Sophia Lee, a 20-year-old nursing student from Melbourne, faces a distressing situation alongside her family. For 17 years, they have called Australia home, yet they now confront the potential deportation to South Korea due to a significant visa misunderstanding. This dilemma has left the Lee family in a state of uncertainty for nearly three years, as they await clarity on their immigration status.
The family originally applied for a Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) in 2019. Their application was denied due to claims that Sophia’s mother, Sumni, had not fulfilled the full-time work requirement in a regional area, leading to confusion and disappointment. Sophia highlights that the family’s visa officer did not provide a written refusal, leaving them in the dark about the pertinent details of their case. Despite having evidence to support their application, including records demonstrating her mother’s compliance with visa conditions, their appeal has been repeatedly rejected by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Having invested so much time and effort in Australia, Sophia feels a deep connection to the country, stating that returning to South Korea would mean starting over, including learning a new language. The emotional strain is amplified by the family’s responsibilities, as both of her parents care for elderly relatives who have permanent residency in Australia and support their autistic nephews, who are Australian citizens.
As they await a final decision, the family continues to exist on bridging visas, while desperately seeking a ministerial review for their case. They have initiated a petition addressing Immigration and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, hoping for a compassionate reconsideration of their circumstances.
Sophia expresses her fears of delaying her nursing career due to the ongoing visa issues, emphasizing the family’s desire for compassion from the authorities. Immigration lawyer Suekjin Park pointed out that the visa difficulties stem from a lack of clarity rather than any intention of fraud. As the Lee family fights for their right to remain in Australia, they remain hopeful for a resolution that acknowledges their contributions and ties to the community.