Failing the character requirements is one of the most common reasons Australian citizenship applications are refused — know the rules before you apply.
When applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must meet strict character requirements. This character assessment determines whether you are “of good character” under the Citizenship Act, and a negative finding can lead to refusal. Our immigration lawyers can guide you through this process and help protect your application.
When you apply for Australian citizenship by conferral, honesty is non-negotiable. The Department of Home Affairs (formerly DIBP) will ask whether you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence. If you have, you must answer truthfully and provide full details. The department has access to your criminal record and will review your history when assessing your character requirements for Australian citizenship. Even minor offences should be disclosed.
Current policy on character specifies:
‘Good character’ refers to the enduring moral qualities of a person, and is an indication of whether an applicant is likely to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and the other commitments made through the pledge should they be approved for citizenship.
Any false or incomplete information can harm your application and raise doubts about your character.
Disclosing all offences upfront—no matter how small—demonstrates transparency and compliance with Australian laws.
When applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must pass the character assessment. The Citizenship Act 2007 does not define “good character,” so decision-makers follow government policy and consider a range of personal, criminal, and immigration history records, including:
Policy provides the following direction to decision-makers when looking at whether an individual is of ‘good character’:
Respect and abide by the law in Australia and other countries
Be honest and financially responsible (for example, pay their taxes, and not be in dishonest receipt of public funds)
Be truthful and not practise deception or fraud in their dealings with the Australian Government, or other governments and organisations, for example:
Not be violent, involved in drugs or unlawful sexual activity, and not cause harm to others through their conduct (for example recklessness exhibited by negligent or drink driving, excessive speeding or driving without licence or insurance)
Not be associated with others who are involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour, or others who do not uphold and obey the laws of Australia
Not have evaded immigration control or assisted others to do so, or been involved in the illegal movement of people
Not have committed, been involved with or associated with war crimes, crimes against humanity and/or genocide
Not be the subject of any extradition order or other international arrest warrant
Not be involved in or providing assistance to, or reasonably suspected of being involved in or providing assistance to, terrorist organisations or acts of terrorism overseas or in Australia
Not be the subject of any verifiable information causing character doubts
Some of the good character guidelines may seem reasonable, but the broad discretion given to decision-makers means past conduct—already punished—can still result in a refusal of your Australian citizenship application.
If you receive an “Invitation to Comment” from the Department of Home Affairs about your character:
If your application is refused on character grounds, you may be able to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This is a complex process where expert advice can make a significant difference in your chances of success. Learn more about court appeals for immigration decisions.
Contact our experienced immigration lawyers immediately if you’ve received a character issues notice. The earlier you get advice, the better your outcome may be.
In addition to the general character requirements for Australian citizenship, the Citizenship Act 2007 sets out situations where your application must be refused due to criminal offences. These include:
Any pending criminal matters at the time of application
Within 2 years of serving a custodial sentence of 12 months
Within 10 years of receiving more than one custodial sentence of 12 months
While still serving a parole period
While under a good behaviour bond or other security that has not yet been discharged
If your application is refused on these automatic grounds, appealing to the AAT is generally not worthwhile. Instead, it is best to wait until enough time has passed to demonstrate reform, then reapply with strong evidence of your good character.
Australian citizenship by conferral is a complex process with multiple assessments, and meeting the good character requirement can be one of the biggest challenges. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide clear guidance at every stage, ensuring your application is as strong as possible.
We offer an initial consultation to explain the law, outline your options, and create a tailored strategy for your case.
Call us on (02) 9590 3987 or book a consultation online to protect your application and move one step closer to becoming an Australian citizen.
The character assessment is a review by the Department of Home Affairs to determine whether you meet the good character requirement under the Citizenship Act. It considers your criminal history, immigration record, associations, and other personal conduct.
Yes, but it depends on the nature of the offence, the sentence received, and how much time has passed. Some situations trigger an automatic refusal under the Citizenship Act, while others are considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you fail the character assessment, your application may be refused. In some cases, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Acting quickly and seeking legal advice is essential.
Supporting evidence may include police clearance certificates, character references, proof of employment, community involvement, and records showing compliance with tax and immigration laws.
A lawyer can help prepare a strong response to an Invitation to Comment, gather persuasive evidence, and guide you through appeals if necessary. This can significantly improve your chances of success.