal part of the process: it means the Department needs more detail before deciding. A refusal is more serious, but most refusals come with review rights. Here is what to do in each situation.
Responding to a Request for Further Information (RFI)
An RFI is not a refusal. It means the case officer has reviewed your application and needs specific additional information or documents to make a decision. The letter will tell you exactly what is needed and the deadline to respond, usually 28 days.
How to respond effectively
- Read the RFI carefullyidentify exactly what is being asked. Do not send documents that were not requested.
- Respond by the deadlineif you miss it, the Department may decide your application on the information already provided, which usually means refusal.
- Request an extension if neededdo this before the deadline, not after. Extensions are discretionary but often granted if you have a genuine reason (e.g. waiting for a police certificate from overseas).
- Label your documents clearlyuse descriptive filenames and include a cover letter that maps each document to the RFI request.
- Provide what is asked, not moresending a large volume of irrelevant documents can slow processing and signal desperation.
If the RFI asks about something you previously did not disclose, such as a criminal history or a previous visa refusal, be honest. Non-disclosure triggers PIC 4020, which carries a 3-year exclusion (10-year for identity fraud). The non-disclosure is treated as more serious than the underlying issue. If you have already lodged and realise you made an error, responding truthfully to an RFI is far better than continuing to conceal it.
Responding to a visa refusal
A refusal is more serious than an RFI, but it is not necessarily final. The refusal letter (officially called a "decision record") will state the reasons for refusal and whether you have review rights.
Do you have review rights?
Most onshore visa refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). However, some decisions are not reviewable. For example, if the refusal was because your application was invalid (not a "decision" under the Migration Act), or if you were refused under specific character or security provisions.
The refusal letter will state whether you have review rights and, if so, the time limit for applying. This is usually 21 or 28 days from the date you are taken to have received the decision. Missing this deadline is usually fatal, as the Tribunal has very limited power to accept late applications.
Common refusal reasons
- Student visa, GS failure: the Genuine Student requirement under Direction 106 is consistently the leading reason Student visa applications are refused. Generic or templated statements fail.
- Visitor visa, not a genuine visitor: the case officer was not satisfied you genuinely intend to stay temporarily. Insufficient home-country ties or inconsistent travel intentions are common causes.
- Partner visa, relationship not genuine: evidence did not satisfy the four aspects of Regulation 1.15A (financial, household, social, commitment).
- PIC 4020, bogus documents or false information: triggers a 3-year exclusion (10-year for identity fraud). A waiver is available only for compelling and compassionate circumstances affecting an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen.
- Health requirement not met: PIC 4007 refusal. A health waiver may be available for the "significant cost" or "prejudice to access" limbs, but not for tuberculosis or public health risk limbs.
- Character concerns: Section 501 character test failure. A substantial criminal record (12+ months imprisonment) is an automatic fail.
What to do immediately after a refusal
- Read the decision recordunderstand exactly why you were refused. The reasons will determine your next steps.
- Check your visa statusif you are in Australia, check whether your bridging visa is still in effect and what conditions apply. Do not assume you can stay.
- Note the appeal deadlineif you have review rights, the deadline is usually 21 or 28 days. Mark it on your calendar. This deadline is strict.
- Seek professional advicea refusal is the point where DIY stops being appropriate. A Registered Migration Agent can assess whether you have grounds for review, whether a new application is a better strategy, and what evidence you need.
Lodging a new application vs appealing
After a refusal, you generally have two options: appeal to the ART or lodge a fresh application. Each has pros and cons:
| Factor | ART appeal | New application |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | 21–28 days (strict) | No deadline (but exclusion periods may apply) |
| Cost | ART application fee (~AUD $110) | Full visa application charge again |
| Can submit new evidence | Yes (in most cases) | Yes |
| Best when | The decision was wrong on the facts or law | Your circumstances have changed or you can now provide stronger evidence |
Be aware that if your refusal triggered an exclusion period (for example, PIC 4020 carries a 3-year exclusion), you may not be able to lodge a new application during that period unless a waiver applies. This is why understanding the refusal reasons is critical before deciding your next step.
If you are subject to an exclusion period
Several refusal triggers create exclusion periods during which you cannot be granted most visas:
- PIC 4020 (false info or bogus documents): 3-year exclusion (10-year for identity fraud). Waiver available for compelling and compassionate circumstances affecting an Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen.
- SRC 5001 (deportation or s 501 cancellation): permanent bar. Only the Minister can grant relief.
- SRC 5002 (removal under s 198): 12-month exclusion with discretion for compelling or compassionate circumstances.
- PIC 4013 (visa cancelled while in Australia): 3-year exclusion.
- PIC 4014 (overstay): 3-year exclusion if you became unlawful and were not on a bridging visa.
If you are subject to an exclusion period, do not lodge a new application without first getting advice. The application fee is generally non-refundable, and a refusal during an exclusion period wastes both time and money.
Received a refusal or RFI?
This is the point where professional advice makes the biggest difference. Book a consultation to assess your options, whether that is an ART appeal, a new application, or a waiver request.
About the Author
Matilda, MARN 0958254
A Registered Migration Agent with 16+ years in migration and thousands of consultations across every major visa pathway.
General information only, not personal migration advice. Legislative references are current as at July 2026 but change periodically. Appeal deadlines and review rights depend on your specific circumstances. Always seek professional advice promptly after a refusal.
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