Australia PR Character Requirements Guide
Meeting Australia's character requirements is essential for all permanent residency applicants. Understanding what is checked and preparing your police clearances properly helps ensure a smooth application process.
Check your overall PR eligibility while preparing character documentation with our PR Points Calculator.
Character Requirement Overview
Australia's character requirements ensure that those granted permanent residency are of good character and do not pose a risk to the Australian community. The assessment considers:
- Criminal history in all countries where you have lived
- Association with criminal organisations
- Risk of engaging in criminal conduct
- Honesty in your visa application
Character requirements apply to the main applicant and all family members aged 16 and over included in the application.
Police Clearance Certificates
Which Countries Require Clearances?
You must provide police clearances from:
- Your country of citizenship
- Any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Any country where you have served in the military
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check
If you have lived in Australia, you need an AFP National Police Check. This can be obtained online through the AFP website.
International Police Clearances
Each country has different procedures for obtaining police clearances. Some common examples:
- United Kingdom: ACRO police certificate
- USA: FBI clearance or state police checks
- India: Regional police verification
- China: Notary office police certificate
Character checks are one part of PR requirements. Check your points score.
Calculate Your PR Points →How to Obtain Police Clearances
Step 1: Identify Required Countries
Make a list of all countries where you have spent 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Check your passport stamps, visas, and travel records.
Step 2: Check Requirements for Each Country
Visit the relevant authority website for each country to understand:
- Application process
- Required documents
- Processing times
- Fees
Step 3: Apply Early
Some clearances take months to obtain. Apply as soon as possible to avoid delaying your visa application.
Step 4: Ensure Validity
Police clearances are typically valid for 12 months. Time your applications so certificates are valid when you submit your visa application.
Police Clearance Processing Times
Processing times vary significantly:
- Australia (AFP): 2–4 weeks
- United Kingdom: 2–4 weeks
- USA: 4–8 weeks (FBI)
- Canada: 2–4 weeks
- India: 4–12 weeks
- China: 2–6 weeks
- Other countries: Varies widely
Apply for clearances from slowest countries first to avoid delays.
Criminal History and Your Application
What Must Be Disclosed?
You must disclose all criminal convictions, including:
- All charges, even if dismissed or withdrawn
- Offenses committed as a juvenile
- Traffic offenses that resulted in conviction
- Offenses where you received a pardon
Failure to disclose is a serious breach and can lead to visa refusal.
How Criminal History Is Assessed
The Department considers:
- The nature and severity of offenses
- How long ago they occurred
- Whether there is a pattern of offending
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Your overall character
Character Test
You may fail the character test if:
- You have a substantial criminal record
- You have been convicted of escaping immigration detention
- You are or have been a member of a criminal organisation
- The Minister reasonably suspects you are involved in criminal conduct
What Is a Substantial Criminal Record?
A substantial criminal record generally means:
- Sentenced to death
- Sentenced to life imprisonment
- Sentenced to 12 months or more imprisonment (single or combined)
- Acquitted due to mental illness for offenses punishable by imprisonment
- Found unfit to plead for such offenses
Having a substantial criminal record does not automatically mean refusal, but it significantly increases the likelihood.
Minor Offenses and Their Impact
Minor offenses, especially if they occurred long ago and were isolated incidents, may have little or no impact on your application. Examples include:
- Minor traffic violations
- Public order offenses from many years ago
- Single minor convictions with no pattern
The key factors are the seriousness of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of good character since.
Tips for Character Requirements
- Be completely honest — disclosure is essential
- Apply for clearances early — especially from countries with slow processing
- Keep records of all applications and receipts
- Explain any issues — provide context for any criminal history
- Get legal advice if you have a significant criminal record
- Include rehabilitation evidence — if applicable
After Submitting Character Documents
Standard Processing
If your police clearances show no significant issues, character checks are processed as part of your standard visa assessment.
Further Information Required
If there are concerns, the Department may request:
- Additional information about specific incidents
- Court records or sentencing documents
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Character references
Character Waiver
In some cases where character requirements are not met, a waiver may be considered. This is discretionary and typically requires strong supporting evidence.
Complete Your PR Preparation
Character requirements are an important part of your PR journey. Calculate your points and prepare all aspects of your application.
Check your overall PR eligibility with our calculator.
Check Your PR Points Now →Disclaimer
This article provides general information about character requirements for Australian PR. Requirements change and individual circumstances vary significantly. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.