Steps to Take If Your Visa Application is with VACCU

When your visa application is with the Visa Applicant Character Consideration Unit (VACCU), it indicates that your character assessment requires additional review. This phase can be challenging, but understanding the necessary steps can help you manage your expectations and the process effectively.

Why Your Application is with VACCU?

Applications typically referred to VACCU due to concerns in the character test that may pose a risk to the Australian community under the Migration Act 1958. Common reasons and substantial criminal records include:

Previous criminal convictions or legal entanglements
Associations with criminal or suspicious activities

What Steps Should I Take?

Determine the reasons for your referral to VACCU. This can often be found in the notice sent from the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).
Gather professional advice from an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law and engaging their professional services for your VACCU matter. They can offer insight into VACCU’s process and advise on how best to strengthen and present your case using the current Ministerial Direction 110 and/or seeking an alternative visa pathway to meet your objective.
Concurrently, gather documentation that addresses the concerns raised by VACCU. These documents may include and not limited to police clearance certificates, court records, evidence of rehabilitation, character references, and more.
Typically, VACCU’s processing time may average to 2 to 3 years. However, there may be situations that your visa application takes longer than the average VACCU processing time. We highly suggest that you speak with Jason Ling, our Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law.
If VACCU requests further information through a section 56 - Request for More Information or section 57 Natural Justice letter, ensure to respond timely with supporting evidence assisted by an immigration lawyer. Alternatively, you may receive a Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal (NOICR) that will require your response within a specific timeframe.
Lastly, remain compliance with your current visa condition while waiting for VACCU's decision.

What are the Possible Outcomes and How to Prepare?

If VACCU finds you meet the character requirements, your application will proceed normally.
If refused, options may include appealing the decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or Ministerial Intervention (if eligible).

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

The visa application with VACCU requires careful attention to detail and strategic action. Consider seeking one of our Accredited Specialists who specialises in complex visa matters such as this for a tailored strategy that can assist in strengthening your case. You can schedule an appointment with Jason Ling or Angela De Silva to seek professional advice and discuss your next best steps. Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling. You can reach us by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing 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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Visa Approvals with Character