Form 956A: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
Form 956A lets you appoint, or withdraw, an authorised recipient: a person who receives documents from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
This is the genuine Home Affairs PDF, unmodified. Source: Home Affairs official page.
What is 956A?
Form 956A is the Australian Department of Home Affairs form used to appoint or withdraw an authorised recipient. Once appointed, the authorised recipient receives all written communications the department sends about your application, and the department treats sending a document to that person as sending it to you.
An authorised recipient is different from a migration agent. The recipient only receives documents and does not give immigration assistance or act on your behalf in the way an appointed agent does. The form records your details, the recipient details, and whether you are appointing or withdrawing that person.
Who files 956A?
- Visa applicants who want their documents sent to a nominated person
- Applicants who have engaged a representative to receive departmental correspondence
- People withdrawing a previously appointed authorised recipient
- Applicants changing who receives documents about their application
How to fill out 956A
- Enter your personal details and the application or reference number the appointment relates to.
- Indicate whether you are appointing or withdrawing an authorised recipient.
- Complete the details of the person you are appointing as the recipient of documents.
- Sign and date the form to confirm the appointment or withdrawal.
- Lodge the completed form with the Department of Home Affairs so correspondence is directed correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
Does an authorised recipient give me immigration advice?
No. An authorised recipient only receives documents from the department on your behalf. If you want someone to give immigration assistance and act for you, appoint a registered migration agent or legal practitioner using Form 956.
What happens once documents go to my authorised recipient?
The department treats a document sent to your authorised recipient as if it were sent to you, including any deadlines it starts. Make sure your recipient forwards correspondence to you promptly.