Official form guide
Form 1563: Statement of Character
This Australian government form asks about your criminal history, legal charges, and any protective orders you've been subject to. It's used for visa applications or immigration processes where character checks are required.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1563 - Statement of Character
This Australian government form asks about your criminal history, legal charges, and any protective orders you've been subject to. It's used for visa applications or immigration processes where character checks are required.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't skip questions—answer every one truthfully and include all required attachments to avoid delays or rejection.
- 2Failing to answer yes/no correctly
- 3Missing details for positive answers (e.g., date of charge)
- 4Not attaching court documents when required
- 5Providing false information about your history
Plain English
Think of this as a checklist about whether you've ever had legal issues—like being charged with a crime, having a domestic violence order, or anything that could affect your visa application. You need to answer yes/no to each question and provide details if needed.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form as part of your visa application process—usually when you're applying for a new visa or updating your immigration status.
- 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 if you’re applying for a visa that requires a character check (e.g., permanent residency, certain temporary visas).
- Don’t use it if your application doesn’t need a character declaration—check with Home Affairs first.
- This form is for self-declaring legal issues; it’s not a police check from the Australian Federal Police.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
If you've faced criminal charges or convictions in any country
Visa applications require accurate character checks to assess eligibility.
✓ Ensure all past legal issues are disclosed fully per the form's 'Yes' response instructions.
If you have a domestic or family violence order against you as the subject
Such orders can impact visa approval and safety assessments.
✓ Confirm all relevant protective orders are declared, attaching required documents if needed.
If your activities relate to national security or serious international crimes (e.g., terrorism, war crimes)
These issues are critical for visa approval due to potential risks.
✓ Review all past involvement thoroughly and note any details required by the form.
Deadline or filing window
Not confirmed in official source
Before you submit
- 1Answer every question honestly (yes/no).
- 2If you answered ‘Yes’ to any question, write down the date of the charge/conviction, what happened next, and any penalties. Attach court documents or order copies if needed.
- 3For domestic violence orders, attach a copy only if you’re the subject (not the person needing protection).
- 4Sign your full name at the bottom with a pen—no typed signatures allowed.
- 5Include the correct date (day/month/year) and time when signing.
How to file this form
- 1Fill out all sections of Form 1563 carefully, leaving no blanks unless instructed otherwise.
- 2Attach any required documents (like court transcripts or order copies) to the form or submit them via your online portal.
- 3Review for accuracy—check names, dates, and question responses before submitting.
- 4Submit through myGov or the Department of Home Affairs website as instructed by your visa application.
Known limitations
- 1This form is for self-declaration; it doesn’t replace official police checks from the AFP.
- 2Providing false information can lead to visa refusal, cancellation, or legal penalties under the Migration Act 1958.
- 3Some questions (e.g., national security) are sensitive—be honest but don’t over-share unnecessary details.
- 4You’re only required to declare orders if you’re the respondent/subject of them.
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->This is Form 1563 (Statement of Character) from the Department of Home Affairs. It was designed in December 2023 and is used for visa applications requiring a character assessment.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- New question added about sexually based offences involving a child—even if no conviction was recorded.
- Updated penalty language now specifically references the Migration Act 1958 for false information.
- Clarified domestic violence order requirements: only need to declare orders where applicant is respondent (not the protected person).
- New requirement to attach court documents for any 'Yes' responses regarding charges/convictions.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number 1563: Confirmed in source (yes).
- SRCIssuing agency Department of Home Affairs: Confirmed (yes).
- SRCQuestions about criminal history, convictions, and orders: Confirmed (yes).
- SRCRequirement for details if ‘Yes’ to a question: Confirmed (yes).
- SRCSignature and date required at the end: Confirmed (yes).
Common confusion points
Forgetting to attach documents if you answered ‘Yes’ to any question—always provide details and attachments as required.
Not understanding which orders to declare (only if you’re the subject, not the protected person).
Confusing this form with a police check—this is for self-declaration of all legal issues, while a police check is an official record from the AFP.
Misinterpreting penalties for false info—understanding that lying can result in visa cancellation even after entry to Australia.
Source transparency
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