And How to Avoid Them in Australia, Canada, New Zealand & Denmark
A work visa refusal is more than just disappointing — it can delay your career, cost money, and impact future immigration opportunities. Fortunately, most refusals happen for preventable reasons.
At TM Acquisition, we regularly help clients fix rejected applications and prevent refusals before they happen. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 reasons work visa applications are denied, and how you can avoid them.
❌ 1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documents
Missing pages, wrong formats, or outdated certificates can instantly lead to rejection.
✅ Avoid It: Double-check every form, translation, and attachment. Use a document checklist tailored to your country.
❌ 2. Job Title Doesn’t Match Occupation List
If your role isn’t clearly listed on the skilled occupation list (ANZSCO, NOC, etc.), your application may be considered ineligible.
✅ Avoid It: TM Acquisition maps your role to the correct classification code and ensures your job duties align.
❌ 3. Inadequate Work Experience or Qualifications
If you can’t prove that your experience matches the visa requirements, it’s an easy rejection.
✅ Avoid It: Provide verified references, employment contracts, and industry certifications.
❌ 4. Poorly Written Statement of Purpose (SOP)
An unclear, generic, or off-topic SOP weakens your case — especially if there’s no strong career rationale.
✅ Avoid It: Craft a personalized SOP that aligns your career with the country’s labour market and immigration goals.
❌ 5. Language Test Scores Below Minimum
Whether it’s IELTS, PTE, CELPIP, or TOEFL, failing to meet the required score will trigger an automatic refusal.
✅ Avoid It: Take test prep seriously. We guide clients on which test is best based on visa type.
❌ 6. Employer Not Properly Registered
In sponsorship-based visas, if your employer isn’t registered (SBS in Australia, LMIA in Canada, Accreditation in NZ, or SIRI in Denmark), the application will fail.
✅ Avoid It: TM Acquisition ensures employers meet all sponsorship registration and compliance rules.
❌ 7. Salary Below Legal Threshold
Offering a salary lower than the required minimum wage for the occupation or visa class is grounds for refusal.
✅ Avoid It: We benchmark your role against government wage data to ensure legal compliance.
❌ 8. Gaps in Employment or Education History
Unexplained gaps raise red flags about your credibility or intent.
✅ Avoid It: Include explanations in your SOP or legal submission — even if the gaps were for family or study reasons.
❌ 9. Intention to Stay Permanently on Temporary Visa
If your documents suggest you don’t plan to leave at the end of your visa (when required), your application can be denied.
✅ Avoid It: Clarify your intent based on the visa conditions, and let TM Acquisition craft a compliant legal narrative.
❌ 10. Previous Visa Refusals or Immigration Violations
A previous refusal, overstay, or deportation in any country can affect your current application — even years later.
✅ Avoid It: Disclose everything. We help you write a strong legal explanation to mitigate risk.
🛡 TM Acquisition Can Help You:
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Review refusal letters and identify the exact cause
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File strong reapplications or legal appeals
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Guide employers through compliance and sponsorship
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Build fully compliant visa applications from scratch
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Handle urgent cases with fast legal turnaround
📞 Don’t Let a Refusal Be the End
Whether you’ve already been refused or want to avoid mistakes from the start, TM Acquisition provides legal clarity, strategy, and results.
