Australian Citizenship Guide: Identity Declaration and Form 1195
What is the Identity Declaration (Form 1195) for Australian Citizenship?
The Identity Declaration (Form 1195) is a crucial part of the immigration process for Australian citizenship. The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) cannot approve citizenship applications if a person's identity cannot be verified. Providing false documents or information can lead to the refusal of citizenship.
When Should I Use Form 1195?
You must submit Form 1195 if:
You are making an online application for citizenship or evidence of citizenship.
You are applying on a paper form and need to include additional children beyond the application form's capacity. In this case, a separate Form 1195 is required for each additional child.
Please note:
Each individual applying online for citizenship must submit their own Form 1195, including family members, spouses, or de facto partners.
Who Can Complete Form 1195?
Applicant Responsibilities: The applicant must fill out Questions 1 (applicant details) and 4 (details of children or young applicants).
Endorser Responsibilities: Questions 2 and 3 must be completed by an endorser who can validate your identity. This person must:
Be an Australian citizen.
Have known you for at least one year.
Work in an approved occupation listed on the form.
Not be related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship.
Be easily contactable during normal working hours.
How does Endorsement work?
Endorsement is required for your identity declaration to assess your integration into the Australian community. Acceptable endorsers include:
Pharmacists
Justices of the Peace
Judges
Tax accountants
Nurses
Police officers
Medical practitioners
More professions that can endorse your application are listed on the form.
What Documents are Required to Prove Identity?
In addition to Form 1195, you must provide identity documents to validate:
Legal name
Date of birth
Address
Gender
Current residential address
Signature
Acceptable Documents Include:
Australian passport
National identity card
Birth certificate
Driver's licence
Utility bills
Employment or education records
Passport-Sized Photos
You must also provide passport-sized photos that meet the following criteria:
Taken within the last 6 months.
Full-face view of your head and shoulders (tinted glasses only if necessary).
High quality, in colour, against a plain, light background (no laser copies).
What are the Requirements for Children (15 Years or Younger)?
For dependent applicants aged 15 or younger, you need to provide:
Passport or travel document.
Full birth certificate showing parental evidence.
Evidence of name change (if applicable).
A passport-sized photograph.
An Identity Declaration Form signed by an Australian citizen with the appropriate authority.
What are the Requirements for Newborns?
For newborn applicants, you must provide:
A scanned copy of the child's birth certificate.
Proof of identity (photo and signature) of the parent, such as a driver’s license.
Proof of address for the parents (can be shown on the driver’s license).
Endorsed copy of the baby's photograph.
Endorsed copy of the Identity Declaration Form 1195.
What are the Consequences of Failing to Prove Identity?
Failure to prove identity is a common reason for refusals of Australian citizenship. Ensure that all documents are genuine and truthful, as discrepancies can lead to complications. The DoHA will thoroughly check all submitted information, including:
Spelling of names
Address details
Authenticity of documents
Don’t provide false and misleading documents!
Providing false documents or engaging in fraud can severely impact your application. Therefore, always ensure that your submissions contain true and accurate information.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help You?
Contact us if you require any professional assistance in relation to becoming an Australian citizen or if you are in a unique situation such as if you have any health or character issues. You can schedule a Migration Planning Session with one of our immigration lawyers or Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law to seek professional advice. You can do so by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
