Character requirements for visas

​​​​​​​​​​Before you apply for an Australian visa you must consider whether you meet the character requirements.

You must meet the character requirements to be granted a visa and to stay in Australia. We may deny you entry into Australia if you have criminal convictions or charges in Australia or overseas. We may cancel your visa at any time, if you no longer meet the character requirements.

The character requirements are set out under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958.

When you apply for a visa, you must:

• declare all criminal conduct you have been:
• charged with that is awaiting legal action in any country
• convicted of in any country
• truthfully answer all questions
• provide all requested information.

After you apply we may ask you to:

• provide a police certificate
• complete Form 80 Personal particulars for character assessment
• complete a Form 1563 – Statement of Character
• provide a military certificate and/or a Form 1399 - Declaration of Servic​e
• provide a letter of good conduct from an employer.

If a third party, such as a foreign government or law enforcement authority gives us details about you, we treat your personal information in accordance with Australian ​privacy laws​.