I have a question which if anyone could help me with I would be most grateful.
I was recently issued a ticket infringement notice (a $180 fine) for failing to produce a valid ticket. I was told I have grounds to contest it, but if I'm turned down and have to pay, I am wondering how this will affect my visa (if at all).
I am on stage 1 of the defacto partner visa, and will be eligible to apply for stage 2 (PR) early next year. If I have to do another Form 80, will I have to declare the transport infringement notice? I don't know if it counts as a criminal offence or not. From what I understand, Vic Police do NOT include these infringements on your police check, but I have also heard that infringements like this which include a fine are technically a criminal offence. So does receiving and paying the fine count as a 'criminal conviction'? I am also not sure if I would need to declare in on my incoming passenger cards when I come back from visits to the UK.
It might seem small, but I am really upset about this whole thing. If I end up having to pay the fine, I am really worried that it will affect my chances of getting PR next year. I don't want to declare it on Form 80/passenger cards if I don't need to, but if I have to then obviously I will. If anyone knows whether offences like this do need to be declared or not, or knows where I can find out this information, I would be most grateful,
Thank you,
Rose