Received a refusal? Organize the facts before your consultation

Keep a complete record

Save the decision letter and the documents originally submitted. Make a timeline of the application, requests for information and responses. Highlight the reasons stated in the decision rather than relying only on your recollection.

Flag time-sensitive notices early

Tell the consultant when the decision was received and whether any letter specifies a deadline. The appropriate next step depends on the decision and your circumstances; preparing a new application is not automatically the right response.

Discuss the scope of help

Use the consultation to identify the issues, information gaps and possible scope of assistance. Federal Court matters require appropriately qualified legal counsel. Avoid sending sensitive records in the initial inquiry; ask how relevant documents should be shared.

YOUR PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Refusal consultation: document organizer

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0 / 8 prepared

01 · Save the decision

Keep the complete decision letter and note when and how it was received.Highlight stated reasons and any response dates without changing the original file.

02 · Collect the submitted record

Locate the forms, documents and explanations actually submitted.Keep information requests, responses and correspondence in date order.

03 · Build a timeline

Record submission, requests, replies and the decision with dates.Separately note current status expiry and any deadline appearing in a notice.

04 · Prepare your questions

List what you do not understand about the decision and what has changed since applying.Ask about missing information, the appropriate scope of assistance and time-sensitive issues.

This organizer does not recommend an appeal, review or new application. Appropriate steps depend on the decision and circumstances. Federal Court matters require appropriately qualified legal counsel. Flag approaching deadlines before booking.

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Refusals & complex matters →Understand service fees →Verify your consultant →

Sources & further reading

CICC · Public register ↗

General information, not an assessment of your eligibility. Check the official rules applicable to your circumstances before acting.