What this form is for
Form 80 collects a detailed personal history so the Department can assess identity, background and character information. It is commonly completed by applicants aged 16 or over when the office processing the application asks for it.
When you may need it
Complete Form 80 when the Department or the instructions for your application ask you to do so. Check the request, deadline and required submission method rather than assuming the form is required in every matter.
Before you start
Gather records that let you build a continuous and consistent history before entering answers.
- Identity: Current and previous passports, identity documents, birth records and details of any other names used.
- Chronology: Address, education, employment, unemployment, travel and residence records with accurate dates.
- Background: Citizenship, family, military, government, visa and character records where relevant.
Section-by-section guidance
Read the current form alongside this guide. The form asks for connected information, so changes made in one section should be checked against the rest of the chronology.
- Personal and identity details: Use the spelling and dates shown on official records and disclose other names or spellings where requested.
- Addresses, education and employment: Account for the full period requested and identify genuine gaps rather than forcing an inaccurate date.
- Travel and international history: Use passports, movement records and calendars to check countries, dates and purpose of travel.
- Family and background information: Check names, dates of birth, relationships and locations against other application records.
- Character and security questions: Read each question closely and obtain advice before answering if the scope or relevance of an event is uncertain.
- Additional information: Use the additional-information section to explain an estimate, gap or answer that cannot be stated accurately in the available space.
Common mistakes
- Leaving unexplained gaps in address, study, work or travel history.
- Using dates or name spellings that conflict with passports, CVs or earlier applications.
- Guessing an exact date without identifying that it is an estimate.
- Treating a character or security question as irrelevant without checking its full wording.
- Submitting the form without reviewing all related applicants and attachments.
Supporting records
Useful checking records may include passports, identity documents, travel records, CVs, employment and education records, address histories and any relevant court, police, military or government records. Only provide documents through the channel requested by the Department.