Uk Settlement Visa - Previously Denied A Student Visa For Australia

[neilo]

My wife will be applying for a settlement visa in a few months. We've been doing a lot of research and I think we have a strong case. This site has been a great help so far.

One problem we may have is that my wife was previously denied a student visa for visiting Australia. It was in 2002. She'd been travelling back and forth to Australia on tourist visas and, after getting an acceptance letter for a language course at Melbourne university, was denied a student visa. The immigration official said that he believed she was looking for work.

Will this have any bearing on the ECOs visa decision? Is there anything we can say to make it look better? Also she's lost her old passport which may have had a stamp in it about this. Will that be a problem? Should we even mention any of this in the 'have you been denied visa' section? It was 8 years ago and not UK related.

Thanks!

[mark515]

I can only say what I would do.

Tell truth.

Put a well writen letter together fully explain as much as possible.

It was 8 years ago, Nothing was proven that she was looking for work. Only what ECO thought.

Expain why it was never followed up with a further application or more evidence etc?

As from the above information that was the only question I would want answering.

If the rest of your application is in order I would of thought you would be ok.

[bobrussell]

The most important parts of a settlement visa are proving that it is a genuine relationship, proving that your wife can be supported without recourse to public funds, evidence that you have suitable accomodation etc - all the usual stuff - check the forum for the sorts of things to send in - previous visa applications are not so important as these things but as nobody is doing anything wrong make sure that you disclose all the facts. The embassy staff are human and are looking to tick the right boxes not to catch you out!

[Nio]

I think what happened in Australia has no bearing on UK and as the second poster said it is about proving genuine relationship

[paully]

I think what happened in Australia has no bearing on UK and as the second poster said it is about proving genuine relationship

Yes, but the OP's wife has to complete the form fully, answering the question "Have you ever been refused a visa/refused entry..."

The only answer is to tell the truth and give a full account, as mark515 said, pointing out that it was long ago and it was only a suspicion. The OP's wife is after a settlement visa where it is okay for her to work and it will be judged on the basis of her continuing marriage to the OP and her ability to be maintained without recourse to public funds.

[7by7]

Always answer all questions in a visa application truthfully.

Would they check? Could they check? I wouldn't want to take the chance.

It is extremely unlikely that an Australian student refusal 8 years ago will have any adverse effect on a UK settlement application.

Being caught lying about it easily could, though. If they catch you in one lie, why should they believe anything else you say?

[neilo]

Ok. We'll declare it. Got nothing to hide and we've got a strong case in all other areas. Thanks for all your replies, this sire is a great help in getting us through this!

[CharlieB]

Ok. We'll declare it. Got nothing to hide and we've got a strong case in all other areas. Thanks for all your replies, this sire is a great help in getting us through this!

I doubt an 8 year old refusal from another commonwealth country is going to have any effect on your wife's settlement application. Declare it and explain the circumstances. Good luck.