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Free Toolss.501 Character Risk Checker

s.501 Character Risk Checker

Section 501 of the Migration Act allows the Minister to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds. Answer these questions to assess your risk.

Important: If you answer "Yes" to any question below, you should seek legal advice before making any visa application or travelling internationally. Nilesh Nandan has extensive experience in s.501 character matters and has represented clients before the ART and Federal Court.

1

Have you ever been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more (including suspended sentences)?

This includes sentences in Australia or overseas. A suspended sentence counts even if you did not serve time in prison.

2

Have you ever been sentenced to 2 or more terms of imprisonment, where the total is 12 months or more?

The sentences do not need to be served concurrently — the total cumulative sentence is what matters.

3

Have you ever been convicted of a sexually-based offence involving a child?

4

Have you ever been a member of, or associated with, a group or organisation involved in criminal conduct?

This includes outlaw motorcycle clubs, organised crime groups, or any group the Minister has declared to be a criminal organisation.

5

Have you ever been deported or removed from Australia or any other country?

6

Do you have any criminal convictions (in Australia or overseas), even minor ones?

This includes traffic offences, minor drug offences, or any matter where you were found guilty.

7

Do you currently have any pending criminal charges or are you under investigation?

8

Have you ever been subject to a domestic violence order (AVO, DVO, IVO, etc.)?

9

Have you ever been convicted of a drug-related offence?

10

Have you ever been convicted of a violent offence (assault, robbery, etc.)?

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Important: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law in Australia is complex, fact-specific, and subject to frequent change under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), the Migration Regulations 1994, and departmental policy. You must seek independent, qualified legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any immigration decision or taking any action. Viewing this website does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Terms of Use | Full Disclaimer

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© 2026 MyVisa — Nilesh Nandan Immigration Law Advisory. All rights reserved.

MyVisa Australia Pty Ltd ABN 65 092 524 359 (service entity for MyVisa Lawyers Pty Ltd ABN 54 607 960 547). Nilesh Nandan is an admitted solicitor and Australian legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Australia, authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. As a legal practitioner regulated by the New South Wales Law Society, Nilesh is not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Use of the title 'Attorney at Law' is authorised under the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015, Reg 9. Member: Law Council of Australia · Migration Institute of Australia · MIA Character & Cancellation Advisory Board · MIA Disciplinary Committee 2026 · New South Wales Law Society · Australian Asian Lawyers Association · Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce. *Based on publicly available Google reviews. No other individual immigration lawyer in Australia has more reviews, across more locations, sustained over a longer period, with a comparable satisfaction rating.

Liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to be relied upon as, and should not be taken as, a substitute for specific legal advice relevant to your individual circumstances. Immigration law is complex and subject to frequent change; the information on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments and may not apply to your situation. You should seek independent, qualified legal advice before making any immigration decision or taking any action based on the content of this website. Viewing this website, using the tools provided, or contacting our office does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Parts of this website are enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence; despite best endeavours, AI-assisted content may not be suitable for your specific immigrati MyVisa® is a registered trademark used under licence. MyVisa is not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs or any government agency.

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