Australia forms
Immigration forms come from multiple agencies. The right form depends on whether your process is consular or handled in-country. VisaMind provides guides, checklists, and common pitfalls based on official sources — not legal advice or eligibility decisions.
15 forms from 1 agency
Official immigration forms can be complex and error-prone. These guides break down each form's purpose, required documents, and common mistakes — verified against official government sources. Whether you're filing for the first time or renewing, use these references to avoid delays and rejections.
Most common forms
Employment
Form 1281, known as Nomination for an Approved Position, is used to nominate an eligible applicant for immigration benefits based on a qualifying relationship.
- TSS-482: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- EMPLOYER-NOMINATION-186: Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- When applying for TSS-482 — Form 1281 is typically required as part of the application
- When filing Form 1281 alongside FORM-80 (Applicant's character form)
- Incomplete form submission
- Missing signatures or incorrect form version
Form 160 is the application form for the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Visa, allowing skilled workers to seek employment in Australia.
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- Neglecting to submit an expression of interest (EOI) prior to application.
- Incomplete or inaccurate work experience details.
It is used for creating and managing visa applications, checking application status, and accessing other immigration-related services, as described in the [Visitor Visa (subclass 600)](/en/australia/visas/types/visitor-600) guide, as described in the Student Visa (subclass 500) guide.
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- VISITOR-600 — Most visitor visa applications lodged via ImmiAccount
- When supplementing FORM-80 — ImmiAccount provides additional required information
- Ensure login credentials are secure and accessible.
- Verify all documents are complete before submission.
- Confirm payment details are correct to avoid delays.
- Review eligibility instructions on the Home Affairs website.
It is a preliminary step in the visa application process, requiring an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
- SKILLED-INDEPENDENT-189: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- SKILLED-WORK-REGIONAL-491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
- Failure to provide accurate personal information.
Family
Review the instructions to determine if it applies to your situation.
- PARTNER-820-801: Partner Visa (onshore) (subclasses 820/801)
- PROSPECTIVE-MARRIAGE-300: Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
- Submitting false or misleading information carries serious consequences, including potential imprisonment or fines.
- Neglecting to include identity evidence can lead to delays in processing.
Form 1229, known as the Consent Form to Grant an Australian Visa to a Child Under 18, is a supplementary document accompanying a primary visa application. It is referenced in the [Child Visa (offshore) (subclass 101)](/en/australia/visas/types/child-101) and [Child Visa (onshore) (subclass 802)] guides.
- CHILD-101: Child Visa (offshore) (subclass 101)
- When applying for CHILD-101 — Form 1229 is typically required as part of the application
- When filing Form 1229 alongside FORM-47SP (Parental consent when child included in partner visa)
- Failure to provide a signed consent form.
- Omitting proof of your relationship to the child when submitting the form.
- Not including all necessary details about the child.
Form 40SP, known as Sponsorship for a Partner to Migrate to Australia, is utilized by Australian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for immigration to Australia.
- PARTNER-820-801: Partner Visa (onshore) (subclasses 820/801)
- Failure to provide evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Incomplete form submission.
- Missing signatures from the sponsor or applicant.
- Inaccurate or inconsistent information about the relationship.
Form 47SP (Application for Migration to Australia by a Partner) is filed by eligible sponsors to establish a qualifying family relationship and begin the immigration process for an eligible relative.
- PARTNER-309-100: Partner Visa (offshore) (subclasses 309/100)
- Submitting the wrong form for the class of visa or category of citizenship.
- Failure to provide evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Incomplete form submission.
Citizenship
Review the instructions to determine if it applies to your situation.
- AUSTRALIAN-CITIZENSHIP: Australian Citizenship
- When applying for Australian-citizenship — Form 1300T is typically required as part of the application
- When supplementing FORM-956 — Form 1300T provides additional required information
- Neglecting to submit evidence of permanent residency or Special Category Visa (SCV) status.
- Failure to satisfy the general residence requirement without a valid exemption.
- Failure to provide certified copies of documents.
- Failure to demonstrate a basic understanding of the English language.
- Missing evidence of close and continuing link to Australia.
- Failing to submit overseas penal clearance certificates when necessary.
- Failure to provide a photo meeting the requirements.
- Submitting incomplete forms or missing required fields.
General
Form 80, titled 'Personal Particulars for Assessment Including Character Assessment,' is submitted alongside the main visa application.
- SKILLED-INDEPENDENT-189: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- TSS-482: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- PARTNER-820-801: Partner Visa (onshore) (subclasses 820/801)
- When applying for Skilled-independent-189 — Form 80 is typically required as part of the application
- When filing Form 80 alongside FORM-1281 (Character form for employer-sponsored visas)
- When filing Form 80 alongside FORM-47SP (Character form for partner visa applications)
- Providing false or misleading information.
- Failing to declare all criminal conduct.
- Not providing a complete address history.
- Leaving gaps in employment or education history.
- Not providing police certificates when required.
- Incomplete form sections
- Missing or illegible signatures
- Outdated form editions
Form 1221, known as Additional Personal Particulars Information, complements the main visa application by providing detailed personal data.
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- VISITOR-600 — May be requested for some applicants
- STUDENT-500 — May be requested for character assessment
- TSS-482 — Supplementary character form
- When filing Form 1221 alongside FORM-80 (Often submitted together with Form 80)
- Failure to declare all criminal conduct.
- Providing false or misleading information.
- Not providing a police certificate when requested.
- Incomplete form submission
- Missing signatures or dates
Form 956 is utilized to appoint a migration agent. Refer to official instructions for comprehensive details.
- When Department of Home Affairs instructions require this form.
- Skilled-independent-189 — If using migration agent
- When supplementing FORM-47SP — Form 956 provides additional required information
- Ensure registration details are accurate before lodgement.
- Verify all sections are complete before signature.
- Review eligibility criteria prior to form lodgement.
- Keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
- Submit the form with all required evidence to avoid delays.
Form 956A facilitates the appointment of an authorised recipient. Refer to the official instructions for comprehensive details.
- When Department of Home Affairs instructions require this form.
- Skilled-independent-189 — Authorize someone to receive correspondence
- When supplementing FORM-47SP — Form 956A provides additional required information
- Ensure all sections are completed and signed before submission.
- Verify contact details for both applicant and authorised recipient.
- Confirm withdrawal details are accurately documented.
- Keep copies of the signed form and all submitted documents.
Review the instructions to determine if it applies to your situation.
- When you need the agency to take follow-up action on an already approved case
- To request action related to an existing approval or record, as described in the instructions
- After a prior approval when a specific agency action is required
- PARTNER-820-801 — Notify of relationship changes
- TSS-482 — Notify of employment changes
- STUDENT-500 — Notify of course/address changes
- When filing Form 929 alongside FORM-47SP (Notify changes during partner visa processing)
- Submitting an unsigned form
- Providing incorrect or outdated information
- Failing to notify changes in a timely manner
- Using an outdated version of the form
It is used for creating and managing visa applications, checking application status, and accessing other immigration-related services, as described in the [Visitor Visa (subclass 600)](/en/australia/visas/types/visitor-600) guide, as described in the Student Visa (subclass 500) guide.
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
- VISITOR-600 — Most visitor visa applications lodged via ImmiAccount
- When supplementing FORM-80 — ImmiAccount provides additional required information
- Ensure login credentials are secure and accessible.
- Verify all documents are complete before submission.
- Confirm payment details are correct to avoid delays.
- Review eligibility instructions on the Home Affairs website.
It is a preliminary step in the visa application process, requiring an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
- SKILLED-INDEPENDENT-189: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- SKILLED-WORK-REGIONAL-491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
- Failure to provide accurate personal information.
Visitor
Applicants must demonstrate ties to their home country and intent to leave.
- VISITOR-600: Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
- Submitting your application from an incorrect location, whether inside or outside Australia, can lead to complications.
- Failing to provide proof of sufficient funds.
- Not being a genuine visitor.
Common pitfalls across forms
- Inconsistent answers across applications (names, dates, work history).
- Mixing consular processing steps with in-country filing steps.
- Missing signatures or using the wrong filing method.
- Uploading unclear scans or omitting supporting documents.
- Using outdated instructions instead of the latest official guidance.
Looking beyond Australia? Form requirements can vary by country and case type.