Ultimate Guide to Form 1195 Identity Declaration for Australian Citizenship

Identity verification is integral when you apply for Australian citizenship. Form 1195 identity declaration is used when you are submitting an application for certain Australian citizenship services. This identity declaration form is brief but has an important role in confirming an applicant's identity through a formal endorsement by a quality Australian citizen. For most individuals, filling this form correctly is an important part of the process when submitting an application.

What Is Form 1195 and When Do You Need It?

Form 1195 is a mandatory requirement for applicants applying for Australian citizenship by descent or evidence of Australian citizenship. It helps confirm the identity of the individual lodging the application, particularly where biometric checks are not included in the process. For instance, it is often needed for online and paper form applications when the number of children exceeds the limit allowed in standard application forms.

Purpose of Form 1195

The identity verification process is crucial in an interconnected world where the risk of identity fraud is high. The main purpose of Form 1195 identity declaration is to confirm the applicant's identity reliably. It is a vital checkpoint that ensures all applicants are verified as part of the Department’s identity assessment requirements.

To confirm the applicant’s identity, it requires the declaration and endorsement of a third party not related to the applicant and holding an approved profession. The third party, also known as the endorser or identity declarant, must personally sign a passport photograph of the applicant and verify key personal details.

Who Needs to Submit Form 1195 and Who Does Not

Individuals seeking Australian citizenship by descent or evidence of Australian citizenship need to submit Form 1195. This includes adults, children, and infants whose applications are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. For every person and their case, a separate form must be completed, signed, and accompanied by a photograph endorsed by a qualified professional. As of September 2024, those applying for citizenship by conferral no longer need to complete this form.

Exceptions are there for applicants who attend a face-to-face appointment where biometric and identity verification are done in person, as they may not be required to submit their own form. Additionally, some applicants who are onshore and applying from Australia while on certain visa pathways that include other forms of identity validation may be exempted.

You may wish to contact Australian Migration Lawyers to discuss whether Form 1195 is required for your application. These professionals can review your case and provide guidance on a completed form.

Who Can Complete and Endorse Form 1195?

The endorser or identity declarant for Form 1195 must meet specific eligibility criteria. For instance, they must be of legal age and belong to an approved occupation.

Endorser Eligibility Requirements

• The endorser must be an Australian citizen, aged 18 years or older.
• They must have known the applicant personally for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
• They should not be related to the applicant by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship.
• The endorser must have direct, personal knowledge of the applicant based on direct contact and not via online interactions or mutual acquaintances.
• They must be working in an occupation approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
• The endorser must not be a current employee of the Department of Home Affairs.

These eligibility requirements ensure that the identity declaration is provided by a trustworthy person within the community.

List of Approved Occupations

1. Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Consular Fees Act 1955)
2. Bailiff
3. Bank officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
4. Building society officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
5. Chiropractor (licensed or registered)
6. Clerk of the court
7. Commissioner for Affidavits
8. Commissioner for Declarations
9. Credit union officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
10. Dentist (licensed or registered)
11. Fellow of the National Tax Accountants’ Association
12. Finance company officer with 5 or more years of continuous service
13. Judge of a court
14. Justice of the peace
15. Legal practitioner (licensed or registered)
16. Magistrate
17. Marriage celebrant licensed or registered under Subdivision C of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961
18. Master of a court
19. Medical practitioner (licensed or registered)
20. Member of Chartered Secretaries Australia
21. Member of Engineers Australia, other than at the grade of student
22. Member of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants
23. Member of the Australian Defence Force with 5 or more years of continuous service
24. Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, or the Institute of Public Accountants
25. Member of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, a state, a territory legislature, or a local government with authority of a state or territory
26. Minister of religion licensed or registered under Subdivision A of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act 1961
27. Nurse (licensed or registered)
28. Optometrist (licensed or registered)
29. Permanent employee of the Commonwealth, state, or local government authority with at least 5 or more years of continuous service
30. Permanent employee of the Australian Postal Corporation with 5 or more years of continuous service
31. Pharmacist (licensed or registered)
32. Physiotherapist (licensed or registered)
33. Police officer
34. Psychologist (licensed or registered)
35. Registered migration agent (where registration is not suspended or subject to a caution)
36. Registrar, or Deputy Registrar, of a court
37. Sheriff
38. Teacher employed on a full-time basis at a school or tertiary education institution
39. Veterinary surgeon (licensed or registered).

Who Cannot Be an Endorser?

Even if someone meets the basic endorser criteria, they may not be eligible. Here are a few things that make people ineligible to provide an endorsement:

• Being a family member or a partner of the applicant.
• Having a relationship of dependency or close family ties.
• Knowing the applicant for less than 12 months
• Not having a current Australian citizenship status
• Not being from the approved profession

Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling Out Form 1195

Although Form 1195 is a brief document, it is important to complete the form carefully to avoid processing delays or other issues with your identity verification. You may seek assistance from an immigration lawyer if required to get proper guidance through the different steps of the process.

Applicant Information Section

Fill this section to provide important personal details. They include full name, date of birth, current residential address, and contact information. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and aligns with the documents you submitted for your application. Pay attention to spellings, date formats, and identity numbers. Any errors or omissions may lead to delays, and false or misleading information may result in rejection.

Note: Before filling out the form, have your photographs and documents ready. Additionally, ensure the endorser is available to complete their part.

Photo Attachment Section

• Submit a passport-style photograph.
• It must be attached in the space provided in the form.
• Do not use tape or staples that obscure the photo.

Endorser Declaration Section

• The individual endorsing the applicant's identity must complete this section.
• They must fill in their full name, occupation, business address, telephone number, and Australian citizenship details.
• They must confirm they have known the applicant for at least 12 months and that the attached photo is a true representation.
• The identity declarant must fill in the details and declaration accurately and sign the form in the space provided.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting a photo that does not meet specifications.
• Using an ineligible endorser
• Omitting essential information from the form.
• Failing to use capital letters wherever required.
• Writing illegibly.
• Submitting an old or digitally altered photograph
• Not consulting an immigration lawyer for clarification where needed.

Identity Photo Requirements

Applicants must use a high-resolution photograph taken within the last six months. The photo must show the applicant's complete face, head, and shoulders.

Photo Size and Background Specifications

Photo Size Specifications:

• Width: 35mm to 40mm
  Height: 45mm to 50mm
• Face: The face (from chin to crown) must measure between 32mm and 36mm.

Background: Neutral or light grey coloured background that contrasts with your face

Head covering: Not permitted except for religious reasons. If worn, it should not cover the face and should be plain with no patterns.

Glasses: Must be removed unless for medical reasons. Should not be tinted (if necessary).

Expression: Neutral expression, eyes open and visible

Position: Full face, front view, centred in the frame

Endorser Signature on Photo

Your endorser must also write the words “This is a true photograph of [full name]” on the back of the image and sign it. The writing must be clear and must not damage or indent the image front.

• Tips for Getting the Right Photo
• Avail of a professional photography service to get a photo that meets Australian passport standards.
• Double-check the background, lighting, and dimensions.
• Do not use photo booths or mobile apps.
• Get the photo printed in high resolution on quality paper.
• Do not leave fingerprints, smudges, marks, or lines on the photo.

Uploading Form 1195 and Photo to ImmiAccount

The form must be uploaded correctly through ImmiAccount. Here is how to do it.

How to Scan and Upload

• Scan the identity documents in black and white or grayscale at 200–300 DPI.
• Log in to your ImmiAccount.
• Locate your Australian citizenship application.
• Select the option to upload supporting documents.
• Choose the appropriate document category, i.e., Identity Declaration – Form 1195.
• Upload the digital version of your photograph provided in this form to your online application under ‘Photograph.’
• Upload the documents.

File Formats and Size Limits

• Acceptable formats include PDF, JPEG, and PNG.
• Each file must not exceed 5 MB in size.

Where to Upload in the Application Process

Submit Form 1195 and the endorsed photo under the section labelled 'Identity Declaration' that appears after you have entered your personal details.

If you miss the upload prompt or need to return later, you can log back into your application.

You may upload supporting documents through ImmiAccount before your application is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a non-Australian citizen as my endorser?

No. The endorser must be an Australian citizen aged 18 or older and employed in an approved occupation.

What if I have not known someone for 12 months?

You must wait until you meet the 12-month requirement with a qualifying person or seek someone else who meets the criteria.

Do babies or minors need Form 1195, too?

Yes. All applicants, including children and infants, are required to submit Form 1195 unless advised otherwise. A parent or guardian must manage the immigration process on behalf of a minor.

Can the same person act as an endorser for multiple applicants in one family?

Yes, provided the endorser meets all requirements and has known each applicant personally for at least 12 months. A separate Form 1195 must be completed for each individual, and each photo must be signed separately.

Need Help with Form 1195?

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, your endorser’s suitability, or how to prepare and submit Form 1195 correctly, our team at Australian Migration Lawyers can assist. Our team can assist you with preparing and submitting your identity declaration as part of your citizenship application.