Everything you need to know about a s56 Request for information

Receiving a request for more information from the Department of Home Affairs can be unsettling. These requests most commonly arrive in the form of a Section 56 Request for More Information, often referred to as an 's56 request' or RFI. While this is not necessarily a cause for immediate alarm, any such request must be treated seriously and responded to diligently.

Maintaining timely and clear communication with the Department is critical. A prompt and accurate response can strengthen your application and may help mitigate potential delays in processing. Conversely, failing to respond to an RFI can have adverse consequences for your visa application.

It can also be challenging to interpret precisely what information the Department is requesting. Although it is important to provide a thorough response, submitting irrelevant or excessive information can complicate matters and potentially delay the assessment of your case. 

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers is highly skilled in analysing these requests and crafting responses that are timely, comprehensive, and directly address the case officer's questions. Engaging our lawyers can help ensure the RFI process is handled efficiently, alleviating much of the stress involved and helping to maximise your prospects of a successful outcome.

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Contact Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored support with your s56 request.

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What is a s56 Request for more information?

A s56 Request for Information is a request made under section 56 of the Migration Act. Firstly, this section empowers the Minister and his delegates to request information. Secondly, where information is requested, the section states that the ‘Minister may invite, orally or in writing, the applicant for a visa to give additional information in a specified way’.

Most of the time, the request is a simple and straightforward request where the Department is asking the applicant for an important piece of information that was missing from the initial application. This may be to clarify issues relating to inconsistent travel dates, incorrect spelling of names, or requiring additional documents such as English results or police checks. You are required to respond to the request within a specified period of time, typically 28 days (unless otherwise specified).

If you are uncertain whether the request is simple or more complex, we can review the notice and advise on the best way to proceed.

The following is an example of the type of letter you may receive:

S56 Request checklist

Above document: S56 Request for Information example

Following the letter setting out the request for information, you will also be provided with a request checklist that provides details of exactly what documents are required. For example, the RFI sent below is requesting that the applicant complete their biometric assessment:

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S56 Request checklist details

Above document: Request checklist

It is important to read the requested information carefully and note down any supporting documents required. The success of your visa application may depend on your ability to supply the supporting documents to your case officer within the set timeframes. Submitting the required information may require professional advice to ensure you comply with the strict rules and proceed to attain a desirable outcome on your application.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we can assist you in reviewing the checklist, identifying required documents, and ensuring your response complies with Departmental requirements.

How long does a s56 request take to finalise?

After you have received your S56 request for information you will typically have 28 days to respond. Once you have provided your response to the Department, there is unfortunately no set time period in which they are expected to reach a conclusion on your application. Factors such as the complexity of your case and current workload may influence processing times. Generally, receiving a S56 request can be a positive indicator that the Department is in the later stage of assessing your application.

Ensuring that you identify and review the instructions properly is crucial to ensuring that the information provided meets the criteria of the requested evidence. Providing your case officer with all the information and documents required within the set time frames will decrease the processing time and increase your chances of attaining a favourable outcome.

Our experienced migration lawyers can help ensure your response is complete, accurate, and submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays.

How to respond to a s56 request for further information

Before considering how to respond, it is important to read the request and the checklist carefully. Misunderstanding what information is required can mean that you submit incorrect information and delay your application further. Sometimes the requests can be simple and easy to understand, yet sometimes they can be complex and require a large quantity of information to be gathered. Engaging an Australian Migration Lawyer at this point in time will supply you with confidence and peace of mind that your response is comprehensive and appropriate.

Once you are aware of what the request requires of you, your response can be submitted directly through your ImmiAccount. You will only get one chance to respond to the request, therefore it is important to ensure your response is comprehensive yet does not overwhelm the case officer with information. Our team of Australian Migration Lawyers is well-equipped and experienced at responding to these requests and we can assist you in preparing your documents and ensuring that they comply with the request checklist. Finally, we will submit the response on your behalf, relieving you of the pressure of doing so yourself.

Book a consultation with Australian Migration Lawyers to receive guidance before submitting your s56 response.

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Book a Consultation‍

with Australian Migration Lawyers to receive guidance before submitting your s56 response.

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What visa will you get after responding to s56 request?

An s56 request is a request for you to provide further information on the visa application that you have already submitted. Therefore, if your response to the request is satisfactory, the visa you may be granted is the same visa that you had originally applied for. The Department retains ultimate discretion over whether to grant your application. They may request further information again in the future, or exercise their discretion to reject your application at any time.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

Receiving an s56 Request for Information can be stressful, but understanding and responding correctly is crucial for the success of your visa application. The process involves carefully reviewing the request, gathering the required documents, and submitting them in a timely and compliant manner. Mistakes or delays can put your application at risk.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we guide you through every step of this process, providing clear advice, practical support, and representation where needed. If you have received an s56 request, it’s important not to navigate it alone. Contact us today to ensure your response is thorough, accurate, and maximises your chances of a successful outcome.

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