Form 956 notifies the Department of Home Affairs that a client has appointed a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person. You can complete our editable Form 956 directly in your browser, then download it ready to lodge.
Form 956
2022
Trusted by lawyers
How to Fill Out Form 956
- Open the editable Form 956
- Add your registration details and contact information
- Choose a new appointment or an ending appointment
- Fill in your client’s details and visa matter
- Sign the Part C declarations with your client
- Download your printable Form 956
What Is Form 956 Used For?
Form 956, or Appointment of a Registered Migration Agent, Legal Practitioner or Exempt Person, notifies the Department of Home Affairs when a client appoints, or ends the appointment of, a migration professional.
Who Should Use Form 956?
Form 956 should be used by registered migration agents, Australian legal practitioners and exempt persons, such as close family members, sponsors or nominators, who are helping with a visa matter. Someone appointed only to receive documents should use Form 956A instead.
When Is Form 956 Due?
Form 956 has no fixed due date. Lodge it when the appointment begins, ideally with the visa application, and lodge another when the appointment ends. Each matter needs its own form, so a new visa matter means a new Form 956.
What Happens If Form 956 Is Not Submitted?
If Form 956 is not submitted, the department has no formal notice of your appointment and may keep contacting the client directly. Registered migration agents who fail to disclose their assistance can face Form 956 penalties under the Migration Act 1958.
How and Where Do I File Form 956?
File Form 956 by attaching the completed, signed form to your client’s application in ImmiAccount, the department’s online portal. You can also send it to the processing office handling the matter. Follow the Form 956 instructions on who signs where.
How to Get Your Form 956
1Open the printable Form 956
2Fill out your details
3Download Form 956 to your device
Frequently asked questions
#1. How do I get a blank Form 956?
To get a blank Form 956, go to pdf.net or download it from the Department of Home Affairs website. Either way, fill out the form easily with our online PDF editor.
#2. Can I submit the Form 956 electronically?
Yes, you can submit Form 956 electronically. Attach the completed, signed form to your client’s application or matter in ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal.
#3. What if my Form 956 is missing information?
If your Form 956 is missing information, the department may delay acting on your appointment. Check each question against the Form 956 instructions, and keep a completed Form 956 example on hand as a guide before you lodge.
#4. Can I fill out my Form 956 online?
Yes, you can fill out Form 956 online. Open it in our online editor, type into each field, then download, sign, and lodge the completed PDF form.
#5. Is this form free?
This form is free to open and edit. However, downloading Form 956 requires a subscription.
#6. Can I correct mistakes on Form 956?
Yes, you can correct mistakes on Form 956 by editing any field before you sign and lodge it. If you have already lodged it, send the department a corrected form for the same matter.
#7. Is Form 956 mandatory?
Form 956 is not mandatory for everyone, but it is the standard way to notify Home Affairs that a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person acts for you on a visa matter. Agents who fail to disclose their assistance can face penalties. If you apply without help, you do not need it.
#8. What is the difference between Form 956 and Form 956A?
The difference between Form 956 and Form 956A is who you are appointing. Form 956 appoints an adviser to give immigration assistance, while Form 956A, Appointment or Withdrawal of an Authorised Recipient, names someone who only receives your documents.