A visa application is not only about eligibility, points, relationship evidence, employer sponsorship or financial capacity. Applicants must also meet Australia’s character requirement.

The Department of Home Affairs states clearly that applicants must meet the character requirements to be granted a visa and to stay in Australia.

This is why police certificates and honest disclosure are important.

What is the character requirement?

The character requirement allows the Department to assess whether an applicant is suitable to enter or remain in Australia.

Character concerns may arise from criminal history, associations, past conduct, immigration history or other information relevant to the person’s background.

Not every past issue automatically means refusal. But hiding information can create serious risk.

When is police clearance required?

The Department may ask applicants to provide a police certificate, also called a penal clearance certificate, from every country they have lived in.

This may be relevant for:

• Partner Visa Australia applicants
• Skilled Migration Australia applicants
• Employer Sponsored Visa applicants
• Parent visa applicants
• Student visa applicants in some cases
• Citizenship applicants
• Applicants with long overseas residence
• Applicants with previous character concerns

Australian Federal Police Check

If an Australian Federal Police check (National Police Check) is required for immigration or citizenship purposes, the Department says applicants must select Code 33 — Immigration/Citizenship for supply to the Department of Home Affairs.

This is an important detail because using the wrong check type may delay the application.

What should applicants disclose?

Applicants should be honest about:

• Criminal charges
• Convictions
• Pending cases
• Police matters
• Previous visa cancellations
• Deportation or removal history
• Military service, where relevant
• Any incorrect or misleading information given earlier

Trying to hide an issue can be more damaging than the issue itself.

Common mistakes

Applicants often make these mistakes:

• Waiting too long to apply for police clearance
• Providing the wrong type of police certificate
• Not checking certificate validity
• Hiding old charges or convictions
• Thinking minor offences do not matter
• Not translating non-English police certificates
• Forgetting countries where they previously lived
• Assuming character checks are only for PR visas

What if there is a past criminal record?

A past criminal record does not always mean the visa will be refused. The seriousness, timing, sentence, pattern of behaviour and supporting explanation can matter.

However, these cases should be handled carefully. A professional review is strongly recommended before lodging. If a refusal or complex review may arise, see ART Review Appeals. You can also check how to use a registered migration agent.

Final Word

Character documents should never be treated as a last-minute requirement. A missing or incorrect police certificate can delay a decision, and non-disclosure can create a much bigger problem.

If there is any history that may raise concern, it should be reviewed before submission.

Need Help?

Need help understanding police clearance or character requirements for your Australian visa? Speak with Visa Wizer before lodging your application.

Book a Consultation with Visa Wizer.