How do I know if I was refused an Australian visa 15 years ago?
When I was much younger (12/13), my parents had applied on my behalf for admission to an Australian school. Apparently, my visa was initially not approved. It was later approved but by then the school had withdrawn my application.
There was no interview. I did not visit an embassy or visa processing center. There are no stamps, records, documents, refusal letters or memory to show if the visa application was actually processed for it to be refused. We don't even remember if the passport was submitted at all (we may have used an agent but simply don't remember that either). The visa that was approved (or was the decision changed?) has also not been stamped. How do I find out if I was actually refused or not?
I ask because some visa application forms ask for this information. There were no biometrics and I don't think I signed any form (I was a minor). I think it is quite ridiculous to ask for information on visa application forms that is more than 10 years old. If you miss something--you risk being flagged for lying.
Best Answer
I would suggest you reply "Application 15 years ago, result unknown" or something like that, and put a short explanation, similar to that in your question, in the 'other comments' box at the end. As you say, bureaucracies really dislike people lying to them, but nobody would expect you to recall these details, particularly as you were a minor at the time, And if the officials do want to find out the result (which I would think unlikely), they can always go back to their own archives.
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How can I check my Australian visa history?
VEVO does not provide information on your previous visas or new applications that the Department may be assessing.How long keep Australian immigration records?
Under section 31 of the Archives Act 1983, access arrangements are required for records that are in the open access period (currently after 30 years).Will I be notified if my visa is refused?
If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies. Visa applicants are also advised by the consular officer if they may apply for a waiver of their ineligibility.How long after a visa refusal can I apply Australia?
Within 21 days from the day of Visa Application Rejection, you can appeal at MRT for review of DIAC decision. Sometimes even if your visa got refused, you will have chances to apply for another visa. This is totally based on case to case and individual circumstances.More answers regarding how do I know if I was refused an Australian visa 15 years ago?
Answer 2
You could file a FOI request which would take a while.
Ultimately in this case you should weigh the risks and make your own determination. Many countries have an outright ban for a number of years if you provide false information to immigration in order to obtain a travel benefit. For the USA it is a permanent bar, for the UK it is a ten year bar and for Australia apparently 3 years.
For Australia
According to new laws, anyone who submits fraudulent information with a visa application will face harsher penalties, including being banned from entering Australia for up to three years. An existing visa will also be cancelled if fraudulent information was found to be involved.
Certain cancellations can result in even more severe penalties, and it’s possible that you could be permanently banned from Australia (although these situations are rare and are generally the result of a serious crime).
Immigration rules can be very harsh and sometimes appear arbitrary with offenders getting heavily and disproportionately punished. It is best to err on the side of caution and provide a hint that you previously had an indeterminate immigration snafu, particularly when you have a strong profile. Just attach a small explanation. Basically you have more to lose than gain if they find out and choose to view it as fraudulent. In your favor, you were a minor at the time.
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