Public Interest Criterion 4020 (PIC 4020)
Public Interest Criterion 4020 applies when the Department of Home Affairs believes an applicant has provided false, misleading, or incorrect information, or where the applicant’s identity cannot be reliably confirmed.
If PIC 4020 applies to your application, your visa must be refused or cancelled, unless the decision-maker is satisfied that compelling circumstances exist.
When Does PIC 4020 Apply?
PIC 4020 may be triggered if:
false or misleading information is provided in a visa application
forged or altered documents are submitted
incorrect details are given about identity, qualifications, employment, or relationships
inconsistencies exist across current and previous visa applications
the Department is not satisfied about the applicant’s true identity
PIC 4020 applies across most visa categories, including skilled, family, student, and business visas.
Consequences of PIC 4020
If PIC 4020 is applied:
your visa application will be refused or cancelled
you may be subject to a re-entry ban, usually for 3 to 10 years
future visa applications may be refused automatically during the exclusion period
PIC 4020 consequences are serious and long-term. Errors are rarely forgiven without strong legal justification.
Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation or Refusal
Before refusing or cancelling a visa under PIC 4020, the Department usually issues a:
Notice of Intention to Consider Refusal, or
Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation
This notice gives you a limited time to respond and explain:
why the information is not false or misleading
why the documents should be accepted
whether compelling circumstances exist
Failure to respond properly almost guarantees refusal.
Can PIC 4020 Be Waived?
PIC 4020 can only be waived if:
compelling circumstances affect Australia’s interests, or
compelling compassionate circumstances exist
Personal hardship alone is usually not enough.
Waivers require strong evidence and legally structured submissions.
Review and Appeal Options
Depending on how the decision was made, you may be eligible for:
Administrative Appeals Tribunal review
Judicial review through the Federal Circuit Court
Not all PIC 4020 decisions are reviewable. Ministerial decisions under certain powers cannot be appealed.
How Visa Aid Can Assist
Visa Aid provides professional assistance with:
responding to PIC 4020 notices
preparing detailed statutory declarations
correcting identity or document issues
advising on appeal or judicial review pathways
assessing re-entry ban implications
We focus on accuracy, compliance, and risk management, not shortcuts.
Important Note
PIC 4020 cases are highly technical.
Incorrect advice or poor submissions can permanently damage your migration prospects.
If you have received a refusal, cancellation notice, or PIC 4020 warning, seek advice before responding.
