Form 956: appointing a representative

Who uses Form 956

The form can only be used by a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner (a lawyer holding an Australian practising certificate) or an exempt person. Exempt people include a close family member of the applicant, a sponsor or nominator, and a few others listed on the form. An exempt person must not charge a fee. A separate Form 956 is needed for each matter.

Appoint a representative

1. 1

   Agree with your representative which matter they will help with, such as a particular visa application, a visa cancellation process or a sponsorship process.

2. 2

   Your representative completes the first part of the form (Part A): their own details and registration or practising number, your details, the type of application and the date it was lodged (or “not yet lodged”), and your Department Request ID or Transaction Reference Number if you have one.

3. 3

   Check any dependants who should be listed as clients on the same matter. Everyone listed on the form is treated as having appointed the same person.

4. 4

   Decide whether you agree to the Department emailing you, and whether your representative is also your authorised recipient (see below).

5. 5

   Read the client declaration (Part C, question 24), then sign and date it. Your representative signs and dates their own declaration.

6. 6

   Your representative sends the signed form to the Department.

• The Department’s form says it is completed in English.

What an authorised recipient is

If your representative is also your authorised recipient, the Department sends them all written communication about the matter and treats it as received by you. Those documents might include sensitive information about your health and character. You can have only one authorised recipient at a time for a matter. If someone is to receive your documents but not give immigration assistance, a different form is used (Form 956A, “Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient”).

End an appointment

1. 1

   Tell your representative that you are ending the appointment.

2. 2

   Complete Parts B and C of a new Form 956, which record that the appointment has ended, or tell the Department in writing.

3. 3

   If your representative was also your authorised recipient, say whether you are ending that as well. You can also write to the Department, or use Form 956A.

• The Department’s Form 956 shows a design date of 08/22 at the time of checking.