PUBLIC INTEREST CRITERION (PIC) 4020

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has advised that as of 1 July 2013, all family stream visas will now be included in the Public Interest Criterion 4020.  This criterion allows a visa to be refused where a bogus document, or false or misleading information is provided to the department in a visa application.

From 1 July 2013 the PIC 4020 criterion, will apply to all new applications and also to applications lodged prior to 1 July 2013 which have not yet been finally determined.  This includes applications currently under review.

The Department has advised that numerous instances of fraud are detected in the Family Stream caseload, particularly in relation to family composition, claims of (or denied) partner relationships and claimed age of applicants.

The introduction of this criterion drives a strong disincentive to bogus documentation, or false or misleading information being provided to the department.  There are severe implications to providing false or bogus documents. At All About Immigration, all our clients are required to sign a declaration in regards to providing false documents or misleading information. 

If you are caught in this situation, and would like to have a confidential discussion about your situation, we may be able to help you - contact us today!