originalsauce

Hi All,

I have applied for an Evisitor visa on a UK passport but currently live in abroad. I unfortunately have a record for common assault and received a fine only.

I have been waiting 7 days already but curious if this will be approved with 30 days when i travel. the time to process seems to be in my favour given 90% are done within 10 days..

Few questions:

1. on this page: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...51#Eligibility it states if you have any record apply for a visitor visa subclass 600 but based on the information it just says 'might' be refused at the border.
2. has anyone received an eVisitor with a Criminal record?
3. I returned to the uk for holiday for a week whilst living in NZ- will they likely ask for record check again for the UK?
4. previously had a eVsitor visa and declared record in 2015 approved so has the wording changed for this visa or will i be ok and just need to be patient for them to process this allowing a bit of extra time due to the criminal record?
5. On the previous e visitor visa from 2016 i see a condition 8528 of below. Do immigration still state this on new evisitor visas ?
   
6. would it be best to sort record checks for NZ and the UK now before they ask to reduce time to process if they are likely to ask for this information?

Pollyana

You don't say where the offence was committed. Did you apply without including the police check detailing the offence? They will want a police check with details of the offence, translated if not in English, and they will almost certainly want a police check from your current place of abode.
Character issues are dealt with by a specific unit, and can take months (in normal times) to be processed. As there is inevitably a backlog due to COVID, and the restarting of tourist visas, I would be prepared for a long wait. I spoke to an agent a couple of months ago about a conviction issue and we were talking of submitting the request then, for a visit at Christmas.
Be prepared to be patient.

originalsauce

Thanks so much for the reply!

The offence was in the UK and indeed- i didnt attach an ACRO for applying for the evisitor 651 visa but did declare the record. I have just attached it now but its 12months old.
i have applied for 2x AUS visa previously, both times have been upfront regarding the conviction - one in 2015 and one in 2016 both times including the ACRO.

Are you able to make sense of the 'might' be part in the eVisitor 651 ? it sounds like you can 'can' apply for a evisitor which has much shorter processing times but may be a risk when you arrive! I cant make sense of it to be honest..

Pollyana

It means exactly what it says. If you arrive here with a criminal conviction, then depending on what it is, how old, sentence etc you may be refused entry.

In your shoes I would be seeking professional advice before going any further down that road.
My personal recommendation is George Lombard, a respected registered agent with a long history of dealing with visa applications involving character issues.