Introduction
Identity verification is an integral part of the Australian citizenship application process. To meet this requirement, the Department of Home Affairs uses the Form 1195 Identity Declaration, an important document that serves as a crucial safeguard against identity fraud and ensures the integrity of your application.
This identity declaration form confirms an applicant’s identity through a formal endorsement by a qualified Australian citizen. Since errors or inconsistencies on Form 1195 can lead to significant processing delays or even refusal, this guide provides a practical, step-by-step walkthrough to help you complete it correctly the first time.
Who Needs Form 1195 & When
Rules for Citizenship by Conferral
Historically, Form 1195 was a mandatory document for those applying for Australian citizenship by conferral. However, the requirements have recently changed. As of September 2024, applicants seeking citizenship by conferral, which is the standard pathway for permanent residents, are generally no longer required to complete and submit this identity declaration form.
This change simplifies the application process for many individuals. The Department of Home Affairs now relies on other identity documents for verification in most conferral cases.
Applicants who attend a face-to-face appointment, where their identity and biometrics are verified in person, may also be exempt from submitting the form.
Citizenship by Descent & Evidence of Citizenship
The Form 1195 identity declaration remains a mandatory requirement for specific citizenship pathways. You must complete this form if you are submitting an online application for:
- Australian citizenship by descent
- Evidence of Australian citizenship
This form is a critical part of the identity verification process for these applications. The Department of Home Affairs cannot approve an application if the applicant’s identity cannot be reliably verified.
A separate Form 1195 must be completed for every individual included in the citizenship application. This rule applies to all applicants, regardless of age. Therefore, a separate form must be submitted for adults, children, and even infants.
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Choosing an Eligible Signatory & Referee
Referee Eligibility Criteria
The person who signs your Form 1195 identity declaration, often called a referee or endorser, must meet strict criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Selecting an eligible person is crucial, as an incorrect choice will invalidate your form and lead to delays in your citizenship application.
To qualify as a signatory for your identity declaration form, the person must satisfy all the following conditions:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Australian Citizenship | Must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older. |
| Personal Acquaintance | Must have known you personally for at least 12 months (based on direct contact). |
| No Relation | Must not be related to you by birth, marriage, or a de facto relationship. |
| Approved Profession | Must be currently employed in one of the occupations approved by the Department of Home Affairs. |
| Availability | Must be available for contact by the Department by telephone during normal working hours. |
Approved Professions & Occupations
The signatory for your Form 1195 must be currently working in a specific profession approved by the government. It is not enough for them to hold a senior or professional title; their occupation must appear on the official list. Always confirm your chosen referee’s profession is on this list before they sign your form.
The approved professions and occupations are:
- Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer
- Bailiff
- Bank officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Building society officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Chiropractor (licensed or registered)
- Clerk of the court
- Commissioner for Affidavits
- Commissioner for Declarations
- Credit union officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Dentist (licensed or registered)
- Fellow of the National Tax Accountants’ Association
- Finance company officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Judge of a court
- Justice of the peace
- Legal practitioner (licensed or registered)
- Magistrate
- Marriage celebrant licensed or registered under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)
- Master of a court
- Medical practitioner (licensed or registered)
- Member of Chartered Secretaries Australia
- Member of Engineers Australia, apart from at the grade of student
- Member of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants
- Member of the Australian Defence Force with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, or the Institute of Public Accountants
- Member of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, a state, a territory legislature, or a local government authority
- Minister of religion licensed or registered under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)
- Nurse (licensed or registered)
- Optometrist (licensed or registered)
- Permanent employee of a Commonwealth, state, or local government authority with at least 5 years of continuous service
- Permanent employee of the Australian Postal Corporation with 5 or more years of continuous service
- Pharmacist (licensed or registered)
- Physiotherapist (licensed or registered)
- Police officer
- Psychologist (licensed or registered)
- Registered migration agent (where registration is not suspended or subject to a caution)
- Registrar, or Deputy Registrar, of a court
- Sheriff
- Teacher employed on a full-time basis at a school or tertiary education institution
- Veterinary surgeon (licensed or registered)
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A Step-by-Step Guide for Filling Out Form 1195
Part A: Your Personal Details
This section of the Form 1195 identity declaration must be completed by you, the applicant. It is crucial that the information you provide is accurate and matches perfectly the details on your other identity documents, such as your passport or birth certificate. Any inconsistencies can lead to significant delays in your citizenship application process.
When filling out your details, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your official documents.
- Your complete date of birth.
- Your current residential address.
- Contact details, including work, home, and mobile phone numbers.
- Your Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which is provided when you lodge your online application.
Part B: Signatory’s Details
This part of the form must be completed by the person endorsing your identity, often referred to as the signatory or referee. They are required to provide their personal and professional details to the Department of Home Affairs for verification. They must fill this section out themselves.
The signatory must provide their:
- Full name, business or residential address, and contact numbers.
- Confirmation that they are an Australian citizen.
- Profession or occupation from the approved list.
- A daytime telephone number where they can be easily contacted during business hours.
Photograph Endorsement & Certification
The photograph you submit with Form 1195 has strict certification requirements that must be followed precisely to avoid rejection. You must provide a recent, passport-sized photograph that is no more than six months old. The photo should be in colour with a plain, light-coloured background.
The person signing your form must endorse the photograph by:
- Writing the exact words “This is a true photograph of [Applicant’s Full Name]” on the back of the image.
- Signing their name directly below this statement on the back of the photo.
- Securely attaching the photograph to the designated space on the form, preferably with glue, ensuring staples or tape are not used as they can cause damage.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid on Form 1195
Choosing an Ineligible Referee
One of the most frequent errors that can invalidate your Form 1195 identity declaration is choosing a signatory who does not meet the strict eligibility criteria. The Department of Home Affairs will reject the form if the person endorsing your identity is not suitable, which can lead to significant delays in your citizenship application process.
Common mistakes related to the referee include:
| Specific Error | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not meeting the 12-month rule | The referee must have known the applicant personally for at least one year. |
| Unapproved profession | The signatory’s occupation is not on the official government-approved list. |
| Referee is not an Australian citizen | The referee must be an Australian citizen (unless a specific overseas exception applies). |
Photograph Endorsement & Attachment Errors
Mistakes related to the passport-sized photograph are another common reason for the rejection of Form 1195. The certification and attachment requirements must be followed precisely to ensure the Department of Home Affairs can verify your identity.
Key errors to avoid with the photograph include:
| Specific Error | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incorrect wording on the back | The exact phrase “This is a true photograph of [Applicant’s Full Name]” must be used. |
| Improper signature | The signatory must sign below the statement on the back and also across a corner on the front (not covering the face). |
| Using staples or tape | The photo must be attached with glue to avoid damage. |
| Forgetting the applicant’s name | The applicant’s full name must be written on the back of the photograph. |
Incorrect Timing & Dating
The Form 1195 identity declaration and the accompanying photograph have a limited validity period. Submitting an outdated form will cause your citizenship application to be delayed while the Department of Home Affairs requests a new one.
Be mindful of the following timing requirements:
| Specific Error | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Outdated signature | The photo must be no more than six months old when the application is lodged. |
| Outdated signature | The signatory’s signature date should also be no more than six months old. |
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What if You Cannot Find a Referee for 12 Months
Exceptions for Children Under 6 & Overseas Applicants
The requirement that your signatory must have known you for at least 12 months is strict, but the Department of Home Affairs provides for a few specific exceptions. These accommodations address situations where meeting the standard timeframe is impractical.
There are particular exceptions for the following applicants:
| Exception Category | Provision |
|---|---|
| Children under 6 years of age | The 12-month acquaintance rule is waived. The signatory must still meet all other criteria. |
| Applicants applying from overseas | A citizen of the applicant’s country of residence may act as the signatory if they have known the applicant for at least one year and are in an approved profession. |
When to Seek Legal Advice
If you do not fall into one of the specific exception categories, your options for completing the Form 1195 identity declaration are very limited. Submitting an incomplete or incorrectly endorsed form is likely to result in significant delays or even the refusal of your citizenship application, which is why it’s useful to understand the common reasons for an Australian visa refusal.
It is crucial not to provide false information, as this can have serious legal consequences.
In these complex migration matters, seeking professional guidance is the most prudent course of action. A registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer can assess your individual circumstances, so it is helpful to understand the key differences between a migration agent & lawyer when seeking advice.
Professional advice is crucial to navigating these challenges and avoiding an application refusal.
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Conclusion
Completing the Form 1195 identity declaration with precision is essential for a smooth Australian citizenship application process, as it requires selecting an eligible referee and adhering to strict photograph endorsement rules. Paying close attention to these details is the most effective way to prevent common errors that can lead to unnecessary and significant delays.
If you are uncertain about any part of the identity declaration process or require expert guidance for your citizenship application, contact Moya Migration Law’s citizenship application lawyers in Adelaide today. Our team offers specialised services and tailored strategies to help you navigate complex requirements and secure your best possible outcome.
