[1]Australian Government Department of Home Affairs logo

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
changes to my ·       access the My Health Declarations service
situation
·       attach documents to your online application
 
·       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

Good afternoon L G,

 

We have received your FOI request and writing to advise that due to the
different types of information being requested your request will be split
into 2 parts and processed by the relevant areas, please see outline
below. An officer from the Non-Personal Team and our Data Access Request
Team will be in contact with you regarding your requests.

 

Part one - Non-Personal Information

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

Part two - Data Request

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Tahra

Position number: 60181896

Authorised FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section

Privacy, FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsay Gordon <[FOI #14052 email]>
Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 1:13 AM
To: FOI <[Department of Home Affairs request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Visa Subclass 600 where the
Applicant is in PRC and ADS Stream Applications

 

Dear Department of Home Affairs,

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I request the following
information and / or documents:

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

L G

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[1][FOI #14052 email]

 

Is [2][Department of Home Affairs request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Home Affairs? If so, please contact us using
this form:

[3]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[4]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

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:[FOI #14052 email]
2. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
3. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
4. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:

FOI Request:         FA 25/12/00106

File Number:         FA25/12/00106 

Good morning L G (Right to know),

Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request

This letter acknowledges that on 28 November 2025 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:

1. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

2. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

3. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

4. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status (ADS)
Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

Your request has been allocated FOI request number FA 25/12/00106. 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].

 

Leigh
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information
Position Number 60201191

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch

Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

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

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

From: FOI
Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 3:28 PM
To: Lindsay Gordon <[FOI #14052 email]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information request - Visa Subclass 600 where
the Applicant is in PRC and ADS Stream Applications
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Good afternoon L G,

 

We have received your FOI request and writing to advise that due to the
different types of information being requested your request will be split
into 2 parts and processed by the relevant areas, please see outline
below. An officer from the Non-Personal Team and our Data Access Request
Team will be in contact with you regarding your requests.

 

Part one - Non-Personal Information

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

Part two - Data Request

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Tahra

Position number: 60181896

Authorised FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section

Privacy, FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [6][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsay Gordon <[7][FOI #14052 email]>
Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 1:13 AM
To: FOI <[8][Department of Home Affairs request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Visa Subclass 600 where the
Applicant is in PRC and ADS Stream Applications

 

Dear Department of Home Affairs,

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I request the following
information and / or documents:

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

L G

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[9][FOI #14052 email]

 

Is [10][Department of Home Affairs request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Home Affairs? If so, please contact us using
this form:

[11]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[12]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

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]
6. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
7. mailto:[FOI #14052 email]
8. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
9. mailto:[FOI #14052 email]
10. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
11. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
12. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

OFFICIAL

Dear LG 

 

The Department of Home Affairs (the Department) has received your request
for data on 28 November 2025. Your reference number for this request is
DA25/12/00552.

   

The Department of Home Affairs provides a Data Channel for data requests
such as yours which enables departmental (including the Australian Border
Force) data to be purchased.  While you have lodged a request under the
FOI Act, Section 12(1)(c) of the FOI Act states that a person is not
entitled to access to a document that is available for purchase by the
public in accordance with arrangements made by an agency. As such we
intend to process this request under the Department’s Data Request
process. You can find further information about the Data Channel here:
[1]Data requests (homeaffairs.gov.au)

 

The Department has interpreted your request as follows: 

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

  

If we have misinterpreted your request, please let us know by emailing
[2][email address] quoting the above reference
number so we can reassess your request.  

 

Charge for access 

 

The Department has calculated that a charge of $60 is required for your
request.  

 

Next Steps 

 

You can now choose to: 

• pay the attached invoice for your request to proceed; 

• email [3][email address] to tell us if your
request has been incorrectly interpreted; or 

• email [4][email address] to tell us if you wish
to withdraw your request. 

  

Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions.  

 

Please note: if you do not respond by Thursday, 18 December 2025 your
request will be deemed to be withdrawn.  

  

Financial hardship 

 

If you believe that paying the charge for access would result in financial
hardship to you, you can request a waiver or reduction of the charge.
Please set out the reasons you believe that you would experience financial
hardship and provide supporting evidence.  

 

An example of financial hardship would be when payment of the charge would
leave you unable to provide food, accommodation, clothing, medical
treatment, education or other necessities for yourself or your family, or
other people for whom you are responsible. 

 

Your request for a waiver or reduction of charge will be considered, and a
response sent to you within 30 business days. Further information on
charges is available on our webpage: [5]Data requests
(homeaffairs.gov.au) 

 

Release of requested information 

 

We will try to finalise your request within 30 business days of receiving
your payment. If we need to contact you regarding the clarity or size of
your request, we will contact you in writing.  

 

In some circumstances, release of data may be prohibited by legislation
such as the Privacy Act 1988, Australian Border Force Act 2015 and
Migration Act 1958. If we cannot release the requested data due to
restrictions under legislation, we will notify you in writing. If we
cannot provide any data at all the Department will refund the amount you
have paid. 

 

 Kind regards, 

 

 

Azra

Position Number: 60016838

FOI Officer | Data Channel Team 
Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group  

Email: [6][email address] 

OFFICIAL

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
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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

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6. mailto:[email address]

Dear Customer,

Please see attached Receipt for your recent payment.

Important Notice:
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.
Home Affairs respects your privacy and has obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
The official departmental privacy policy can be viewed on the department's website.

This is a system generated message, please do not reply.

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.

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:

FOI Request:         FA 25/12/00106

File Number:          FA25/12/00106 

Good morning L G (Right to know),

I refer to your request received on 28 November 2025 for access to
documents under the FOI Act. 

The current due date for your request is 28 December 2025. 

In order for the Department to complete the process of retrieving all the
documents that fall within the scope of your request the Department will
require additional time to process your request.

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 Tuesday, 27 January 2026. 

It would assist the Department in managing its FOI caseload if you could
provide a response to this request by close of business, Thursday 11
December 2025

Please do not hesitate to contact the FOI section at
[1][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

Kind regards,

 

Leigh
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information
Position Number 60201191

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch

Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [2][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

 

 

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

From: FOI
Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 9:15 AM
To: '[FOI #14052 email]'
<[FOI #14052 email]>
Subject: CM: Acknowledgement - FOI request FA 25/12/00106
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Personal-Privacy]

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:

FOI Request:         FA 25/12/00106

File Number:         FA25/12/00106 

Good morning L G (Right to know),

Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request

This letter acknowledges that on 28 November 2025 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:

1. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

2. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

3. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

4. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status (ADS)
Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

Your request has been allocated FOI request number FA 25/12/00106. 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 [3]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 [4]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
[5][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
[6][Department of Home Affairs request email].

 

Leigh
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information
Position Number 60201191

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch

Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [7][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

From: FOI
Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 3:28 PM
To: Lindsay Gordon <[8][FOI #14052 email]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information request - Visa Subclass 600 where
the Applicant is in PRC and ADS Stream Applications
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Good afternoon L G,

 

We have received your FOI request and writing to advise that due to the
different types of information being requested your request will be split
into 2 parts and processed by the relevant areas, please see outline
below. An officer from the Non-Personal Team and our Data Access Request
Team will be in contact with you regarding your requests.

 

Part one - Non-Personal Information

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

Part two - Data Request

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

 

Kind Regards,

Tahra

Position number: 60181896

Authorised FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section

Privacy, FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

E: [9][Department of Home Affairs request email]

 

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lindsay Gordon <[10][FOI #14052 email]>
Sent: Friday, 28 November 2025 1:13 AM
To: FOI <[11][Department of Home Affairs request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Visa Subclass 600 where the
Applicant is in PRC and ADS Stream Applications

 

Dear Department of Home Affairs,

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I request the following
information and / or documents:

 

1.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

2.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor
(Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

3.           Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies
or instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

 

4.           Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing
Decision Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

5.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications (not including Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number
of those applications that have been approved and the number that have
been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

6.           For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number
of individual applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Applications from the PRC and the number of those applications that have
been approved and the number that have been refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

L G

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[12][FOI #14052 email]

 

Is [13][Department of Home Affairs request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Home Affairs? If so, please contact us using
this form:

[14]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

[15]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

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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

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5. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
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9. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
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hide quoted sections

OFFICIAL

Dear L G (Right to know)

 

FOI request FA 25/12/00106

 

I refer to your FOI request received on 28 November 2025, seeking access
to the following:

1. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Visitor
(class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in relation to Visa
applications from the People's Republic of China (PRC) which give the
Officers directions or methodology for approving or refusing such
Applications where the Applications are from offshore individuals but not
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

2. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist)
(subclass 600) in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

3. Documents showing any advice and any directive(s), policies or
instructional documents that have been provided for or communicated to
Officers considering approvals or refusals of Applications for Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications in relation to Visa
applications from the PRC which give the Officers directions or
methodology for approving or refusing such Applications where the
Applications are from offshore individuals but not Approved Destination
Status (ADS) Stream Applications;

4. Templates of emails or of letters or notifications containing Decision
Records for approval or refusal of Approved Destination Status (ADS)
Stream Applications in relation to Visa applications from the PRC.

 

The Department has made a decision on this request. Please find attached
the decision record.

 

This request has now been closed.

 

Thank you

 

Lucksika

Position number 60016902

Freedom of Information

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group

Department of Home Affairs

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

 

OFFICIAL

 

 

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

Dear LG,

 

I am writing to notify you of my decision in relation to your data request
DA25/12/00552.

 

You have requested access to the following data:

For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number of individual
applications for Visitor (class FA) Visitor (Tourist) (subclass 600) in
relation to Visa applications (not including Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Stream Applications) from the PRC and the number of those
applications that have been approved and the number that have been
refused.

 

In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of those
applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.

 

For the period 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2025 the number of individual
applications for Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream Applications
from the PRC and the number of those applications that have been approved
and the number that have been refused.

 

Thank you for your payment on 4/12/2025 in relation to DA25/12/00552. The
available data you have requested is contained in the attached document.

 

With regards to the request for:

 

“In relation to the applications that have been refused the number of
those applications that have been refused on the basis that the Officer
considering the application is not satisfied that clause 600.211 in
Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations is satisfied. 

 

In addition, please provide the Main Factor that has been relied upon in
relation to refusals made under clause 600.211.”

 

This information is not collected or stored in a format which enables
reporting.

 

There are no other formal reports on this matter and manual intervention
would be required to produce a document containing this information.

 

Compiling this report would require an unreasonable diversion of resources
from the operations of the agency. The Department is not able to produce
this part of the data you have requested. As a result, I refuse this part
of your data request.

 

If we have misinterpreted your request or you have any feedback about the
way we have processed your request, please let us know as soon as possible
by emailing [email address] quoting the above
reference number.

 

This case is now closed in all departmental systems.

 

Thank you for your data request.

 

Kind regards,

 

Jade

Position Number 00011307

Data Channel Team

Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group  

Department of Home Affairs 

Email: [1][email address]  

 

OFFICIAL

 

 

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:[email address]