Official form guide
Form 1563: Statement of Character
The Statement of Character form is an Australian government document used to provide information about a person's character and conduct. It is typically required for visa applications, citizenship requests, or other immigration processes where character assessment is necessary.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1563 - Statement of Character
The Statement of Character form is an Australian government document used to provide information about a person's character and conduct. It is typically required for visa applications, citizenship requests, or other immigration processes where character assessment is necessary.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is providing generic character statements instead of specific examples of behavior.
- 2Providing vague character descriptions without specific examples
- 3Not declaring any negative observations about the applicant
- 4Failing to sign in the presence of an authorized witness
- 5Submitting the form without the applicant's consent
Plain English
This form helps someone vouch for your character when you're dealing with immigration matters. Think of it as a formal reference that tells immigration officials about your behavior and background.
Submission Date
- Filing date: When requested by immigration officials as part of a visa application, citizenship process, or other immigration procedure requiring character assessment.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you're asked to provide a character reference for someone's immigration application
- Not for employment references or character assessments unrelated to immigration
- Required even if the applicant has no criminal record
- Different from police clearance certificates which show official criminal history
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Character reference for visa application
Required for most visa subclasses
✓ Check if the specific visa requires additional character documents
Police clearance certificate
Shows official criminal history
✓ Required separately from character references
Medical examination
Health assessment for visa purposes
✓ Required for many visa types but separate from character assessment
Sponsorship form
For family visa sponsorship
✓ Different purpose than character assessment
Deadline or filing window
Character references should be submitted as soon as requested by the applicant or immigration department, but typically no later than the application deadline to avoid processing delays.
Before you submit
- 1Form is completed in full with no blank sections
- 2All personal details are accurate and up-to-date
- 3Relationship with applicant is clearly stated
- 4Specific examples of character are provided
- 5Form is signed in the presence of an authorized witness
- 6Copy has been kept for your records
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest version of Form 1563 from the Department of Home Affairs website
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the applicant
- 3Provide specific examples of the applicant's character and conduct
- 4Sign the form in the presence of an authorized witness
- 5Submit through ImmiAccount or by mail as instructed
- 6Notify the applicant that you've submitted the reference
Known limitations
- 1Character references cannot replace police clearance certificates
- 2Cannot be used to provide false information about the applicant
- 3Must be completed by someone who genuinely knows the applicant
- 4Does not guarantee visa approval as other factors are also considered
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 1563 is current as of the latest Department of Home Affairs updates. Always check the official website for the most recent version before submitting.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you're using the latest version of Form 1563
- Check that the form matches the specific visa subclass you're supporting
- Verify the witness requirements haven't changed
- Ensure all sections are relevant to your relationship with the applicant
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number 1563 issued by Department of Home Affairs
- SRCPurpose is character assessment for immigration matters
- SRCSubmitted as part of visa or citizenship applications
- SRCRequires authorized witness signature
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific sections included
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: processing timeframes
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact submission methods
Common confusion points
Confusing character references with employment references
Thinking character references replace police checks
Not understanding the requirement for specific examples
Uncertainty about who qualifies as an authorized witness
Confusion about whether negative information should be included
Not knowing if the form needs to be notarized
Assuming one character reference is sufficient for all visa types
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
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