A s56 official request is usually a positive indicator that the Department of Home Affairs have your visa application in their sights. This official notice that the Delegate has commenced a review of your application is to be welcomed. Overall the Delegate has reviewed your application and indicated some documents or pertinent information is required. Now you have an opportunity to put things right!
Don't panic too much when you receive the RFI request. Do however read the checklist carefully and ensure you understand the requirements. You must provide all the information requested, if not the Delegate may finalise your visa application which inevitably may not realise the outcome you desire.
In the s56 email you may have received both documents as follows:
Official Request Checklist & Detail
If the request is a complex the Delegate my also have included references to legislation and the option to withdraw your visa application. Needless to say do not do anything drastic until you have obtained professional advice from A Registered Migration Agent.
What Will the Documents Tell You?
s56 Request for More Information - Review this document carefully, it will state how much time you have to respond and how to respond. You must follow the instructions carefully.
Request Checklist and Details - This document details what you are required to provide. You are also likely to see a detailed version of examples of what the case officer is expecting from you. Read everything carefully, put a strategy in place to make an adequate response.
Remember you will have limited time to respond to the request, probably as little as 7 days but usually up to 28 days. Use your time wisely and get help straight away if you feel you need it.
Initially the Delegate will offer the legislated time to respond. In some cases it may not be possible to respond within the timeframe permitted. You may however request additional time to respond; in most cases this will be granted (if you ask nicely)!
Stay in touch with your case officer, this is important as you do not want a decision made on your case until you have had time to provide all the requested evidence.
s56 Official Request - Ask The Experts
Helpful Tips - From Our Experience:
Before responding to a s56 Request, collect the information and evidence in support of your application and response. Provide truthful, accurate, and up-to-date information.
Before submitting the information and documents, name them properly.
Avoid providing irrelevant information or documents. Remember the case officer has only requested what is listed on the checklist. Providing too much at this juncture may delay a decision in your case.
s56 Request - Partner Visa
An official RFI request in regard to a partner visa may require a straightforward response, perhaps an AFP Police Certificate. In this case you are probably competent enough to respond.
In other cases the Delegate may request further evidence in regard to the your relationship. It is easy enough to provide an AFP Police Certificate but how do you respond when the case officer has requested further relationship evidence?
How the Delegate views your relationship evidence is discretionary and not black and white. When responding to the official request, if you have not provided an adequate response the Delegate may not ask again. This is your chance to showcase your relationship and ensure the Delegate understands your circ*mstances fully.
Your relationship evidence should address all aspects and include evidence of your Finances, Nature of Household, the Social aspects and your Commitment to each other. If you fall short on these you may not achieve the result you want.
What is s57 Natural Justice?
A s57 Natural Justice letter is also otherwise known as an 'Invitation to Comment on (Adverse) Information' letter which is sent by the Department of Home Affairs. This type of justice letter is most commonly generated when the case officer assessing your visa application suspects that a bogus document or information that is false or misleading has been provided. This is a serious matter - obtain professional advice immediately.
What is an s56?
Section 56 Request for Further Information (RFI) is often a simple and straightforward request from your case officer. You are requested to provide some further information or supporting documents to assist the Delegate in processing your Australian visa or Australian Citizenship application.
The request could simply be instruction to provide your police certificates or attend a health assessment.
Getting The Right Help
The team at Visa Crew specialise in writing submissions to the Department of Home Affairs in response to RFIs. If you have received a s56 or s57 request firstly have a professional review the official checklist and advise you how to proceed. This will be the best money you have ever spent.
Be mindful what you read on social media, get your advice first hand from a Registered Migration Agent. We are trained and up to speed with immigration legislation and requirements of the Department of Home Affairs.
Have you received an official request, do you feel stressed?
If you are in this situation and feel stuck don't delay. Contact Us and speak with our qualified migration agent. We are specialists in this field and we can guide you through the process in a professional manner.
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FAQs
Before responding to a s56 Request, collect the information and evidence in support of your application and response. Provide truthful, accurate, and up-to-date information. Before submitting the information and documents, name them properly. Avoid providing irrelevant information or documents.
How do you respond to s56 request for more information? ›
Once you are aware of what the request requires of you, your response can be submitted directly through your ImmiAccount. You will only get one chance to respond to the request, therefore it is important to ensure your response is comprehensive yet does not overwhelm the case officer with information.
How long does it take from further assessment to Finalised? ›
There is no set timeframe to a decision when an application status is shown as 'further assessment'. Further Assessment maybe linked to a request for further information but even where that information is provided, their is still no timeline to a decision.
What is the difference between s56 and s57 request? ›
The s56 request is often used to solicit more documents or clarification, while s57 may be employed in different scenarios or stages of the application process. Understanding the nuances and appropriately responding to each is vital in navigating the immigration pathway.
What does initial assessment mean in visa application? ›
Initial assessment means we are assessing the application. Further assessment means we are assessing the information we requested from you. Finalised means we have made a decision. We will notify you by email or post. Discontinued means the visa form no longer exist or the visa has been repealed.
How long after s56 is visa granted? ›
The case officer may take minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or even years to decide on your application after receiving your s56 response. However, case officers often try their best to decide on applications within the published Global Visa Processing Times.
How do I write an explanation letter to Uscis? ›
Start with an introduction that clearly states your purpose and why you're writing the letter. In the middle section, provide a detailed explanation of your request or concern. Use supporting evidence to make your case as strong as possible. Finally, end your letter with a polite but firm request for action.
What does application status Finalised mean? ›
Admissions Record Finalised: You are ready to enrol and register for your chosen programme. Application Deferred: Your application has been deferred and will be reconsidered when the next admissions cycle opens. Applicant Decline: You have declined your offer.
What are the stages of visa processing? ›
Immigrant Visa Process
- Civil Documents.
- Scan Documents.
- Submit Documents.
- Interview Preparation.
- Applicant Interview.
- After the Interview.
This means that they are reviewing your application, including your assessment results, to determine if you meet the qualifications and requirements for the position.
Section 57 of the Migration Act 1958 (referred to as 'the Act') stipulates that the Department of Home Affairs must give you the opportunity to comment and provide information in instances where your visa application is being considered for refusal.
What is s57 in visa? ›
An s57 Natural Justice letter is also otherwise known as an 'Invitation to Comment on [Adverse] Information' letter which is sent by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), most commonly when the case officer assessing the visa application suspects that a bogus document or information that is false ...
What is the form 54 for visa? ›
You must complete this form in English only.
You must give details of all your family members living in your home country and abroad including half, step and adopted brothers, sisters and children (if not living, write 'Deceased' in Home address column. If whereabouts unknown, write 'Unknown' in Home address column).
What comes after initial assessment? ›
Initial assessment – i.e. a case officer has reviewed the application and requested that you provide further evidence. Further assessment – i.e. you have provided the requested information and the application will be assessed again. Finalised – a decision has been made on the application.
What is s56? ›
What is an s56? Section 56 Request for Further Information (RFI) is often a simple and straightforward request from your case officer. You are requested to provide some further information or supporting documents to assist the Delegate in processing your Australian visa or Australian Citizenship application.
How do I know if my US visa application was successful? ›
You can check the status of your visa application on ceac.state.gov. If your visa has been denied, you may find useful information on Ineligibilities and Waivers on usvisas.state.gov.
What is the s56 request for home affairs? ›
An s56 letter can often be a positive indicator that your case has been allocated to a case officer and that the Department is assessing your application and only requires some additional documents or information to allow them to finalise the application.
How do I inform immigration of change of circ*mstances? ›
How to tell us. You can tell us about a change to your circ*mstances by calling 131 202 and follow the prompts. This will direct your call to the first available Service Officer. For questions about your visa or immigration status contact the Department of Home Affairs.
What is the further assessment of visa status? ›
Initial assessment – i.e. a case officer has reviewed the application and requested that you provide further evidence. Further assessment – i.e. you have provided the requested information and the application will be assessed again. Finalised – a decision has been made on the application.
Do you must provide at least 6 items of correspondence addressed to you and your partner jointly or in both your names? ›
"6 letters and/or other documents addressed to you and your partner at the same address to show you have been living together during the past 2.5 years. You must provide 6 letters or other documents addressed to you jointly or in both your names."
