Form 956: Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person
Form 956 tells the Department of Home Affairs that you have appointed a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person to give you immigration assistance with an application or matter.
This is the genuine Home Affairs PDF, unmodified. Source: Home Affairs official page.
What is 956?
Form 956 is the Australian Department of Home Affairs form used to notify the department that you have appointed someone to give you immigration assistance and to act on your behalf. A registered migration agent must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, a legal practitioner must hold a current practising certificate, and an exempt person is someone allowed to give immigration assistance without registration, such as certain close family members or sponsors.
The form records your details, the details of the person you are appointing, and the applications or matters they are authorised to handle. It can also be used to advise that the appointed person is authorised to receive documents on your behalf. Providing it lets the department deal directly with your agent or practitioner.
Who files 956?
- Visa applicants who have engaged a registered migration agent to act for them
- Applicants represented by a legal practitioner holding a current practising certificate
- People assisted by an exempt person, such as a close relative or sponsor
- Anyone needing to record who is authorised to act on an immigration matter
How to fill out 956
- Enter your personal details and any application or reference numbers the appointment relates to.
- Complete the details of the migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person you are appointing.
- Indicate the applications or matters the person is authorised to handle for you.
- Sign and date the form, and have the appointed person sign where required.
- Lodge the completed form with the Department of Home Affairs, or give it to your agent to submit with your application.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Form 956 and Form 956A?
Form 956 appoints a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person who gives you immigration assistance and acts for you. Form 956A appoints an authorised recipient, who only receives documents on your behalf and does not give immigration assistance.
Do I have to use a migration agent?
No. Using an agent is your choice. If you do appoint one, Form 956 is how you let the Department of Home Affairs know so they can deal with that person about your application.
Can I withdraw an appointment later?
Yes. You can notify the department in writing if you end an appointment. Check the current instructions on the Home Affairs website for how to withdraw or change an appointed representative.