[1]Australian Government Department of Home Affairs logo

Please note:  December - January Agency closure period

The Department of Home Affairs Freedom of Information Section will be
closed from 25 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 and will reopen with
limited staffing on 2 January 2026.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your email has been received by the Department of Home Affairs’ (the
Department) Freedom of Information (FOI) section.

 

If you have lodged a request for access to documents or amendment to
information, you will receive an acknowledgement letter within 14 days.

 

Please see our website for more information on submitting a valid request
for access to information. [2]Freedom of information
(homeaffairs.gov.au)  

 

Legal priority: If your situation has changed to the extent that your FOI
request now have a legal priority such as Administrative Appeals Tribunal,
Court, Ministerial Intervention, Visa cancellation deadline since you
submitted your initial request, please provide a physical evidence to
support your priority claim.

 

We’re responding to a large volume of requests

Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we will not be able to
respond to requests to provide status updates on current requests for
information.  We prioritise processing the requests we receive, including
yours.

 

If processing your request is going to take us a lot of time because the
request is large or the request is unclear, it may be refused.  

Frequently Asked Questions

If your email relates to other matters then please contact the relevant
area of the Department or review the frequently asked questions below. The
mailbox is unable to respond to visa and citizenship status updates or
questions. If your query is answered by this information you will not
receive another response to your email.

Your Query General Information
If you applied [4]Our online services (homeaffairs.gov.au)
online, you can
check your visa [5]Ceremony wait times (homeaffairs.gov.au)
application status
in [3]ImmiAccount.
I want to access [6]Check visa details and conditions
my visa details (homeaffairs.gov.au)
I want to apply [7]Applying online in ImmiAccount
for a visa to (homeaffairs.gov.au)
Australia
My visa has [8]Your visa is expiring or has expired
expired (homeaffairs.gov.au)
I want to apply [9]Become a citizen (homeaffairs.gov.au)
for Australian
Citizenship or [10]Evidence of citizenship and certificates Change
access/amend my a citizenship certificate (homeaffairs.gov.au)
citizenship
details  
I want my travel [11]Requesting travel records (homeaffairs.gov.au)
records in and out
of Australia
I am having Use our [12]technical guide to troubleshoot in
technical problems [13]ImmiAccount.
lodging an
application If you are still unable to resolve your issue submit
the [14]ImmiAccount Technical Support Form
I wish to provide Provide information by [15]ImmiAccount. After you
information about submit your application, use [16]ImmiAccount to:
a visa application
or provide • apply for a bridging visa
information about • access the My Health Declarations service
changes to my • attach documents to your online application
situation • check the progress of your application
• update your passport or address details
  • notify of incorrect information in your
application

Further details and instructions refer to
[17]ImmiAccount Help & Support

[18]Changes in your situation (homeaffairs.gov.au)
I have made an If you have been sent a request letter to complete
appointment for a health but are experiencing delays you can attach
health/biometrics details of your appointment to [19]ImmiAccount. 
examination
I want to withdraw [20]You want to withdraw an application
my visa or (homeaffairs.gov.au)
citizenship
application
I want to update [21]Changes in your situation (homeaffairs.gov.au)
my address,
contact or
passport details
Can my visa fee be Refunds can only be made in very limited
refunded? circumstances governed by legislation. 

For further information see  [22]Getting a refund
(homeaffairs.gov.au)
Visa eligibility Information on [23]visa options is available on the
query Department’s website.
Since my visa was [24]Changes in your situation (homeaffairs.gov.au)
granted I have had
a child born in
Australia
 I want to report [25]Border Watch Online Report (homeaffairs.gov.au)
suspicious or
illegal
immigration, visa,
customs and trade
activity.
I want to lodge Find out how to provide [26]Compliments, complaints
feedback about a and suggestions
Department service

 

 

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
 

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988.  

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.

References

Visible links
2. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-an...
3. https://online.immi.gov.au/ola/app
4. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
5. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
6. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/al...
7. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
8. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/vi...
9. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
10. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
11. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering...
12. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
13. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
14. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
15. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Visa...
16. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
17. file:///tmp/chttps:/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online
18. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
19. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
20. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
21. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
22. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
23. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/ge...
24. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
25. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-...
26. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-...

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:

FOI Request:       FA 26/01/00855

File Number:        FA26/01/00855 

Dear Thu PHUONG,

Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request

This letter acknowledges that on 13 January 2026 the Department of Home
Affairs (the Department) received your request to access documents held by
the Department under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
This letter also provides important information about your request.

Scope of request

You have requested access to the following:

I seek access to:

1. All feedback submissions received by the Department of Home Affairs’
Global Feedback Unit (GFU) that were referred to the Responsible Business
Area (RBA) for the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and the Australian
Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, covering the period 18 September
2025 to 1 December 2025.

2. All relevant correspondence or communications between the GFU and the
RBA in relation to these feedback submissions, for the same period (18
September 2025 – 1 December 2025).

I consent to the redaction of personal or identifying information of
Departmental staff below the Senior Executive Service (SES) level.
However, I request that position numbers of all staff continue to be
included.

Your request has been allocated FOI request number FA 26/01/00855 . Please
include your FOI request number in all correspondence with the Freedom of
Information Section.

Timeframe

 

The timeframe for processing a request is 30 days from the day we receive
your request, as set out in the FOI Act.

 

Your review rights in relation to your request are available on [1]Freedom
of information reviews | OAIC.

Fees and Charges

Charges do not apply to requests from individuals seeking access to
documents about themselves. However, a charge may apply to all other
requests for access to documents.

Charges are based on the amount of time the Department spends on your
request. Charges can range from $10 to over $1,000 depending on the
complexity and scope of your request. The Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner reported that across the public service, the
average charge notified was $335.50 in 2020-21.

If a charge applies, you will be issued with a Notice of Charge that
explains the charge and your options.

Detailed information about FOI charges that may apply to your FOI request
is available on [2]the Department’s website.

We do not provide personal details of staff or non-public facing
operational email addresses

 

The Department’s practice is to exclude the personal details of Government
employees, including contractors, not in the Senior Executive Service
(SES), as well as the direct contact details of SES staff, contained in
documents that fall within scope of an FOI request. If you require
personal details of non-SES officers, or direct contact details of SES
staff, please inform us so the decision maker may consider your request.
Otherwise, we will take it that you agree to that information being
excluded from the scope of your request as irrelevant under section
22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act. However, names of staff that have previously
been released in departmental correspondence may be disclosed.

We do not provide duplicated documents

 

If the FOI decision-maker deems a document to be a duplicate, they will
not assess those pages as part of your FOI request. This means that if a
there is a decision to release the document to you, you will receive only
one copy, even if multiple copies of that document exist.

Publication of document

Released documents you request may be published to our website.

 

Where documents are released to you in response to your request, the
Department may be required to publish these documents on its website
within 10 working days in accordance with section 11C of the FOI Act.
Publication will not be required where the documents contain personal or
business affairs information.

 

How to reduce or withdraw your request

 

Reducing the scope of your request can reduce the time and charges
associated with processing your FOI request.

 

To reduce or withdraw your request, contact the FOI section at
[3][Department of Home Affairs request email] and include your FOI request number.

Contacting the FOI Section

 

Should you wish to discuss your request you may contact the FOI Section at
[4][Department of Home Affairs request email].

 

Kind Regards,

 

Priti

Position number 60204565

FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section

FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

Email: [5][Department of Home Affairs request email]

[6]Title: Home Affairs and ABF approved email signature graphic:
acknowledgement of country - Description: The image shows a beautiful
First Nations artwork side by side with acknowledgement of country text.
The artwork features concentric circles and flowing lines with a blue,
gold, brown and white colour theme. It represents people supporting each
other on our continued journey of Reconciliation and building respectful
and inclusive relationships with everyone from all walks of life, as we
protect the borders and keep this country safe for all Australians. The
text states: ‘The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border
Force acknowledge the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and
their continuing connection to land, sea and the community. We pay respect
to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and
to their Elders past and present.’

 

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
 

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988.  

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
2. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-an...
3. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
4. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
5. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]

UNOFFICIAL

Dear Thu PHUONG,

 

I refer to your request received on 13 January 2026 for access to
documents under the FOI Act.

 

The current due date for your request is 12 February 2026. The Department
seeks your agreement under section 15AA of the FOI Act to extend the
timeframe for the processing of your request by 30 days. This would extend
the due date for your request to 14 March 2026. However, as this date
falls on a non-working day, section 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act
1901 provides that the lastest date the Department may issue a decision
would be the next working day, which is Monday 16 March 2026.

 

The reason the Department is seeking an extension of time is that searches
for information can take a significant amount of time due to the size of
the Department and the broad nature of the functions of the Department.
The demand for departmental documents is high and it takes a large amount
of time for searches and assessment activities of the documents in scope.

 

We are endeavouring to ensure, as an applicant, you understand the likely
timeframe for your request to be finalised. We continue to try to process
requests as quickly as possible regardless of if an extension is provided.

 

If you could please provide a response to this request by close of
business, Wednesday 21 January 2026.

 

Kind regards,

 

Priti

Position number 60204565

FOI Officer, Freedom of Information Section

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [1][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNOFFICIAL

 

UNOFFICIAL

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
 

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988.  

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

 

Dear Thu PHUONG,

 

I refer to your request received on 13 January 2026 for access to
documents under the FOI Act.

 

The current due date for your request is 12 February 2026. The Department
seeks your agreement under section 15AA of the FOI Act to extend the
timeframe for the processing of your request by 30 days. This would extend
the due date for your request to 14 March 2026. However, as this date
falls on a non-working day, section 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act
1901 provides that the lastest date the Department may issue a decision
would be the next working day, which is Monday 16 March 2026.

 

The reason the Department is seeking an extension of time is that searches
for information can take a significant amount of time due to the size of
the Department and the broad nature of the functions of the Department.
The demand for departmental documents is high and it takes a large amount
of time for searches and assessment activities of the documents in scope.

 

We are endeavouring to ensure, as an applicant, you understand the likely
timeframe for your request to be finalised. We continue to try to process
requests as quickly as possible regardless of if an extension is provided.

 

If you could please provide a response to this request by close of
business, Wednesday 21 January 2026.

 

Kind regards,

 

Priti

Position number 60204565

FOI Officer, Freedom of Information Section

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [1][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

 

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
 

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988.  

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]