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PIC 4014 Exclusion Periods
Public Interest Criterion 4014 (PIC 4014) allows the Department of Home Affairs to refuse a visa if an applicant previously departed Australia:
and is applying for a new visa within 3 years of that departure.
This criterion is designed to discourage individuals from overstaying their visas or remaining in Australia unlawfully, then departing and quickly seeking to return.
If you held a Bridging Visa E and left Australia unlawfully, you may be facing a 3-year ban under PIC 4014, often referred to as the “Bridging Visa E 3-year ban.”
You may be affected by PIC 4014 if:
If these apply, your visa can be refused unless you satisfy an exemption or justify an exception based on compelling or compassionate circumstances.
Yes. PIC 4014 does not apply if:
These exceptions are strict. The burden is on the applicant to prove eligibility.
It’s not just the fact that you left Australia. It’s how and under what visa status. If you departed unlawfully or on a bridging visa without resolving your status, the Department may see you as a compliance risk.
However, many applicants wrongly assume they are subject to PIC 4014 when they are not. A thorough legal review of your visa history and departure details can help determine whether the rule applies.
To seek an exception within the 3-year period, you must demonstrate:
Examples of supporting evidence:
Every case is unique. Evidence must be strong, consistent, and well-explained.
Many applicants discover PIC 4014 applies only after lodging their visa application, when they receive a s56 or s57 request. By then, time and opportunity may be limited.
To avoid this, it is crucial to:
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Find answers to common questions about our Public Interest Criteria (PIC) services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.
It allows the Department to refuse a visa if you left Australia unlawfully or on a bridging visa and reapply within 3 years.
Yes, if you were unlawful or held a BVE when departing.
If you left within 28 days of your visa expiring and met bridging visa timing rules.
Yes. After 3 years, PIC 4014 does not apply.
Yes, if properly documented and presented.