Dreaming of watching a cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef? For thousands of Indian travellers, this dream hits a roadblock when they receive a visa refusal notification.
The Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) has a notoriously high rejection rate for Indian applicants. The reason isn’t always eligibility—often, it’s about how that eligibility is presented. In 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has tightened its scrutiny on financial stability and the intent to return.
This guide breaks down the top Australia tourist visa rejection reasons for Indians and provides expert strategies to fix them for a successful application.
Top 5 Reasons for Visa Rejection (and How to Fix Them)
1. The “Genuine Temporary Entrant” (GTE) Failure
This is the #1 reason for refusal. The case officer is simply not convinced that you intend to visit temporarily and return to India.
- The Red Flag: You have strong ties to Australia (e.g., a partner, siblings, or parents living there) but weak ties to India (e.g., you are unemployed, single, or have no assets).
- The Fix: You must prove you have a life in India you cannot abandon.
- Employment: Submit a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your role, salary, tenure, and—most importantly—your approved leave dates and expected return date.
- Family: Show evidence of dependent family members in India (e.g., elderly parents or school-going children) who rely on you.
- Assets: Provide property deeds, vehicle registrations, or business ownership documents.
2. “Insufficient” or Unclear Funds
It’s not just about the amount of money; it’s about the source and stability of that money.
- The Red Flag: A sudden, large lump-sum deposit (e.g., ₹5 Lakhs) appearing in your bank account just days before applying. This is often viewed as “borrowed funds” (“show money”) deposited solely for the visa application.
- The Fix:
- History is Key: Submit 6 months of bank statements showing a consistent balance, regular salary credits, and normal spending habits.
- Explain Large Deposits: If you have a genuine large deposit (e.g., sale of property, annual bonus, maturity of an FD), attach a cover letter and supporting documents (sale deed, bonus slip) explaining exactly where it came from.
- Minimum Balance: While there is no fixed rule, a safe benchmark is AUD $5,000 (approx. ₹2.75 Lakhs) per person for a standard trip.
3. Inconsistent Information
Small errors or inconsistencies can lead to immediate rejection on credibility grounds.
- The Red Flag:
- Your itinerary says you will visit Sydney for 15 days, but your employer’s leave letter grants only 7 days off.
- You forgot to declare a previous visa refusal (e.g., for the UK or USA) in the form.
- Your cover letter mentions visiting “Melbourne” but your hotel bookings are all in “Perth” (a sign of a copy-pasted itinerary).
- The Fix:
- Triple-Check Form 1419: Ensure dates on your application form match your leave letter, flight reservations, and itinerary exactly.
- Be Honest: Always declare previous visa refusals. Australia shares data with the UK, USA, Canada, and NZ. They will know if you lie.
4. Lack of Travel History (for Long Stays)
For first-time international travellers, applying for a long stay can be a red flag.
- The Red Flag: Applying for a 3-month or 6-month stay in Australia with a blank passport (no prior international travel).
- The Fix:
- Start Small: Apply for a shorter, more realistic duration (e.g., 2-3 weeks) for your first visit.
- Explain the Purpose: Use a cover letter to detail exactly why you need the time requested (e.g., “Attending my sister’s wedding and then a 2-week family tour of Queensland”).
5. Suspicious Profiles (The “High Risk” Flag)
Certain profiles face higher scrutiny in 2025.
- The Red Flag: Young, single applicants (especially males) from regions with high rates of non-compliance, applying without a family sponsor.
- The Fix: If you fit a high-risk demographic, go the extra mile with documentation. Include a detailed itinerary, pre-booked (but refundable) accommodation, and a very strong cover letter.
What to Do If Your Visa Is Refused?
1. Analyze the Refusal Letter
The letter will quote a specific clause (usually Clause 600.211). Read the “Reasons for Decision” section carefully to see exactly what evidence was missing (e.g., “funds,” “ties,” or “purpose”).
2. Do Not Appeal (Usually)
For a standard tourist visa, Indian applicants typically cannot appeal to the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) unless they have an Australian sponsor (relative) who applied on their behalf. The appeal fee is high (~AUD $3,000+) and takes months.
3. Fix and Re-apply
The best route is usually to re-apply with a fresh, much stronger application that directly addresses the previous refusal reasons. Do not just re-submit the same documents! Write a new cover letter explaining, “My previous visa was refused because of X. I am now attaching Y evidence to clarify this.”
Insider Tips for Indian Applicants
- Cover Letter is King: Use a cover letter to “connect the dots.” Explain why you want to visit, who you are visiting, and list your specific reasons to return to India.
- Don’t Book Flights: Home Affairs advises against buying tickets before the visa is granted. A flight ticket does not prove you will return.
- Family Sponsorship: If visiting family, ensure they provide a Statutory Declaration (Form 888) and proof of their own financial status.
Avoid the Rejection Trap
A visa refusal stays on your permanent record. Don’t take chances with a “do-it-yourself” application if your case is complex.
At Ausizz Migration Consultants, we review your profile against the latest GTE criteria to minimize the risk of refusal.
Get a Professional Visa Review Today!
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
