Worried about your Visitor visa being refused? Here’s what you can do

Travel around Australia and visit family

Applying for an Australian Visitor visa can be challenging, especially if you're from a high-risk country or have a complex visa history. Every year, the Department of Home Affairs refuses thousands of Visitor visa applications due to concerns that the applicant may not genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

In this guide, we explain:

• The most common reasons for Visitor visa refusals

• What it means to be from a “high-risk” country

• How to prove you're a genuine temporary entrant (GTE)

  
  

Whether you’re visiting family, attending an event, or planning a holiday, understanding these issues is key to getting your visa approved.

❌ Why are Visitor visas refused?

There are two primary reasons why the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is refused, especially for applicants from high-risk countries.

1. The Department believes you will overstay your visa

The most common reason for refusal is when the Department is not satisfied that you are a genuine temporary entrant. If they suspect you may remain in Australia unlawfully after your visa expires, your application will be refused under PIC 4014.

This concern is especially high for applicants from countries flagged as high-risk, due to:

• A high rate of overstayers from those countries

• A pattern of protection visa applications being lodged after entry, especially ones that are usually refused

• Unstable political or economic conditions

🌍 Examples of high-risk passports may include: Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Bangladesh, Nepal, Zimbabwe, other parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

If you’re applying from one of these regions, you need to go above and beyond to prove your intention to return home.

2. You have a pending visa application in Australia

If you have already applied for another type of visa (such as an offshore protection visa, partner visa, or student visa), the Department may refuse your visitor visa based on your intent to remain in Australia long-term. Even if your intention is to visit temporarily, a pending application for a longer-term visa can be viewed as evidence that you are not a genuine visitor—and therefore not eligible under the Visitor visa criteria. You should therefore consider this carefully when planning your visa pathway to Australia.

🔍 What is a genuine temporary entrant (GTE)?

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is one of the most important aspects of your Visitor visa application. It means you must demonstrate that:

• You intend to visit Australia temporarily

• You have strong personal, financial, or professional ties to your home country

• You will comply with all visa conditions, including leaving Australia before your visa expires

Failure to address the GTE requirement is one of the leading causes of visa refusal.

🛡️ How to avoid a Visitor visa refusal

Here are key strategies to improve your chances of approval:

• Address the GTE requirement in detail

• Back up every claim with documentary evidence

• Avoid inconsistencies between your forms, documents, and travel history

• Seek professional advice if you’ve had a visa refused before

  
  

📞 Need Help Applying for a Visitor Visa?

If you are from a high-risk country or have concerns about your eligibility, we strongly recommend seeking expert migration advice before lodging your application.

At Fineberg Migration Services, we assist clients with:

• All types of Visitor visa applications

• Strong supporting evidence packages

• Refusals and reapplications

• Complex or high-risk cases

• Reliable planning for your pathway to permanent residency

✅ Book a consultation today and get expert help from a registered migration agent.