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s57 Natural Justice
If you’ve received an s57 natural justice letter (also called a Section 57 natural justice notice) from the Department of Home Affairs, it’s a warning sign that your visa application may be at risk of refusal.
Under Section 57 of the Migration Act 1958, Home Affairs must give you a reasonable opportunity to respond to adverse information before making a decision. In plain English: this is often your final chance to correct misunderstandings, explain inconsistencies, and provide the right evidence—before a refusal is issued.
Whether it’s a partner, student, skilled, or parent visa, an s57 response can be the difference between grant and refusal. Received an S57 natural justice letter? Book a 30-minute consultation below ($250).
An s57 request is a letter from the Department of Home Affairs telling you they have identified a concern and may be considering refusing your visa unless you respond.
The most important thing to understand is this: an S57 letter sets out what the Department is concerned about, what information they may rely on, and the deadline for your response. It is not a refusal—but it is a clear sign your application is being closely assessed.
Concerned your visa may be refused? Book a 30-minute consultation ($250).
Section 57 of the Migration Act 1958 is the legal basis for an S57 natural justice process. In practical terms, it requires Home Affairs to:
What this means for you
Need urgent help with an S57 letter? Book a 30-minute consultation ($250).
Home Affairs usually sends an S57 request when they believe there is information that could lead to refusal—unless you address it clearly and with evidence. In other words, it’s a sign the Department has a specific concern and wants your response before making a decision.
If any of these apply to you, get advice before you respond. Book a 30-minute consultation ($250).
Want a clear plan before you submit? Book a 30-minute consultation ($250).
Missing an S57 deadline can be serious. Home Affairs may make a decision without further notice, and that decision may be a visa refusal.
Risks of missing the deadline:
If you can’t meet the deadline
Do not ignore the letter. A well-organised, evidence-based response submitted on time gives you the best chance of avoiding refusal.
Unsure what to do next? Book a 30-minute consultation ($250).
An S57 letter can feel overwhelming—especially where the issues involve genuine relationship, PIC 4020, health, character, or domestic violence evidence. We help you respond in a way that is clear, well-organised, and persuasive, so the decision maker can properly understand your position.
In a 30-minute consultation, we’ll help you understand the key issues and plan your next steps. Book your 30-minute consultation ($250) below.
Find quick answers about S57 natural justice letters—what they mean, how to respond, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
An S57 request is a natural justice letter from Home Affairs asking you to respond to a concern that may lead to a refusal. It usually sets out the issue, what information they may rely on, and a deadline for your response.
Section 57 requires Home Affairs to give you a reasonable opportunity to comment on adverse information before deciding your visa application. Your response should address each concern clearly and with evidence.
No. An S57 request is not a refusal, but it often means the Department is considering refusal unless the concerns are answered properly.
It depends on the letter. S57 deadlines can be strict, and late responses may not be considered. Check the due date immediately and plan your evidence and drafting early.ㅍ
Yes. A lawyer can help you identify the key risks, structure a point-by-point response, and organise evidence—especially for complex issues like genuine relationship, PIC 4020, health, character, or DV evidence.