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Form 1195—Identity Declaration is used to verify identity for specific Australian citizenship applications. It helps you prove your identity and allows the government to verify your personal information. Completing this form correctly requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Errors, inconsistencies, or incorrect information may affect the assessment of your application and could result in processing delays or refusal.
At Australian Migration Assistants, we understand that the process may feel complex or unclear for many applicants. Our team can review Form 1195 to ensure that it is complete and free from errors.
What is Form 1195 Identity Declaration and Why Is It Required?
The Department of Home Affairs uses the Identity Declaration form when assessing online applications for Australian citizenship based on descent or evidence. It includes the applicant’s details, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a declaration signed by an eligible Australian citizen who knows the applicant. It helps prevent identity fraud and ensures the accuracy of identity verification.
Who Needs to Complete Form 1195?
You must complete this form if you are applying online for Australian citizenship by descent or evidence of citizenship. You do not need to complete Form 1195 if you are applying for citizenship by conferral. This includes permanent residents applying to become Australian citizens through the standard pathway.
If you are unsure whether you need to complete this Identity Declaration form, you can speak with a registered migration agent for guidance and support.
Who Can Act as Your Identity Certifier for Form 1195?
Your Form 1195 must be endorsed by a person who meets the requirements outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. To be eligible, the person must
- be an Australian citizen.
- have known you personally for at least 12 months.
- belong to an approved occupation group, such as doctors, police officers, teachers, or public servants.
- not be related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship.
- be easily reachable by telephone during business hours if needed.
If you are applying from outside Australia, your certifier may be a citizen of the country where you are living. However, they must still work in an approved profession and meet all other criteria.
How to Fill Out Form 1195: Step-by-Step Instructions
Form 1195 comprises four sections that gather details about the applicant’s identity.
Section 1 – Applicant’s Details
Provide your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate, passport, or other identification documents. Then, you must enter your date of birth, current residential address, and work, home, and mobile phone numbers. Make sure all information matches your identity documents. If your name or address has changed recently, explain the change with supporting documents if required. You also need to provide your Transaction Reference Number, which is the reference number you were given when the online application was lodged.
Section 2 – Authorised Person’s Details
This section must be completed by the person endorsing your application. They will need to provide their full name, business or residential address, and contact numbers; confirm if they are an Australian citizen; and specify the approved profession group they belong to.
Section 3 – Authorised Person’s Declaration
This section of the 1195 Identity Declaration Form must also be completed by your identity certifier. Before that, you need to attach a passport-sized photograph that
- was taken within the last six months.
- shows a clear, full-face view of your head and shoulders.
- it is in colour and against a plain, light background.
The photograph must be 35-40mm wide and 45-50mm high, with the size of your face (from chin to crown) between 32-36mm. The digital version of your photograph must be in JPEG format, between 70kb and 3.5mb, and have a preferred resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels.
Wearing glasses is not permitted. However, if you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, make sure they are not tinted, the frames do not conceal your eyes, and there is no reflection from the lenses. You may wear head coverings for religious reasons, provided that they do not cover any features of your face.
The Department of Home Affairs recommends that your photograph be taken at a professional passport photograph provider, such as an Australian Post Office or a similar provider if you are applying from another country. Their website provides more information about the photograph requirements for Australian citizenship applications.
The person endorsing your Form 1195—Identity Declaration must sign this passport-sized photograph across the bottom right edge and make sure their signature does not cover your face. They must confirm they have known you for at least 12 months and declare that the attached photograph is an image of you. They will also need to sign and date this section.
Section 4 – Applicant’s Declaration
In this section, you must confirm that all information in the Form 1195—Identity Declaration is truthful and correct. You must sign and date the form. If the applicant is under 16 years of age, the responsible parent must sign and date the Identity Declaration form and provide their full name and telephone numbers.
Tips for Accurately Completing the Form
Read all instructions carefully before starting your application. Double-check all personal details, spellings, and dates. Carefully review each section to make sure all information matches your identification and supporting documents.
Ensure your handwriting is clear and legible. If your handwriting is difficult to read, consider filling out the 1195 Identity Declaration Form online to ensure your details are recorded correctly.
Consider using a checklist. It can help you track your progress and ensure you do not miss anything. Asking someone else to check your form can prevent details from being overlooked and identify errors or inconsistencies.
If you are unsure about document requirements or need assistance with completing your Form 1195—Identity Declaration, Australian Migration Agents can help you understand the application process.
Mistakes to Avoid When Completing Form 1195
Filling out Form 1195 accurately can seem difficult, but being aware of some common mistakes can help you avoid them.
Providing False Information or Missing Details
Always verify your details before submitting the 1195 Identity Declaration Form and ensure no signatures are missing. Errors in your personal information can undermine your application and lead to delays or rejection.
Using Incorrect Photograph Size or Background
It is crucial to strictly follow the photograph requirements outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure your photograph is recent, passport-sized, and clearly shows your face against a neutral background.
Identity Certifier Not Meeting the Requirements
The person endorsing your application must not be related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship. Make sure the endorser belongs to an approved occupation group and meets all other requirements.
Illegible Handwriting
Your personal details may not be recorded correctly if your handwriting is illegible. Typing out the form will make it easier to read and reduce the risk of errors.
How to Submit Form 1195
After ensuring that the form is complete and no details are missing or incorrect, you must scan pages 3 and 4 of the Form 1195—Identity Declaration, along with the signed photograph, as one file and upload it to your online application. Upload a digital copy of your photo separately under the “Photograph” section of the application. Make sure you save a copy of the form for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a friend or family member certify Form 1195?
No, friends or family members cannot certify your application. The endorser must be an authorised professional who is an Australian citizen and has known you for at least 12 months. While friends and family members can help you review your application, they cannot endorse Form 1195.
Does a child need a separate form?
Yes. Each applicant applying online for Australian citizenship needs to submit a separate Form 1195, including family members, spouses, or de facto partners. For children aged 15 or younger, you must provide their full birth certificate, including the parents’ names, passport or travel document (if available), and evidence of name change (if applicable), along with a passport-sized photograph and Form 1195 endorsed by an eligible Australian citizen.
What happens if my Form 1195 is incomplete or invalid?
Failure to provide accurate and sufficient proof of identity may delay your application. The Department of Home Affairs will thoroughly check your details and may ask for additional documents or information to verify your identity. To avoid delays, you must ensure that all spellings, contact numbers, and addresses are correct. Your application for Australian citizenship cannot be approved if your identity cannot be verified.
Providing false or misleading information or documents could result in your application being rejected. You may be prosecuted under the Migration Act 1958 and/or the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
What documents must accompany Form 1195?
You must include a recent, passport-sized photograph of the applicant with the form. The photograph must be endorsed by an Australian citizen who has known you for at least one year and meets other specific criteria.
While not directly attached to Form 1195, you will need to provide other documents to prove your legal name, date of birth, address, gender, current residential address, and signature. You can use your passport, birth certificate, driver’s licence, or other forms of identification to validate these details.
Need Help With Form 1195?
At Australian Migration Agents, we understand that the citizenship application process can be complex. Our experienced team of registered migration agents will assist you with understanding each step of the process and reviewing Form 1195 to check for accuracy and completeness.
If you need help with your application or have any questions about Form 1195, you can contact Australian Migration Agents for advice and guidance.
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