Official form guide
Form 1025i: Making and processing visa applications
Form 1025i is an information sheet from the Department of Home Affairs that explains the steps for making a visa application and how the Department processes it. Use it when you are preparing to lodge any Australian visa application.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1025i - Making and processing visa applications
Form 1025i is an information sheet from the Department of Home Affairs that explains the steps for making a visa application and how the Department processes it. Use it when you are preparing to lodge any Australian visa application.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to inform the Department of an address change is a common error.
- 2Using the wrong visa class
- 3Leaving out required personal identifiers
- 4Not notifying a change of residential address
- 5Missing the deadline for additional information
Plain English
The form tells you which visa class you need, whether to use a paper form or the online portal, what personal details to include, and how to pay any charge. It also covers what to do if you move, need to give extra information, or are asked to attend an interview.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form when you are ready to lodge your visa application. Notify the Department of any address change before you move if you will be away for more than 14 days, and meet any dates set for extra information or interview.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you are preparing to lodge any Australian visa application.
- If you need to understand payment requirements and accepted methods.
- When you must notify the Department of a residential address change of 14 days or more.
- If you may be invited to give additional information, attend an interview, or comment on third‑party information.
- To learn the consequences of overstaying or having a visa cancelled.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for a protection visa
Protection visas have separate eligibility rules
✓ Verify visa subclass requirements before using this sheet
Applying for a bridging visa while in detention
Detention status affects eligibility
✓ Check detention‑specific guidance first
Applying for a sponsored visitor visa
Sponsored visitor visas have sponsorship obligations
✓ Confirm sponsor requirements before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
You must tell the Department of a new address before moving if you will be away for more than 14 days. Any invitation to give extra information or attend an interview comes with a set deadline you must meet.
Before you submit
- 1Complete the application in English.
- 2Answer every question truthfully.
- 3Provide originals or certified copies of all required documents.
- 4Include your full name as in the application.
- 5Include your date of birth.
- 6Add your departmental client number, or file/receipt number if you have none.
- 7If applying outside Australia, note the name of the office where you applied.
- 8Attach payment (credit card, bank cheque or money order) as required.
- 9Notify the Department of any residential address change lasting more than 14 days before you move.
How to file this form
- 1Gather all required documents and certified copies.
- 2Fill out the visa application in English, using your client/file/receipt number.
- 3Prepare the payment – credit card preferred for Australian lodgements.
- 4Submit the application (online via ImmiAccount or at the designated Australian office).
- 5Keep the receipt and any reference numbers for future communication.
Known limitations
- 1You cannot apply if you do not hold a substantive visa and have had a visa cancelled or refused since arriving in Australia.
- 2A visa granted on a condition that you cannot hold a substantive visa while in Australia blocks further applications.
- 3Holding a sponsored visitor visa, being in immigration detention, or having previously applied for a protection visa may prevent new applications.
- 4Visa charges are generally non‑refundable if the application is unsuccessful.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 1025i was designed in Jan 2019 and remains the current information sheet that explains how visa applications are made and processed.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form design date is 01/19 (Jan 2019).
- Check that credit card is the preferred payment method in Australia.
- Verify address‑change notice rule (must inform before moving >14 days).
- Review interview attendance requirement and deadline for additional information.
- Ensure you have the correct departmental client number, file number or receipt number.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm design date 01/19confirmed in source.
- SRCPayment methods (credit card preferred, bank cheque, money order)confirmed.
- SRCRequirement to complete application in Englishconfirmed.
- SRCNeed to answer all questions truthfullyconfirmed.
- SRCOriginals or certified copies required unless advised otherwiseconfirmed.
- SRCAddress change notice rule (≥14 days)confirmed.
- SRCInterview attendance requirementconfirmed.
- SRCLimitations on applications (no substantive visa, etc.)confirmed.
- SRCContact details (www.homeaffairs.gov.au, 131 881)confirmed.
Common confusion points
Assuming the visa charge will be refunded if the application fails.
Leaving the address change notice until after moving.
Thinking an interview is optional rather than mandatory.
Providing documents that are not originals or certified copies.
Missing the deadline to comment on third‑party information.
Using a payment method not accepted in the applicant’s location.
Believing the information sheet itself is the visa application form.
Source transparency
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