Visa cancellations due to concerns about a visa holder’s inability to pass the character test have increasingly involved family violence. In particular, as Australian society and culture becomes increasingly intolerant of any forms of violence against women committed in the home by their partners, there has been a greater push by State and Federal Parliaments to criminalise family violence. Moreover, where claims are made for permanent residency which involves family violence, such as where a couple in a relationship with one partner being sponsored by the other on a partner visa, the Department of Home Affairs has increasingly sought to crack down on family violence to deter people from both alleging and committing family violence. This push to impose harsher penalties for those who have committed family violence has seen more visa refusals for foreign nationals with a history of committing family violence. Newspaper articles have published articles of celebrities and entertainers being refused entry into Australia on such grounds. Consequently, if you are not an Australian citizen and have been accused of committing family violence, it is important that you seek legal advice as it can have significant implications on your ability to continue living in Australia. Chua Tan Associates has experience dealing with cases of family violence and can help you handle visa issues that result. Book a consultation today to receive confidential advice.