Official form guide
Form 1563: Statement of Character
This is the Statement of Character form (Form 1563) issued by the Department of Home Affairs. You use it when an authority needs official documentation about your personal character and background.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1563 - Statement of Character
This is the Statement of Character form (Form 1563) issued by the Department of Home Affairs. You use it when an authority needs official documentation about your personal character and background.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not leave any sections blank; answer 'Not applicable' if necessary.
- 2Failing to sign and date the form physically or digitally.
- 3Incorrectly stating dates of previous residency or employment.
- 4Omitting a minor offence or character issue when asked directly.
- 5Submitting an outdated version of the form.
Plain English
Think of this as a formal declaration that tells the Australian government what kind of person you are. It confirms details about your behaviour, history, and standing in Australia or elsewhere. You provide this statement to support other applications.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You usually need to provide this when prompted during an application process. Specific deadlines depend on what you are applying for (e.g., a visa application deadline).
- 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
- An authority needs proof of your personal character for a visa or permit.
- You are applying for something requiring an official background check summary.
- A third party (like an employer or school) specifically requested this document.
- It is needed to support another application lodged via ImmiAccount.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Character Reference
Used when a friend writes the statement instead of you filling it out.
✓ Ensure the referee's details match their supporting documents.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
This is evidence *of* good character, but Form 1563 is often the formal declaration.
✓ Confirm if the authority wants the certificate itself or your signed statement referencing it.
Visa Application Form (e.g., 8001)
If you are filling out a main visa form, you might attach this as supporting evidence.
✓ Check the specific checklist for that visa stream to see if 1563 is mandatory or optional.
Deadline or filing window
There is no universal deadline for Form 1563 itself, but you must submit it by the date specified in your Department of Home Affairs application.
Before you submit
- 1Have you filled out every required field completely?
- 2Is your signature clear and legible on the designated line(s)?
- 3If applicable, have you included a passport-style photo attached to the form?
- 4Did you correctly state the purpose of the character statement (e.g., 'For Skilled Visa Application')?
- 5Have you dated the form accurately?
- 6Are all supporting identification documents referenced on the form?
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 1563 clearly.
- 2Sign and date the document where indicated.
- 3Attach any required photographic evidence or supplementary letters.
- 4Scan the completed form (if submitting digitally via ImmiAccount).
- 5Upload the file to your relevant application portal.
- 6Keep a digital copy of the final, submitted version for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form alone does not guarantee visa approval; it is supporting evidence only.
- 2The validity period might be subject to the reviewing authority's rules (Not confirmed in official source).
- 3If you are applying through myGov, ensure the upload meets file size and resolution requirements.
- 4It does not replace a formal Police Clearance Certificate if one is specifically requested.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 1563 is the standard Statement of Character document from the Department of Home Affairs. Check your specific application requirements to confirm if this version is the latest required.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date at the top right corner of the form.
- Verify the Department of Home Affairs logo/branding matches current standards.
- Ensure there are no handwritten amendments that contradict printed fields.
- Confirm the specific instructions for declaration (e.g., 'Must be signed in ink').
- Look for any updated section headings regarding digital submission.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm Name: Statement of Character
- SRCForm Number: 1563
- SRCIssuing Agency: Department of Home Affairs (HOME_AFFAIRS)
- SRCContext Use: Supporting documentation for visa/permit applications.
- SRCDigital Portal Linkage: Likely used within ImmiAccount.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific current version number.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Character' with 'Financial Status'; this is about behaviour, not bank balance.
Not knowing whether to sign it yourself or have a referee sign it (check the specific application guide).
Believing that filling out the form means the character statement is automatically approved; approval comes later.
Using an old version of Form 1563 when the Department has recently released an update.
Source transparency
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