In order to be permitted to enter Australia there are certain visa character requirements to demonstrate that you are of good character. If you can truthfully answer no to the following questions then you are likely to meet the visa character requirement:

Have you ever;

• Been convicted of a crime or offence in any country including any conviction which is now removed from official records?
• Been charged with any offence that is currently awaiting legal action?
• Left any country to avoid being removed or deported, or been excluded from or asked to leave any country (including Australia)?
• Committed, or been involved in the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity or human rights, or been involved in any activities that would represent a risk to Australian national security?
• Had any outstanding debts to the Australian Government or public authorities?
• Served in a military force or militia, undergone any military/paramilitary training, or been trained in weapons/explosives use however described?

You must answer these questions fully as providing incorrect information concerning visa character requirements may lead to the cancellation of your visa. If you answered no to the above questions, very rarely you may be asked to prove that this is the case.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions it does not necessarily mean that a visa will be refused. The embassy may simply require additional information to assist there decision. However, there are some circumstances whereby you will automatically fail the visa character requirements test and therefore be denied access to Australia.

A person will automatically fail to meet the visa character requirements where they have a substantial criminal record. If you have a criminal record that is non substantial they will ask you to provide more information e.g. copies of your criminal record to aid the decision process. For a criminal record to be considered substantial the person must have been:

• Given a life imprisonment or death sentence
• Given a prison sentence of twelve months or more
• Sentenced to two or more prison terms (on either one or several occasions) and the total of those terms is in excess of two years.
• Acquitted of a crime by using the defence of insanity or diminished responsibility due to unsoundness of mind, and been detained in a secure hospital or institution.

You will also fail the visa character requirement if you have a present or past association with any individual of group that are suspected of being involved with criminal activity, or if they suspect that you may engage in criminal conduct in Australia. Finally you will automatically fail the character requirement if they suspect that you will incite discord in any segment of the Australian community or that you are not of general good character.

If you wish to discuss character requirements further or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our visa experts on 0845 045 5525 or by email at info@australiantravelvisas.co.uk.