Applying to a Subclass 202 Visa (Global Special Humanitarian Program) can be a life-altering experience to those subjected to serious discrimination or human rights violations in their native land. The visa enables an Australian proposer who is eligible to sponsor someone abroad, who is either persecuted or who has suffered significant human rights abuses.
Although the visa may help to ensure safety and security, this process is very complex and detailed. Even minor mistakes can lead to large delays, extra expenses or even rejection. You or a loved one might want to apply, so you should learn what mistakes applicants make most of all—and how to prevent them.
How to Avoid Costly Mistakes in Your Subclass 202 Visa Application
1. Delivering Half-Baked or Fitting Information –
Incompleteness and inconsistency of information is one of the most common causes of visa applications being delayed or rejected. These documents require extensive information concerning personal history, family background, and the reasons why an applicant has applied to receive humanitarian protection.
Mistake –
Omissions of parts of the application form or providing contradicting information in one document and another.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure that every part of the application is filled in.
- Make sure that all information, including names and dates of birth, addresses and family relationships are the same on all documents.
- When there are real gaps or discrepancies, set out a clear written explanation instead of leaving them unanswered.
2. Lack of Good Supporting Evidence.
Subclass 202 visa involves the applicant demonstrating that they experience significant human rights violations or persecution or discrimination. Lack of enough documentation makes it almost impossible to meet the approval threshold.
Mistake –
Making the minimum application with personal statements only with no supporting evidence.
How to Avoid It:
- Collect data including medical records, police reports, press articles, or affidavits of community leaders.
- Where there is a scarcity of direct evidence to be had, give as much indirect corroboration as you can manage.
- Turn in papers in English or make certified translations.
3. Ignoring the Effect of the Australian Proposer.
One of the conditions of the Subclass 202 visa is that the applicant must have an approved proposer in Australia – normally a family member, relative or an eligible Australian organisation.
Mistake –
Believing that the issuance of the visa is not subject to a proposer or submitting a proposer who is not qualified to hold the post.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure that the proposer is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible citizen of New Zealand.
- Ensure the proposer is aware of his/her obligations which entails providing support and help after the visa is issued.
- Ask questions, in case you are not sure whether your proposer fits the requirements.
4. Failure to meet Health and Character Requirements.
Humanitarian visas in Australia, including compassionate cases will not be granted without following strict health and character requirements.
Mistake –
Neglecting orders of health tests or concealing criminal records.
How to Avoid It:
- Do all health clearances as directed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Disclose criminal history or medical history. Being secretive is much worse than being open.
- In case of any problems that might influence the eligibility, you will be required to give supporting documents (medical reports or court documents).
5. Filing under-prepared Statements of Claim.
One of the most important sections of Visa Subclass 202 Application process is the Statement of Claim. It describes the persecution or discrimination experiences of the applicant and why s/he would not be able to go back to his or her home country safely.
Error:
Making an incomplete or generic statement.
How to Avoid It:
- Be able to articulate your own experiences and risk.
- Be as detailed as you can, give dates, happenings and how your life was affected.
- Get help with a professional should you struggle to organize or write your story.
6. Lack of Deadlines or Change Updates.
Visa applications are sensitive matters and situations may alter in the course of processing.
Error:
Forgetting to meet deadlines in other applications to the Department of Home Affairs or neglecting to inform the department of any change in personal situation.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow up on all letters and deadlines.
- Report changes as they occur to the department, including the addition of new relatives, change of address, or change of personal situation.
- Use the service of a migration agent or a lawyer to organize communication with him and leave nothing undone.
7. Trying to Do it on your own.
Although a person can apply to a Subclass 202 visa without hiring the help of a professional, the importance of the application is often undervalued by many people.
Mistake :
The act of consulting a person who is not a trained migration expert by informal advice by your friends, family, or community.
How to Avoid It:
Consult an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent.
With the help of a professional, you can learn to recognize the risks, to strengthen your application, and prevent mistakes that might lead to a refusal otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Subclass 202 visa can also offer security, stability and a new life to individuals who are seriously injured in their country of origin. But it is not an easy process. The following questions can help you to dramatically increase your chances of success: How to avoid some of the most frequent pitfalls: Filing incomplete forms, not providing supporting evidence or failure to understand what was required by the proposer.
Unless you are planning to apply as a Subclass 202 visa, you should not leave your future to chance. We have a team of qualified immigration Lawyers Perth that can help you step by step, so that your application is complete, precise and prepared correctly.
