Dealing with the DIBP

Based on the contribution of Michael Clothier for The Law Handbook 2016, published by Fitzroy Legal Service, as amended by KevinKardirgamar and current to 1 May 2016

Record-keeping and timeframes

Whenever you make contact with DIBP you should keep a note of the time and the name of the officer with whom you spoke. Notes of the advice received from any officer should be kept. Copies of every document that is lodged with DIBP should also be kept. Whatever application you make to DIBP, a file number will be allocated to it; whenever you contact or write to DIBP this file number should be quoted. Most application forms provide a space for you to give reasons in support of your application. These spaces are often not large enough to tell the complete story. Any further material you wish to put to DIBP in support of your application should be attached to the application form.

Almost all applications take a long time to be processed by DIBP. If you receive no response to your application for several months. this is not unusual and not a cause for worry. However, if after contacting DIBP to enquire as to the progress of your application, you do not receive a satisfactory explanation, then you may wish to contact your local Commonwealth member of parliament to make enquiries, or the Commonwealth Ombudsman if you believe there has been unreasonable delay.

Visa applications and fees

The manner in which applications are to be lodged and the fees associated with lodgement are provided in Schedule 1 of the Regulations. It is important to check this as the regulations change constantly.