If you have received an IMMI s56 Request for More Information (‘s56 Request’) from the Department of Home Affairs, it does not always mean that you are in trouble. Section 56 Request is often a simple and straightforward request from your case officer that requires you to provide some further information or supporting documents to assist the case officer in processing your Australian visa or Australian citizenship application. S56 Request generally advises an applicant to provide the required information within the given time (often that given time is 28 days, but it may vary). Therefore, you must keep an eye on that date because if you fail to respond to that request within the given time then the case officer may make a decision on your application without any further wait. That means, if the case officer does not find the required information that may support your application, then that case officer may not be satisfied with your Australian visa application and may refuse it.
Further, s56 Request For More Information is usually contained in two separate documents (see below). You must read them carefully and identify the critical instructions and must follow them. Among other things, in one document (ordinarily named as “s56 Request for More Information”) you need to find the date by which you need to provide the required information. It may also advise how you can provide the required information. In the other document (usually named as “Request Checklist And Details”), you will find the details of the information/documents that are required. In this document, you are also likely to see a detailed version of examples of what the case officer is expecting from you in response to that s56 Request. Again, you must read everything carefully and plan how and when you should provide the required information.
Practical Tips
Before responding to a s56 Request, you must collect all the information and evidence that may strengthen your application and response. Always provide correct, accurate, and up-to-date information and only genuine documents.
Before submitting the information and documents, name them properly. Also, anticipate how the case officer will look at that information/documents and how will he/she interpret them. Remember to provide what is required. Avoid providing irrelevant information/documents.
When completing any relevant applications and forms etc., you must think about why you are expected to make a particular statement. Why a particular question has been inserted in a form/letter?
Again, consider seeking professional assistance to maximize your chances of success in securing your desired outcome.
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