Subclass 191 Hong Kong stream character documents: Police certificates, Form 80 and Form 1221
Prepare character documents separately for each person in a subclass 191 Hong Kong stream application. Home Affairs requires the main applicant and accompanying family applicants aged 16 or older to meet the character requirement. It can also require character information from family members who are not applying.
Start with each person’s travel and residence history
Check the last 10 years, counting time since the person turned 16. Home Affairs asks for an Australian police certificate if they spent 12 months or more in Australia in that period. It also asks for an overseas certificate from each country where they spent 12 months or more, including their home country where applicable. If they made several trips to the same country, list the individual dates and check the official instructions against that record.
For example, two partners may have moved to Australia together, but one previously worked in another country. Their Australian records may be similar, while the overseas certificate assessment will differ. Check the local issuing procedure, including whether it requires a request letter from Home Affairs.
Check the issuer and validity of the Australian certificate
Home Affairs accepts a complete disclosure National Police Certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police. Standard disclosure certificates and certificates from state or territory police cannot replace it. The stream guidance states that Australian police certificates are valid for immigration purposes for 12 months from issue.
Use one timeline to check Forms 80 and 1221
The stream guidance lists Form 80 and Form 1221. Gather passport details, previous names, addresses and travel dates before filling in the periods and fields requested by each form. Retain supporting records if someone changed their name or passport. Check the separate military service or discharge evidence requirement if applicable.
Before uploading, match each document to the correct person, location and dates. If a certificate is still pending, check the deadline in any Home Affairs request. If you need help reviewing your application, prepare a separate timeline for each person before contacting Premiervisa Group.
Sources checked on 6 November 2026
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