I am applying for a visa to Australia but there are specific character requirements that are needed with the application. What do I need to do to satisfy the character requirements for an Australian visa?
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Answer by Kert Stavorn, Belmore 2192 NSW
- Most of the visas to Australia require applicants to pass a certain character test to prove that they are of good character in terms of public interest and safety.
- As a general rule you will not pass the character test if:
- you have a criminal record under the following sentence:
- death or life imprisonment;
- prison for 12 months or longer;
- short periods of imprisonment totalling 24 months in total; or
- acquitted of an offence due to insanity.
- you were convicted with an offence while in immigration detention or as a result of escaping from immigration detention;
- you are blacklisted by the authorities or the Immigration Department as part of a gang or organization involved in criminal activities; or
- if there is a strong likelihood that in Australia you would:
- get involved in criminal activities;
- cause harm to another person;
- incite hatred in the community; or
- pose a significant threat to the community.
- Generally if you are applying for a permanent visa or a temporary visa that is longer than 12 months you will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from all the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more over the last 10 years or since turning 16.