Form 80: Your Complete 2025 Guide to Filling, Uploading and Avoiding Mistakes

By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa® Immigration Lawyers

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. 

Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

When the Department of Home Affairs asks you to complete Form 80, many applicants feel anxious about its length, complexity and significance. As an Australian immigration lawyer, I’ve reviewed countless Form 80s for clients across all visa categories — from partner visas to skilled migration. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, I’ll explain what Form 80 is, when you need it, how to complete each section correctly, what’s new this year, and how to avoid the common mistakes that delay or jeopardise your visa.

What Is Form 80 and Why It Matters

Form 80, formally titled Personal Particulars for Assessment including Character Assessment, is a background information form used by the Department of Home Affairs to conduct identity, security, and character checks. It’s not a visa application form — but it’s a mandatory supporting document for many visa types.

The Department uses it to verify your entire personal history, including your names, citizenships, addresses, travel, employment, education, family connections, and any criminal or military history. Every line of your Form 80 helps the Department cross-check your information against government databases and intelligence sources worldwide.

If your answers are inconsistent, incomplete, or appear misleading, the Department may delay processing your application or, in more serious cases, refuse it under section 501 of the Migration Act (the character requirement).

Put simply, Form 80 is a tool of trust. A clear and accurate form reassures the Department that your story aligns with evidence and that your character meets Australia’s strict integrity standards.

When Must You Submit Form 80

Not all visa applications include Form 80 at the start, but many applicants are asked to provide it after lodgement. The Department may send you a “Request for Further Information” specifically asking for it.

Typical scenarios include:

• When your personal background involves multiple countries of residence or extensive international travel.
• When your name, birth date or passport details have changed over time.
• When you hold dual citizenships or have lived in high-risk regions.
• When your visa application includes complex family or employment histories.
• When the Department needs more information to assess your character.

Form 80 is most often requested for Partner, Skilled, and Employer-Sponsored visas, but it can also appear in student or visitor applications that trigger deeper security checks.

Some applicants choose to submit Form 80 proactively at the time of lodging their visa application. This can shorten processing times because it provides the Department with your full background upfront.

What’s New in 2025

While the structure of Form 80 hasn’t changed drastically, the way Home Affairs processes and reviews it has. Here are the 2025 updates and best practices:

• Digital-first approach: The Department increasingly expects applicants to complete Form 80 electronically using PDF software and to upload it via ImmiAccount. Handwritten forms are still accepted but can cause scanning or readability issues.
• Use of Part T for explanations: The final section, Part T (Additional Information), is now routinely used by case officers to review clarifications. You can type additional pages and attach them if space is insufficient.
• “Unsure” responses: Applicants may use phrases like “Unsure” or “Information no longer available” where genuine, for example when recalling an old address or employer from many years ago. The key is to explain why the information can’t be recalled and to make reasonable estimates.
• Timeline consistency: Case officers cross-match every date and event in Form 80 with your visa application, travel history, and police checks. Even small inconsistencies between your CV, visa form, and Form 80 can cause concern.
• Stricter scrutiny of omissions: Missing travel entries or unexplained gaps between addresses are among the top triggers for additional information requests. Always provide an entry for every year since you turned 16.

What Form 80 Asks For

Form 80 is long — typically 18 to 20 pages — but understanding its structure makes it manageable.

1. Personal identity: All names used, date and place of birth, citizenships, and passport numbers. Include middle names, former names, and spelling variations.
2. Residence history: Every address you’ve lived at in the last 10 years or since turning 16. Include full addresses and dates.
3. Travel history: Every overseas trip in the last 10 years, including holidays and short visits. Note country, dates, and purpose.
4. Education history: Details of tertiary, vocational, or technical qualifications, including institution names and countries.
5. Employment history: Every job since age 16. Include employer name, role, address, and duties. Include unpaid or volunteer work.
6. Military and organisational memberships: Any service in armed forces, police, or government, and memberships in organisations, political groups, or associations.
7. Character questions: Whether you have ever been charged, convicted, or involved in offences, investigations, or organisations of concern. Must disclose fully.
8. Family details: Information about your spouse, partner, children, parents, and siblings.
9. Declarations and signature: Your final certification that everything is true and correct.
10. Part T (Additional Information): For explanations, overlaps, or space overflows.

How to Prepare Before Filling Form 80

Preparation is everything. Gather these documents first:

• Passports (current and expired) and national identity cards.
• Certificates and transcripts for education.
• Employment letters, payslips, or tax records.
• Travel records, old tickets, or passport stamps.
• Tenancy agreements or utility bills showing addresses.
• Police or court documents if applicable.
• Marriage certificates and birth certificates for family members.

Once you have all this, review your history chronologically. List each address, job, and trip on a piece of paper or spreadsheet before typing into the form. This step helps avoid contradictions and ensures smooth data entry.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete Form 80

1. Download the latest version: Always download the most recent Form 80 PDF from the official Home Affairs website.
2. Read the instructions: The first two pages outline how to type or handwrite your answers, how to use extra sheets, and your legal obligation to tell the truth.
3. Start with your identity details: Enter your full legal name exactly as shown in your passport. Include any aliases or former names. Be consistent across all documents.
4. Residence and travel history: List addresses in chronological order, starting from your most recent. Include exact dates wherever possible. For travel, include every trip abroad — even short holidays or work trips.
5. Employment and education: List all employment since turning 16, with job titles, employer names, and addresses. For education, list tertiary and vocational studies.
6. Memberships and service: If you’ve ever served in the military, police, or community groups, declare it. You don’t need to include purely social memberships like sports clubs, but always disclose political or official affiliations.
7. Character declarations: Read each question carefully. If you answer “Yes,” you must provide a full explanation — include the nature of the incident, outcome, and relevant dates. Honesty matters far more than perfection.
8. Family members: Provide details for your partner, parents, children, and siblings. This helps confirm your personal network for security purposes.
9. Review and sign: Check all sections before signing. Make sure your dates and names align with your main visa application.
10. Use Part T effectively: If you run out of space, write “See Part T” beside the question, and continue on the final page. Label each response clearly (for example: “Question 31 continued”).

Uploading Form 80 to ImmiAccount

When completed, save or scan your form as a clear PDF. File name example: Surname_Firstname_Form80.pdf.

In ImmiAccount, locate your visa application, go to “Attach Documents,” select the appropriate category (usually “Character”), and upload. Ensure you’ve signed and dated it.

Digital signatures are accepted provided they are visible and unaltered. Avoid photos of printed pages; scanning or typing directly into the PDF gives a cleaner result.

If your form exceeds the maximum file size, compress it or split into two files labelled “Part 1” and “Part 2”.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

From my practice, the following are the most frequent errors applicants make:

• Leaving travel gaps — Omitting short trips can trigger suspicion. Always list every trip.
• Missing addresses — Provide a continuous residential record; no blank years.
• Date inconsistencies — Ensure consistency with your visa form, CV, and police checks.
• Unexplained periods — Use “Unemployed,” “Travel,” or “Family commitments” instead of leaving blanks.
• Illegible handwriting — Type your answers wherever possible.
• Unsigned or undated forms — Unsigned forms are invalid.
• Incomplete explanations for “Yes” answers — Always provide context, outcome, and documents if possible.
• Overcrowded text — Don’t squeeze long answers; use Part T or attach extra pages.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you prevent unnecessary “Request for Further Information” notices and keep your application moving efficiently.

Real-World Scenarios

Case 1: Maria’s multiple residencies

Maria, a skilled migrant from Brazil, had lived in Malaysia and Thailand before arriving in Australia. She pre-filled her Form 80 listing all addresses and travels since age 16. She used Part T to explain short visits to Singapore for training. Because of her detailed timeline, the Department processed her character checks quickly without extra queries.

Case 2: James’s old conviction

James disclosed a minor offence from eight years ago. He provided court documents and an explanation of rehabilitation. The transparency built trust with the Department, and his visa was granted despite the record.

Case 3: Ana’s missing employer address

Ana worked briefly for a small business overseas but couldn’t recall the full street address. She wrote “Unsure / Information no longer available” and added what she remembered in Part T. The Department accepted her explanation as genuine and did not delay her case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Form 80 mandatory for every visa?

No. It’s requested when the Department needs additional information to assess your background.

Can I fill Form 80 online?

You can complete it electronically in the PDF, but there is no online submission form. Upload the PDF to ImmiAccount.

Can I use a digital signature?

Yes. Electronic signatures are accepted if clear and unaltered.

What if I don’t remember all details?

Use “Unsure” or “Information not available” and explain why. Provide as much as you reasonably can.

Will errors lead to visa refusal?

Minor typos are not fatal, but inconsistent or false information can cause major problems.

Can I attach extra pages?

Yes. Use Part T or attach clearly labelled continuation sheets.

Does submitting Form 80 delay my visa?

Only if submitted late or incomplete. Submitting early and correctly can actually speed up processing.

Quick Checklist Before You Submit

• Download the latest Form 80 PDF.
• Complete all sections carefully.
• Double-check that no address, job, or travel gap exists.
• Sign and date the final page.
• Save as PDF with clear filename.
• Upload through ImmiAccount.
• Keep a copy for your records.
• Ensure all information matches your visa application.

If your background is complicated — multiple countries, previous visas, or criminal history — consider getting legal help.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Form 80 is not just another form; it’s the Department’s way of verifying the truth and consistency of your life story. Take the time to complete it properly. Accuracy shows honesty, and honesty builds trust.

Book a consultation with me to review your Form 80 before submission.

Closing Note & Signature

Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus (Accy) LLB (QUT) GDLP MBA (IntBus)
Head of Practice