When a visa applicant employed by our client received a nomination refusal for his subclass 186 visa, he and his family were left in limbo. The applicant was in Australia while his wife and children remained overseas. The Department of Home Affairs (Department) had refused the nomination application, prepared by another firm, stating that the nominated position was not genuine.

 

After the refusal, the visa applicant and his employer turned to Rehman Sheriff Group (RSG) to manage the appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal — now known as the Administrative Review Tribunal (Tribunal).

 

RSG, led by our experienced team, conducted a comprehensive review of the original nomination application. We identified gaps, gathered compelling new evidence, and presented a strong case to support the genuineness and ongoing need for the nominated role.

 

The Tribunal was satisfied with the new submissions and overturned the Department’s decision, approving the nomination and remitting the visa application back to the Department for further processing.

 

But the challenges didn’t end there.

 

Once the visa application was returned to the Department, several new hurdles emerged — this time based on administrative and technical issues, including:

 

  • A reference letter that mistakenly described the applicant as working “full-time” instead of “part-time” (20 hours/week). Despite clear documentation and the employer’s confirmation of a harmless error, the Department requested additional information.
  • Delays in adding the applicant’s newborn child to the visa application required persistent follow-up.
  • Difficulty updating Department records to reflect RSG as the new legal representative, which caused further delays in communication.

 

These complications extended the process and placed unnecessary stress on the family — a reminder that even after winning at the Tribunal, the visa journey can remain complex.

 

Through continued advocacy, precise submissions, and patient engagement with the Department, RSG helped secure a successful outcome. The subclass 186 visa was granted, and the applicant, his partner, and their children are now proud permanent residents of Australia.

 

We are honoured to have supported this family’s journey and are reminded again of the power of skilled representation in turning a refusal into a success story.

 

Here are some of the key takeaways from this journey:

 

  • A refusal from a previous representative doesn’t have to be final — strategic intervention can change the outcome.
  • Small clerical errors can lead to big delays — attention to detail matters.
  • Persistence, preparation, and professional advocacy make all the difference.

 

If your nomination or visa has been refused, RSG can help you navigate complex immigration challenges and fight for a better outcome.

 

(*The client has kindly given permission to share this story and is continuing his journey with RSG — we’ll be lodging his citizenship application very soon.*)