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Understanding Form 956 and 956A: A Complete Guide for Australian Visa Applicants
- ICS Marketing
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional migration advice. The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) and Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) processes are detailed and can involve complex eligibility criteria, document requirements, and case-specific factors that are not fully addressed here. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult a registered migration agent, education consultant, or qualified professional before making any decisions or submitting an application. Relying solely on simplified summaries may result in delays, errors, or adverse outcomes.
What Are Forms 956 and 956A?
In the Australian immigration process, managing who can legally assist or receive your visa-related information is vital. That’s where Form 956 and Form 956A come in.
Form 956: Appoints a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person to give immigration assistance.
Form 956A: Appoints or withdraws an authorised recipient to receive communication from the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.
Both forms help streamline communication and ensure your visa application is compliant and well-managed.
🔍 Form 956: Authorising Immigration Assistance
Purpose: Form 956 allows a migration professional (like a registered agent or lawyer) to legally represent you in matters relating to your visa application. This includes submitting forms, responding to departmental queries, and providing expert guidance.
Who Can Be Appointed?
✅ Registered migration agent (must have a valid MARN)
✅ Australian legal practitioner (holding a practising certificate)
✅ Exempt person (e.g. a family member, sponsor, MP, or public servant – must not charge a fee)
When to Use:
You want a professional to handle your visa application
You are not confident navigating visa laws on your own
You need someone to liaise directly with the Department of Home Affairs
What’s Included in the Form:
Your personal details
Your agent's registration/license info
Type of visa/matter being handled
Authorisation to act and, if needed, to also receive communication
📩 Form 956A: Appointing an Authorised Recipient
Purpose: Form 956A is for appointing or withdrawing someone who will receive documents and correspondence on your behalf. This person won’t give immigration advice — they simply receive letters, emails, and updates.
Who Can Be Appointed?
✅ A friend
✅ A family member
✅ A migration agent or lawyer (without necessarily authorising them to give immigration advice)
When to Use:
You want someone else to handle emails and letters from Home Affairs
You are travelling or not easily reachable
You no longer want someone receiving your correspondence (use the form to withdraw)
What’s Included in the Form:
Applicant’s and recipient’s details
Optional withdrawal of prior authorisation
Signature and declaration
Key Differences: Form 956 vs. Form 956A
Feature | Form 956 | Form 956A |
Authorises legal immigration help | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Appoints someone to receive mail | ✅ Optional | ✅ Primary purpose |
Used by migration professionals | ✅ Only by registered/legal/exempt agents | ✅ Can be any trusted person |
Can be withdrawn | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Common scenarios | Appointing a migration agent for visa help | Allowing a family member to receive letters |
Using the wrong form can lead to delays or missed communications — always double-check what you need.
📄 Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Each Form
✅ Filling Form 956
Section A – Applicant’s personal details
Section B – Agent or lawyer’s details (MARN or LPN)
Section C – Select whether they will also receive communications
Declaration – Both parties sign and date
📌 Note: If the representative is an exempt person, they must declare their relationship and cannot charge any fee under Australian law956.
✅ Filling Form 956A
Section A – Applicant’s personal details
Section B – Authorised recipient’s details
Section C – Use if withdrawing a recipient
Declaration – Signature of visa applicant required
🧠 FAQs: Quick Clarifications
Q1. Do I need both Form 956 and 956A?
Yes, in some cases. If you want a migration agent to both provide advice and receive correspondence, only Form 956 is needed. But if your agent isn’t receiving communication, and someone else is, you’ll also need 956A.
Q2. Can I submit these forms online?
✅ Yes. Both can be uploaded through ImmiAccount or submitted electronically.
Q3. What happens if I forget to submit?
You may miss crucial updates or have your visa application delayed — or worse, considered invalid if someone gives unauthorised assistance.
Q4. Can an exempt person fill Form 956?
Yes, but they must fall into permitted categories (e.g. close family, sponsor) and must not charge any fee or they risk criminal penalties.
Why Choose ICS International?
At ICS International, we’re more than just migration agents — we’re your trusted advisors in making Australia your new home.
✔️ Registered Migration Agents – With years of experience across student, skilled, partner, and work visas
✔️ Transparent Communication – We lodge all forms correctly and ensure compliance with Home Affairs
✔️ Melbourne-Based with Global Reach – Branches across Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines
Whether you need help appointing an agent or want us to handle the full application, we’re here to make the process stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Don’t underestimate the importance of Form 956 and 956A in your visa journey. These simple documents play a critical role in legal compliance, communication, and successful visa processing. Whether you’re applying for a Partner Visa, 482 Work Visa, or Permanent Residency, appointing the right people through the correct forms ensures everything runs smoothly.
Have questions? Contact ICS International today or walk into our Melbourne office for a consultation. We’re ready to help.
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