Character Requirements for an Australian Visa

When applying for a visa to enter or remain in Australia, applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character and do not pose a risk to the Australian community. The Australian government has implemented various requirements to ensure that visa applicants meet these standards, including the character test. In this article, we will outline the character requirements for an Australian visa. You may not pass the character requirements in some circumstances.

These include if:

• you have a substantial criminal record

• you have been convicted of escaping from immigration detention, or convicted for an offence that you committed:

  • while you were in immigration detention

  • during an escape from immigration detention

  • after an escape, but before you were taken into immigration detention again

• you are or have been a member of a group or organisation, or had or have an association with a person, group or organisation that the Minister reasonably suspects of being involved in criminal conduct

• the Minister reasonably suspects that you have been involved in people smuggling, people trafficking, genocide, a war crime, a crime against humanity, a crime involving torture or slavery, or a crime that is of serious international concern, whether or not you have been convicted of such an offence

• your past and present criminal or general conduct shows that you are not of good character

• there is a risk that while you are in Australia you would:

  • engage in criminal conduct

  • harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person

  • vilify a segment of the Australian community

  • incite discord in the Australian community or in a part of it

  • be a danger to the Australian community or a part of it

• you have been convicted, found guilty or had a charge proven for, one or more sexually based offences involving a child

• you are subject to an adverse security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

• you are subject to an Interpol notice, from which it is reasonable to infer that you are a direct or indirect risk to the Australian community, or a segment of the Australian community

• you are or have been convicted of a domestic violence offence or have ever been subject to a domestic violence order

In certain circumstances, an applicant may still be able to be granted a visa even if they do not meet the character test. In summary, character requirements are an important aspect of the Australian visa application process. Applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character and do not pose a risk to the Australian community. Failure to meet these requirements can result in a visa refusal or cancellation. It is important for visa applicants to understand these requirements and to seek tailored advice regarding the requirements.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.