Australia VISA PIC4020

Hello,

I’m posting to ask if anyone has successfully returned to Australia after receiving a PIC4020 exclusion period.

My case is a bit complicated.

A few years ago, I applied for my first Working Holiday Visa through an education/migration agent. The visa was granted, and while I was staying in Australia, the agent later told me that my bank statement documents may have been falsified during the application process.

I became extremely worried that if immigration later discovered an issue and I had said nothing, it would look even more suspicious. So, when I applied for my second visa, I voluntarily contacted the Department of Home Affairs myself and explained that if there were any problems with the documents, I was not personally involved and had never intentionally submitted false information. I also submitted supporting evidence and explanations.

Afterwards, the agent clarified that the documents had not actually been forged, but that additional English explanations had been added to the original screenshots I provided.

However, immigration considered the situation misleading/confusing and I received a PIC4020 refusal with a 3-year exclusion period.

Current situation:
- I did not intentionally commit fraud or provide false documents
- I still have all email communication with the agent
- I also have an apology letter and compensation/payment records from the agent
- I plan to wait the full 3 years before reapplying
- My goal is to return on a student visa in the future and eventually aim for permanent residency
- I also plan to use a migration lawyer

My question is:

Has anyone with a non-intentional PIC4020 issue, without Australian family or humanitarian reasons, successfully returned to Australia later on?

I understand this is a difficult case, but I would really appreciate any experiences or honest advice.

Thank you.