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Feeling anxious after reading visa rejection stories
Recently, I came across a YouTube video discussing Australia’s immigration policy changes.
While I support the idea of a country prioritizing its own interests, I wonder if these new regulations are too stringent. It’s concerning that even legitimate visa applicants might face setbacks, and I’m aware that many personal stories shared here may not provide the full picture.
This video led me to explore past posts regarding visa rejections on on a number of online forums Ultimately, I believe that although a country must protect its own interests, it shouldn’t come at the expense of genuine applicants who may jeopardize their chances due to cost-efficiency measures.
I’ve noticed that many of the rejections seem to be related to student and tourist visas, though I haven’t found clear statistics on work visa denials. Given the current housing crisis in Australia, it’s understandable why there may be a push to limit dependence on foreign labor.
I am a UK-trained doctor (originally from Pakistan) who completed my medical studies in the UK, and I have two years of experience working on a Skilled Worker Visa.
I recently secured a position as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in an Australian hospital and am currently awaiting the processing of my Skills in Demand Visa.
I have meticulously reviewed my application and have been diligent in responding to the S56 request for additional information from AHPRA, which took some time but is now submitted.
I’ve also updated my application details to reflect recent changes in my personal circumstances, such as my travel history after leaving the UK. I believe my application has been accurately and honestly completed, and I don’t know any fellow doctors, both international and British, including those educated in the UK, who have encountered visa issues. I personally have a clean visa history, which might be causing me to overly worry due to confirmation bias.
If, in the unlikely event, my visa application is rejected, I understand that it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I could return to the UK and apply for jobs there, where the work visa processes are usually quite straightforward. However, I want to experience working as a doctor in Australia since I’ve heard positive feedback about it. Still, having a visa rejection on my record would be frustrating, especially considering the significant visa fees and the costs associated with AHPRA and medical exams—expenses that represent a month of my hard-earned salary while working for minimal pay in the NHS.
Are work visas generally less susceptible to rejection compared to tourist and student visas? I suspect this might be true, especially for professions and skills that are in high demand, such as healthcare. Moreover, we must meet Resident Labor Market Testing requirements, which stipulate that jobs are only offered to foreign workers if a qualified Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen cannot be found. This reinforces the necessity of bringing skilled professionals from abroad.
I’m interested in hearing about others’ experiences, thoughts, or opinions regarding this topic. Thank you!
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1 Reply
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Hi Ali and welcome 😊
I completely get it! Reading visa rejection stories can be unsettling. But the good news is that work visas, especially for high-demand fields like healthcare, are generally far less prone to refusal than student or visitor visas.
You’ve got a strong case. You’re a UK-trained doctor with experience, you’ve secured a job as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO), and you’ve ticked all the key eligibility boxes. A clean visa history, a well-documented response to the S56 request, and your updated details all work in your favour.
While no visa is ever an absolute certainty, refusals for employer-sponsored or skilled visas usually come down to missing paperwork, health or character concerns, or issues with the sponsoring employer.
Given that you’ve prepared everything carefully and already secured your AHPRA registration, your chances look solid.
You’re right about the Resident Labour Market Testing (RLMT). Iit ensures positions like yours are only offered when no suitable Australian candidate is available. And with ongoing shortages in healthcare, skilled medical professionals, like you, are in very high demand.
Waiting can be stressful, but unless you hear otherwise from the Department of Home Affairs, there’s no reason to assume the worst. You’ve done everything right, so try to focus on the exciting journey ahead.
Fingers crossed for a smooth outcome, let us know how it goes!
All the best
Mark
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