Your Guide to Completing Form 80 for an Australian Partner Visa
If you’re applying for an Australian Partner Visa, you may have heard about Form 80: Personal Character Assessment Form.
This is a frequently asked question that requires a proper and detailed explanation.
While it’s not a mandatory document, it is highly recommended to include it in your visa application to ensure a smoother process.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Form 80 visa requirements, why it’s important, who needs to complete it, and how to avoid common mistakes when filling it out.
What is Form 80?
Form 80 is a character assessment form required by the Department of Home Affairs for many visa categories, including Partner Visas.
While it’s technically optional for a Partner Visa application, it’s highly advisable to include it to make your application decision-ready.
The latest version of Form 80 can be downloaded directly from the Department of Home Affairs website. Simply search for “Form 80” in the Departmental Forms section.
Why Should You Provide Form 80?
Including Form 80 in your Partner Visa application can save time and avoid unnecessary delays. Here’s why:
• Reduces Delays – The Department frequently requests Form 80 during the application process. Submitting it upfront can reduce the likelihood of receiving a s56 Request for More Information.
• Creates a Decision-Ready Application – Providing all recommended forms and documents upfront increases the chances of faster processing.
• Avoids Repetition – Even if you’ve completed Form 80 for a previous visa, submitting an updated version for your Partner Visa application is a good idea.
Who Needs to Complete Form 80?
The applicant, who is the person applying for the visa, is required to complete Form 80.
In very rare cases, the sponsor may also be asked to complete it, although this occurs less than 1% of the time.
How Long Does Form 80 Take to Complete?
Be prepared—Form 80 is one of the most time-consuming documents in the visa application process.
It is important to set aside 2–3 hours to complete it thoroughly, as the form requires detailed and accurate information.
You may also need additional time to gather and verify details about your employment history, address history, and travel history over the required periods.
Taking the time to prepare and organize this information in advance will help ensure the form is completed accurately and efficiently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing Form 80
Form 80 requires detailed and accurate information, so it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
Question 17: Address History
Form 80 asks for your address history for the last 10 years. A common mistake is leaving gaps between addresses or forgetting to include past addresses.
If you’re unsure of exact dates, a helpful tip is to use a default month, such as January, and explain to ensure the information is complete and clear.
Question 18: Travel History
Form 80 requires details of all international travel, excluding trips to Australia, over the last 10 years.
A common mistake is mistakenly including trips to Australia in this section, so be sure to carefully follow the instructions and only list relevant travel.
Question 19: Employment History
Form 80 asks for your complete employment history since birth, including any periods of unemployment.
A common mistake is leaving gaps or failing to disclose times when you were not working.
To avoid this, list “Unemployed” for those periods and provide a brief explanation of how you supported yourself during that time.
Question 48: Contacts in Australia
Form 80 asks for details of one person you know in Australia.
A common mistake is providing information about multiple contacts instead of focusing on just one, as specified in the form.
5 Tips for Completing Form 80 Correctly
1. Read Each Question Carefully: Understand the periods each question refers to (e.g., 10 years for travel, since birth for employment).
2. Avoid Gaps: Provide complete information. If gaps exist, explain them in the form or attach additional information.
3. Use Part T for Extra Details: If you run out of space for a question, use Part T to add more information or create an annexure.
4. Cross-Check for Consistency: Ensure the information on Form 80 matches the details on other forms and documents submitted for your Partner Visa.
5. Sign the Form: Don’t forget to sign the form! An electronic signature is acceptable and saves time.
How Can We Help?
Filling out Form 80 Australia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Emigrate Lawyers, we specialize in Partner Visa applications and offer expert guidance to ensure your application is complete and decision-ready.
Contact us today to book a free introductory session:
**Migrate with Emigrate – Your trusted partner for Australian Visa **
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