Character Requirements
What is the character requirement?
Everyone who wishes to enter Australia must be assessed against the character requirements.
Meeting the character requirement
For the Australian Government to determine whether you are of good character, you may be asked to provide police certificates for each country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten (10) years since turning 16.
If you are applying outside Australia, you do not have to provide this information when you apply. You will be advised when it is required.
If you are applying in Australia, you should provide this information with your application.
Instructions for providing character-related information are included in the health and character section of the Partner, Child, Parent and Other Family booklets which are available from this website
Subject to availability, you can obtain a printed copy from a migration office in Australia or overseas for a minimal cost.
Character-related information
Fact Sheet 79 - The Character Requirement
Character Checks - Frequently Asked Questions
Visa Cancellation - Frequently Asked Questions
Migration Appeals/Review - Frequently Asked Questions
Form 80 Character assessment, personal particulars (280KB PDF file)
Form 47P Character requirements (penal clearance certificates) (155KB PDF file)
Form 1101 Police records check - consent to obtain personal information (91KB PDF file)