snapper123

Does it have something to do with this?

Increase in Australian Visa Cancellations for Character Reasons such as Criminal Convictions

Posted by Chris Johnston on Tuesday, 03 March 2015 in News

A total of 203 visas have been cancelled by the Minister of Immigration, Peter Dutton in the past 3 months. Previously there were only a total of 372 cancellations over the period between July 2011 and July 2014¹ - a 3-year period!

With an amendment to the Migration Act in December 2014, the Minister now has the power to cancel visas of people who were:

Involved in a serious crime – drug trafficking, sexual assaults, motorcycle gangs, etc.Convicted and imprisoned for 12 months or moreIn Australia on a visa and being convicted of a sexual offence against a child

The power to cancel visas allows the Minister to remove non-citizens who are in Australia and pose a threat to the Australian community. Recent visa cancellations were issued to overseas criminal offenders, biker gang members and associates, drug-related offenders and sex offenders. The Minister has mentioned that "If people have committed crimes against our country then their visas will be cancelled" and that “they should be removed from our shores as quickly as possible" in a statement to ABC News¹.

Why has there been an increase in visa cancellations?

The increase in visa cancellation numbers is a government response to national security concerns especially in the areas of organised crime and counter-terrorism. The government aims to target “organisations and individuals blatantly spreading discord and division” and “include stronger prohibitions on vilifying, intimidating or inciting hatred”².

The change in the name of the Department is also an indication of policy change. The name has changed from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) previously to the current Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). From 1 July 2015, DIBP and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will merge to form the Australian Border Force, signifying a stronger and tougher approach towards border protection³.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Character issues can be identified by DIBP in the following situations:

When you apply for a visa (including renewal of your Resident Return Visa – RRV)When you arrive at an Australian port of entry and complete a declaration cardWhen you apply for citizenshipWhen you sponsor somebody for a visa (partner, family member)If DIBP contacts you directly about your situationIf your legal matter goes to court and DIBP takes note of your caseIf DIBP cross checks with local police and overseas law enforcement agencies databases and identifies visa holders with criminal offences

Even though recent cancellations are focused on organised crime, sex crimes and terrorism, it is possible that any person with criminal convictions outside of these offences can have their Australian visas revoked.

With recent security concerns heightening the level of border protection, expect more cancellations to happen. It is a good idea for all visa holders and applicants to stay out of trouble with the law in order to preserve your life and residence in Australia.

Source:

1. Hundreds of convicted criminals have visas revoked under Migration Act amendment

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-24/convicted-criminals-have-visas-cancelled/6254120

2. Prime Minister Tony Abbott outlines moves to revoke foreign fighters' citizenship, crack down on 'hate preachers'

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-23/abbott-announces-anti-terror-measures/6217608

3. Department of Immigration and Border Protection

http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/new-australian-border-force.aspx

4. Minister for Immigration Media Releases

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/Two-criminals-removed-from-Queensland.aspx

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/irish-criminal-removed-from-australia.aspx

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/crackdown-foreign-criminals-bikies.aspx

This information is accurate on the 3 March 2015

Have You Been Asked to Respond to “Character” Concerns by DIBP? Do You Need Help in Relation to Your Current Australian Visa, Applying for an Australian Visa or Citizenship?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants with visa applications for Skilled Migration including Independent and State Sponsored visas, state sponsorship applications, Family Migration visas as well as employer-sponsored visas. We also assist applicants who have health or character concerns in a visa or citizenship application.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or info@workvisalawyers.com.au

Tagged:Australian Visa Breaking News Character RequirementsVisa Cancellation

The clue is in the name "AUSTRALIAN POST" as the majority of Australians are a lazy bunch anyway and want top money for doing very little for it.

Perfect I should fit right in

Tp put it in perspective. Australian debt as a % of GDP is 27%. UK is 96%, Germany is 84% and the USA is 83%. Greece is 153% and Ireland is 129%.

In Ireland before it went belly up around 2007 I think GDP was around 24% as you stated its now 129%

Not sure about that @adonna but I wouldn't mind a bit of what @7eleven, @Baz and @snapper123 have been inhaling :wink:

No problem got heaps of the stuff but I will warn you bit rough on the nasal passage

hi i would like to ask a question can i sue the embassy .because i was apply visa 572 and 573 .

they refused my visa .

Thank You Very Much.!

yes of course and with your windfall you could apply for a business visa:biggrin:

It's the 2nd time recruitment has been frozen in the 7+ years I've lived here

Are ok for so more that likely just gone over their budget ?

I don't think anyone on here can give you a definitive answer on that, all economies go through peaks and troughs Australia avoided the GFC as it wasn't tied in significantly with the Eurozone or US economies, and the Oz economy continues to grow steadily................not sure about Ireland but food and house prices are rising in the UK too it's not unique to Australia.

Wish they could me a definitive answer I would have a punt on the share market (LOADS A MONEY ) just looking for general opinions cheers

Has anyone had issues with Australian Post?

 

This has happened almost every time I've expected a delivery where a card gets put in the post box outside even though there is someone currently in the property. I mean don't these guys even bother to knock or is this asking too much?

 

And I'm not taking about anything big being delivered just a bit bigger then the actual post box.

 

I think it's a bit cheeky to put a card in the post box saying I have a parcel when they haven't actually attempted delivery.

 

Unless of course I'm missing something and it's different here, I don't know but shouldn't the postie actually knock on the door to see if anyone is at home first?

Yes I have a major issue with them.My children's grandparent sent dollars in the post for my daughter's birthday but as usual the mail was opened and the money gone than likely in the bookies or pub .Now I did tell them not to send money in the post for obvious reasons but they took the gamble and lost .We know it happened in Aus because after the money had been taken it was kindly placed in Australian mail wrapping sign of the times I guess.

We are moving to Aus but are concerned about rising prices food housing etc we lived in Ireland when it collapsed.Would hate to move to Aus and go through it all again . There is also currently a recruitment freeze on government jobs in WA is this normal ?.I find it hard to comprehend how prices and wages can just keep on rising. Will this have an effect on the mining industry exporting Etc

It seems to depends on how far in advance you book and at what time of year I found if you book early Malaysia are cheapest. I have travelled with both airlines . I vote Etihad thought had a bit more room in seats and a fairly new plane in our case the flight was direct so big help Etihad 24hrs vs 36 but that was via Ireland both were great service

enjoy

Oh well, I have received a notification that my message s too short, are they taking the piss????

 

I have been here in WA for about 15 years. Yeah sure it is great if you want to drive to the local supermarket with no hassle. BUT there are so many disadvantages.

No 1 Australia is full of very ignorant people (otherwise known as bogans)

No 2 The weather is certainly better than in the UK, but that takes away from our excitement of going somewhere warm for 2 weeks p a.

No 3 Everyone here try's to outdo others with their disgusting Mac Mansions, which are totally tasteless.

No $ Once your house is about 30 years old, everybody will give u grief unless u knock it down and build a new one. Sooo environmentally unfriendly!

No 6 As I was told when I came over, there are more sharks on the land than in the sea.

No 7 Don't forget for 1 minute to underestimate the sadness (on both sides) of leaving your family.

No 8 This place is not and will never be home.

No 9 If you choose to take this path, like I did.....Think about what you are leaving behind. IE your heritage, your family and the love and support that you can give to them and also remember that if one or two of your children marries/partners with an Aussie you are stuck!

No 10 Don't always convince yourselves that you can go back, because it is not always that easy.

 

 

And on a final note, if you love shopping malls and hate independent retailers, you may think this is great. But I for one have no interest in Big Brother Business and it has got seriously expensive to live here. I do believe it will get worse.

 

Basically this is not a great place to live ad until my dying day I truly regret coming here.

 

I think I would have been better off in Southern Ireland (I am not Irish by the way) where people are lovely and intelligent.

 

Tread your own path, but think of the long term repercussions.

 

I seem to have missed out on no 5, but never mind I am sure most of you will get the gist lol.

Sorry to here your not happy and I have not read all the posts so please forgive me if someone has already commented .Regarding southern Ireland I lived there for ten years as a brit and encountered a bit of hostility.Things are changing very quickly but there is still a lot of people there who will be suspicious of you and others who would be outright rude .In general I found people there are great but just be prepared for remarks about your nationality mainly banter .I had a good 10 years there but the weather does wear you dowwwn hope you find happiness and as they say in Ireland GOOD LUCK

Thanks again for making things clear

Thanks Adam you have answered my question (an agent does the majority of the paper work.)Why did someone not say this at the start of the thread I thought it was a simple question with an easy answer cheers

My understanding is that the preparation/paper work aspect of some visas is more difficult than others. ie, I did my visa application alone, and it was a bit painful but I'm an organised person and didn't find it particularly difficult.

If I was less organised and had a more complicated application, I can see how a small fee (in the grand scheme of things!) would be worth paying for peace of mind that it has been completed and submitted correctly.

 

So I guess my answer is: you are paying for the professional services of someone with experience and expertise in the particular area of visa applications.

Thanks Vicky It has been made clear to me that you could receive a professional service I also appreciate the fact that some people require help with there applications. I Just wanted to know what an agent would or could have done regarding my application do they (fill the forms in, send it off ,double check it etc. Guess I just did not understand what work was physically carried out for the £2600 Charged by one agent or 4000euro I was quoted

Well I suppose in some sense it covers the costs related to running a business. Overheads such as wages, property, utilities. Then you have the persons time, effort, knowledge and experience.

 

I never make the assumption that because people leave school with few qualifications they are not able to do things like this, equally, I would not make the assumption that someone with a PhD could either! Therefore, what is straight forward for you, may not be common sense for another. Some people feel overwhelmed by the process and just need someone to take them through each step, break it down, manageable chunks. Others have complexities, such as medical conditions, criminal past, children of non-dependent age, unusual skill set - all can make it more problematic deciphering the visa pathways.

 

For your particular quote only the person who gave it can break it down - but the first line of my post would probably cover some of it... An agent is essentially running a business, so of course they make some money. What do you get? a visa hopefully!

 

I did all mine myself, and had no problems. But this is not the best for all... as always, what works for some in life, doesn't for others...

The assumption I made was my ability to complete the application on my own I am not bragging or proud but surprised at how easy it was for me.As In general have difficulty in this area I am not judging people for using an agent some people have said an agent has helped them and they were happy to pay around £2600 for various reasons .

From the replies I have received. Maybe other people in similar situations as me are also capable of achieving this without being scared or having to pay huge sums of money for a professional service but as others have suggested use this site for help. :wink: (and if in doubt seek professional advice )

I would just like to say a big thank you to all those who left positive replies and support

cheers

Sometimes this is how it works. And very often the mess up means you don't qualify, you don't pass Go, and you don't collect $200.

 

A LOT of people assume it's easy, apply and the result is a refused visa and they are out thousands of dollars. Migration Agents are no different than a lot of other professionals (e.g. lawyers, tax agents, etc.). They have trained, they have experience, they know the ins and outs of the process and the regulations so you pay for that expertise and guidance. If you didn't need one or want to use one, fine. But asking them to justify their fees is a bit insulting given the amount of work they do behind the scenes keeping up with regulation changes, policy changes, along with the ongoing communication and review of documentation from applications.

Thank you for answering a simple question I thought we did need an agent that is why we got the quote in the first place if I could have afforded that sort of money I would have paid ? so after the process I just wondered what the 4k was for

It's all down to personal choice ... if an applicant feels confident enough and has a relatively straightforward case, then yes they can apply by themselves and maybe feel they don't need professional advice. But I know a few people who wanted to apply and had absolutely no understanding of the process whatsoever and would probably have been far better off if they had employed an agent.

 

Most weeks you can read an account on forums such as these, where an applicant has put in an EOI without obtaining a skills assessment first, or a query on why they can't include their 26 year old 'child' or why they thought they could claim 15 points for a degree when they actually only have a NVQ, or why DIBP won't accept their defecto visa when they've only just met on a holiday etc etc. No offence meant to anyone and I am being flippant, but this process can be a nightmare and unless you are prepared to put in a lot of groundwork to read up on the requirements then unfortunately mistakes can and do happen, the refusal of a visa usually costs more than the agents costs.

 

My skills assessment was a nightmare and I did initially contact two agents for an initial assessment but neither thought I would pass it, but luckily I was confident with reading the requirements and knew I had the required skill level so completed it independently, and received a positive outcome, but that doesn't mean I would now denounce all agents. You pay for professional advice, which has taken years to obtain, other professionals such as solicitors etc charge through the nose, but it's taken them years of education and training to be able to.

As I stated before I am not judging anyone and I understand people need to use a migration agents who are vital in certain cases or visa types or maybe for people who do not have much time to go through it all my original question was about my case

This is my last post as the question is being taken out of context I thought it would be a simple answer

Personally I did my partner visa myself but my situation was straightforward and I felt confident doing it. Others prefer to have some of the stress handled by someone else, others might have tricky situations or be less confident dealing with the paperwork. I've heard of people being refused visas because a new form was published a few days before they submitted their application, they hadn't noticed a d subsequently had to pay a whole new visa fee, which would've cost more than involving an agent. Immigration call centre in Aus is hopeless and has given me two incorrect pieces of information which could've seen my visa being cancelled if I'd have listened to them.

 

Each to their own. In the future I'll need DIY work done in my property and will pay a professional to do it to make sure it's done properly. We all get to make these decisions for ourselves without the need to get high and mighty on forums about it.

I am not judging anyone for using a migration agent it is there choice I just asked a simple question regarding our application the reason I asked is 4k seemed like a massive

quote to me so I wondered how it was earned that's all .I did not intend to offended anyone

OK, I'm out of this thread ... I'll leave others to pick it up.

 

 

Best regards.

Hopefully with an answer to my question. I would just like an answer to my I feel very valid question of which you have refused to answer.So proceed to accuse me of being a troll ?

We do lots!

 

For applicants it is often all about reducing the risk of the unknown unknowns ... if you know what I mean ... :-)

 

Best regards.

Sorry I do not understand What unknown unknowns and reducing what risk this sounds like scare tactics

To be honest I never used or had to use the forum regarding the application as it was simple .I am glad they put your mind at rest for 2.5k but what else was done for the money how was it earned ? I found the immigration website helpful when I needed questions answered and the forms are self explanatory

Thanks and it was easy we got it last week my question was (WHAT WOULD A MIGRATION AGENT HAVE DONE IN OUR CASE I am still confused as at school I was in remedial classes and if I can do ?

You would have got peace of mind that your application was perfect and someone to help you fill in the application. It's a bit like saying what do dentists do because I've never needed one and why do they charge so much?

 

I can't speak to the fees that they charge, 17000 euros seems excessive but you don't know their personal circumstances to be able to say it was too much. There are people on the forums who did use migration agents and people that didn't and some got visas and some didn't. Perhaps for some people, paying that money was worth it for the peace of mind.

I did not say 17000 was to much you came to you own conclusion regarding the amount . I also have peace of mind no worries what so ever regarding the applicationOf course people get refused with and without a migration agent .My question is (WHAT WOULD A MIGRATION AGENT HAVE DONE IN OUR CASE FOR 4000 EURO) I just don't understand what they could do as we have to fill the forms in etc any way

OK I don't understand why do some of these companies charge so much. We were quoted 4000 euro for help with our partner visa application now I am a bit thick left school no GCSE and always required help is class etc. I did not have that sort of money spare so went it alone .It is only a case of form filling and attaining certain documents and pop in the post and pay if you mess up a bit and the and miss something your CO will let you know and you can then get what you need and send it in .I also Know people who ended up paying 17000 euro :eek:to an agent ? I can understand that in some cases an agent might be required in extreme medical or extreme criminal applications for example. But my question is what would we have got for 4K ?