VACCU – What Can I Do About My Character Concerns for My Visa?
When you apply for an Australian visa, you must pass the character test. While most applications move through the system quickly, some are flagged for closer review and assigned to a specialised team within the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), known as the Visa Applicant Character Consideration Unit (VACCU).
If you have been told your case is with VACCU, it means DoHA has concerns about your background. However, there are steps you can take to address concerns about your character for your Australian visa.
Related: Exploring the VACCU: A Deep Dive into Australia’s Character Test Policy
Why is VACCU Looking at My Case?
VACCU handles cases in which an applicant may fail the character requirement under Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958. Common reasons for referral include:
A criminal record, even if the offences happened a long time ago.
A substantial criminal record, usually meaning prison sentences totally 12 months or more.
Associations with groups or people involved in criminal activity.
General past conduct that suggests you are not of good character, such as serious immigration breaches or misleading the Department.
Related:
What Can I Do to Help My Visa?
Once your visa application is with VACCU, you are in a high-stakes legal process. Here is what you can do for the best chance of success:
The worst thing you can do is to hide the truth. If you fail to disclose a conviction, you may be refused for false and misleading information under PIC 4020.
To provide evidence of rehabilitation
If the concern is related to a past crime, you must prove that you are a changed person. VACCU wants to see that you are not a risk to the Australian community. Evidence of rehabilitation includes:
Completion of any court-ordered programs or counselling.
Stable employment history and tax records.
Active involvement in community groups or volunteering.
A long period of time since the last offence without further legal trouble.
Gather strong character references
Statements from people who know you well can be very persuasive. These should come from respected members of the community, such as employers, religious leaders, or long-term friends. These references should state that the author is aware of your past matters but still believes you are of good character today.
Show your ties to Australia
VACCU will weigh your past conduct against your ties to the country. You should provide evidence of:
Australian family members act in the best interests of any children.
Your economic contribution.
How long have you lived in Australia, and how has your integration into the community been?
The Importance of An Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law and Legal Submissions
In a VACCU case, the Department may send you an invitation to comment (S57) letter. This is your opportunity to explain your side of the story. However, a simple letter is rarely enough. A professional legal submission and evidence-building using the current Ministerial Direction 110, crafted by an immigration lawyer, is recommended. As addressing character concerns can be highly technical, an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law can argue that, while you may have a past matter, you do not pose a risk to Australia, and that refusing your visa would cause compelling and compassionate hardship to Australian citizens and residents.
Related: Why Immigration Lawyers Cannot Guarantee Visa Outcomes?
VACCU will Delay Your Visa Application Processing Time
It is important to be patient. VACCU cases are well known for being slow: How Long Does a VACCU Assessment Take? Realistic Timeframes and Expectations. Because the unit must conduct thorough background checks and consult with other agencies, these matters often take several months or even years to resolve. During this time, it is important to keep your conduct details up to date and remain lawful while on a bridging visa.
Related:
What Happens After a VACCU Referral: Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
Character Test: Insights into VACCU’s Decision-Making Process for Your Visa Application
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Character and visa cancellation in immigration law are among the most complex areas; however, they are not the end of your migration journey. Speak with one of our two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law - Jason Ling or Angela De Silva at Agape Henry Crux. They specialise in highly complex visa matters. If you are unsure or in doubt, consider arranging a consultation with us to get tailored professional advice and guidance on your next best step. You can book a consultation with us by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…
