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haoni
2nd February 2012, 11:33 PM
I helped my aunt who didn't know English very well filled out the application form for visa 679 in last August. She sponsored her sister to visit here for her daughter's wedding in October. In the application form, I put in 5 weeks staying as I think that was normal for a person's annual leave but not 3 months. However, both of them thought she had the visa for 3 months long until recently my aunt was refused the refund of the bond and, found out that the visa was only valid for 35 days. To my old knowledge, no matter how many days I put in, we would always get 3 months valid period. This was kind of my common sense which proved to be very wrong. When I received the visa grant email from DIAC, I didn't read it carefully enough to catch the words "35 days", but just printed off and rushed to my aunt to break the news to her.

The fact is that visa conditions were breached but without their intention to do so. Otherwise, my aunt wouldn't book the return ticket for 3 months in the first place to risk the loss of the security bond of $12000. I feel so guilty for the lack of my knowledge and carelessness. I would like to know if there is any chance to get the bond or a portion of it back.

Robert K Chelliah
3rd February 2012, 01:36 AM
Usualy the automatic three months stay is for ETA Visa countries only. Vietnam is a non ETA country and the case officer grants what he considers is reasdonable period for the purpose of the visit.

As to the second part, if there is a document for the 12K bond go through it carefully, (I have never seen one ). You would have to see if there is any room for mitigating negotitaion with the DIAC based on your error. The Bond is for wilfull overstaying . Please keep us posted of the outcome as this is a first time for many of us.

Wish you good luck

haoni
25th February 2012, 09:16 AM
I sent both a letter and an email to diac a few weeks ago. Haven't got a reply from them. They don't even notify us that the bond was forfeited. I guess I have to keep waiting.

haoni
28th March 2012, 05:50 PM
My aunt finally received a letter from them. They assessed the situation and approved to refund the bond and lift the bar from further sponsoring. Very happy with the result.

Robert K Chelliah
29th March 2012, 12:20 AM
Thank you for the informing us of the outcome. DIAC officers, particularly the more senior ones, recognise genuine errors and oversights and act with compassion. Glad the outcome was in your favour.


Cheers