Hi everyone,
I’m currently applying for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) for a Bachelor of Nursing starting in July 2026.
Recently I received an S57 letter regarding adverse immigration history.
Background:
First Working Holiday visa in 2015 Second Working Holiday visa granted in 2016 In 2018, my ETA (subclass 601) was cancelled under s128 because the Department later determined that false information had been provided in my second WHV application regarding regional farm work. I only became aware of this cancellation through the recent S57 letter. The Department says notification emails were sent in 2018, but I genuinely did not know the ETA had been cancelled.
I fully acknowledge that the second WHV application involved incorrect information. It was a serious mistake I made almost 10 years ago, and I deeply regret it.
Since then:
I returned to Korea before my WHV expired I completed nursing school Became a registered nurse in Korea Currently studying English at HUFS and preparing seriously for nursing studies in Australia No criminal history or further immigration issues since then
A migration lawyer told me:
PIC4020 may not apply because there was no false document/information submitted in the current student visa application My case is “difficult but not hopeless” The main issue is whether I can still satisfy the Genuine Student criterion despite my immigration history
My concern is: If I proceed with the S57 response and get refused, I may lose a significant amount of tuition fees. But if I withdraw now, I’m worried I’ll regret not even trying.
Has anyone seen cases where a student visa was approved despite an old immigration fraud issue / visa cancellation history, especially when the applicant acknowledged the mistake and had a long period of lawful behavior afterward?
Any realistic advice would be appreciated.