Form 956 Explained: A Practical Guide for Australian Visa Applicants
When applying for an Australian visa, you may choose to receive help from a migration agent, lawyer, or another authorised person. In these situations, the Australian Department of Home Affairs requires a specific document known as Form 956.
This guide explains what Form 956 is, why it is important, when you should use it, and how it differs from other related forms used during the visa application process.
What Is Form 956?
Form 956 is an official document used to notify the Department of Home Affairs that you have appointed a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person to assist with your immigration matters. It formally authorises that individual to act on your behalf regarding visa applications and related communications.
Once the form is submitted, the appointed representative can communicate with the Department, submit documents, and manage aspects of your visa application for you.
This process is especially useful for applicants who prefer professional guidance or who may not be familiar with Australia’s immigration procedures.
Who Needs to Use Form 956?
You generally need to complete Form 956 if you want someone to represent you in your dealings with the Department of Home Affairs.
Typical situations include:
- You have hired a registered migration agent to manage your visa application.
- You are working with an immigration lawyer.
- An exempt person, such as a family member or sponsor, is assisting with immigration matters.
- You want another person to communicate with the Department on your behalf.
By submitting this form, you are officially giving that person authority to act as your representative in immigration matters.
What Can an Appointed Representative Do?
Once Form 956 has been lodged, the authorised representative can handle several tasks connected to your visa application.
- Communicate directly with the Department of Home Affairs
- Submit additional documents or information
- Receive updates about your visa application
- Respond to requests from immigration officers
- Assist with visa compliance or documentation requirements
This can make the application process easier for many applicants, particularly those unfamiliar with immigration procedures.
Who Can Be Appointed Using Form 956?
The Department of Home Affairs allows certain individuals to be appointed through Form 956.
- A registered migration agent with a valid MARN number
- An Australian legal practitioner
- An exempt person permitted under migration law
Exempt persons may include close family members, sponsors, or other individuals who are legally allowed to assist without charging professional fees.
Understanding the Difference Between Form 956 and Form 956A
Applicants often confuse Form 956 with Form 956A. While both relate to third-party involvement in visa applications, they serve different purposes.
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Form 956 | Appoints a migration agent, lawyer, or exempt person to provide immigration assistance. |
| Form 956A | Allows someone to receive correspondence about your visa application. |
Form 956 is used when someone is actively helping with immigration matters, while Form 956A only allows a person to receive official communication from the Department on your behalf.
How to Complete Form 956
The form includes several sections that must be completed by both the visa applicant and the appointed representative.
Section 1: Applicant Details
Provide your personal information such as your full name, date of birth, contact details, and visa reference numbers if available.
Section 2: Representative Information
This section requires the details of the migration agent, lawyer, or exempt person. For registered migration agents, the Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) must also be included.
Section 3: Declaration and Signatures
Both the visa applicant and the appointed representative must sign the declaration confirming the appointment and acknowledging their responsibilities.
When Should Form 956 Be Submitted?
Form 956 is usually submitted at the same time as your visa application. However, it can also be provided later if you appoint a representative after the application has already been lodged.
If you change representatives during the process, a new Form 956 must be submitted to notify the Department.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Errors when completing Form 956 can delay visa processing or cause confusion in communication with immigration authorities.
- Providing incorrect details for the migration agent
- Using Form 956 when Form 956A is required
- Submitting the form without signatures
- Forgetting to update the Department when changing representatives
Carefully reviewing the form before submission can help prevent these issues.
Can You Change or Cancel an Appointment?
Yes, you can withdraw or change your appointed representative at any time during the visa process.
To do this, you usually need to submit a new Form 956 or notify the Department that the previous appointment has ended. Once updated, all future communication will be directed to the new representative or directly to you.
Do You Always Need Form 956?
Not every visa applicant needs to submit Form 956. If you are managing your visa application yourself and communicating directly with the Department of Home Affairs, this form is not required.
It only becomes necessary when another person is officially representing you in immigration matters.
Final Thoughts
Form 956 plays an important role in the Australian visa process when applicants choose to receive help from migration professionals or authorised individuals. By clearly appointing a representative, the form ensures the Department of Home Affairs knows who is authorised to act on your behalf.
Completing the form correctly helps streamline communication and can make the visa process easier to manage.