Application Process

1. Why do Applications Fail to Progress

Why applications go ‘on hold’

Our document checking team has reviewed instances of when applications submitted by agents and lawyers are delayed. Some of the most common errors we see from agents are:

The applicant’s/agent’s signatures are missing from the form and a blank form is uploaded to the application to bypass the process
The applicant’s signature cannot be confirmed as it does not match the signatures in the identification documents provided.

Photograph issues

These factors make it nearly impossible to crop the photograph and upload a corrected and acceptable version of the document on behalf of the applicant.

Low-resolution photographs
Incorrect method of scanning – we see this in the applications where photographs are scanned carelessly at different angles, or by providing two or four photographs attached together, or sometimes with statements such as this photograph is the true likeness of the applicant
Photographs with side profiles
Self-clicked mobile phone camera photographs.

Proof of identity

Common issues with proof of identity documents are:

Insufficient personal identification documentation provided – This is the most common reason and much of the time, the sole reason for the application to be put on hold, where the applicants/agents provide one or two documents.
An English translation of the documents is not supplied – We see this frequently, particularly in applications from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, EU countries such as France, Germany, Czech Republic, and occasionally from Iran.
Original documents are not supplied – Applicants/agents sometimes provide only English versions of the documents and do not provide the original documents. Even if the original documents are supplied, they are either a black and white scanned copy or the black and white copies carry NAATI translators’ verification stamps and/or are notarised.