What is established when a prima facie case is made for a petition?

When a prima facie case is made for a petition, it indicates that the initial burden of proof has been met. This means that the evidence presented is sufficient to establish a basic level of merit for the claim without the need for further evidence at that moment. It doesn't guarantee approval of the petition or mean all requirements have been fully satisfied; rather, it ensures that the case is credible enough to warrant further examination by the decision-maker. This initial threshold is an important step in the adjudication process, showing that there is enough evidence to support the claims made in the petition for it to move forward in the review process.

In contrast, simply showing a substantial chance of approval does not equate to establishing a prima facie case, as it requires a higher standard of proof. Also, stating that all requirements have been met is premature, as fulfilling the prima facie standard does not mean full compliance with all legal requirements. Lastly, establishing a prima facie case does not result in automatic approval; it only signifies that the case is worthy of consideration.