2013-May 03: Assessing character update

Visa Pak 110 - More advice about how to assess character and requirement to correctly apply character instructions when assessing an application

Visa Paks

3 May 2013

Assessing character update

Following on from last week’s VisaPak article “Assessing Character” this article is to reinforce the requirement to correctly apply character instructions when assessing an application and to advise you on the escalation process to follow.

Process:

When assessing an application where a character concern has been identified, officers must ensure that they understand the nature of the convictions/charges and apply the character instructions correctly.

If an applicant does not meet the Good Character requirements A5.1, but has a conviction or character concern that falls under either A5.25 (Residence) or A5.45 (Temporary) and can be considered for a character waiver, then ensure that the correct actions for assessing a character waiver are followed. These are listed in A5.25.1 (Residence) and A5.45.1 (Temporary).

Note:Any decision to waive the good character requirements must be made by an immigration officer with Schedule 1-3 delegations; however it is highly recommended that any character waiver is decided by either an Immigration Manager (IM), Market Manager (MM) or an Area Manager (AM). In certain Operations Support should be advised as part of the character waiver process and a response will be sent back to the Office with advice on how to proceed.