Official form guide
Form 1194: Certification of Immigration Status
This form, the Certification of Immigration Status (Form 1194), officially declares your current immigration standing in Australia. You use it when you need formal proof of your visa status for various purposes.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1194 - Certification of Immigration Status
This form, the Certification of Immigration Status (Form 1194), officially declares your current immigration standing in Australia. You use it when you need formal proof of your visa status for various purposes.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not leave the 'Visa Grant Date' blank; that date is crucial for verification.
- 2Mismatching personal details (e.g., spelling of name).
- 3Failing to tick the correct 'Status Type' box.
- 4Submitting an outdated version of the form.
- 5Not referencing your ImmiAccount number on the submission.
Plain English
Think of this as an official stamp on your residency paperwork from the Department of Home Affairs. It confirms exactly what kind of visa you hold and that it is valid under Australian law. You might need this when applying for a new job or renting a place in Sydney.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when an organisation requests proof of your status or when you are applying for something that requires up-to-date verification. There is no single fixed deadline unless prompted by a specific application.
- 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
- You need official proof for a job application or employer verification.
- A school or university requires confirmation before enrolment.
- A government agency needs to verify your rights (e.g., Centrelink access).
- You are applying for something that demands documented visa status.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for a new visa application
You need proof of current status to support your new application.
✓ Double-check that the date on this form matches your passport details.
Form 1419 (Application for a visa)
Renting property in Australia
Landlords often require this document as proof you are legally allowed to reside here.
✓ Ensure the 'Visa Grant Number' is clearly visible and correct.
Applying for a job with an international company
Employers need it to confirm your right to work under Australian immigration rules.
✓ If you have multiple visas, make sure all relevant statuses are listed on Form 1194.
Dealing with Centrelink or Medicare
Government departments use this to verify eligibility for benefits or services.
✓ Check that the issuing date is recent—ideally within the last three months.
Applying for a loan at an Australian bank
Banks need formal proof of your immigration standing before approving loans.
✓ If you are on a temporary visa, confirm the expiry date listed matches what is in ImmiAccount.
Deadline or filing window
While there isn't one universal deadline, submit it as soon as you are asked for proof of status. If applying for a new visa, submitting early is always safer.
Before you submit
- 1Double-check that you selected the correct 'Type' of certification needed.
- 2Verify the contact details listed are accurate for follow-up.
- 3Confirm the signature space is ready for signing (if printing).
- 4If submitting online via ImmiAccount, check the upload format requirements.
- 5Ensure all required fields marked with an asterisk (*) are completed.
How to file this form
- 1Fill out Section 1: Your Personal Details completely.
- 2Complete Section 2: Visa/Immigration Status details accurately.
- 3Sign and date the form where indicated (if hard copy).
- 4Upload the scanned PDF to your ImmiAccount portal or submit via mail.
- 5If using a service, ensure you select 'Form 1194' specifically.
Known limitations
- 1This form only certifies status at the time of issue; it does not guarantee future status.
- 2It may not replace proof required by specific state bodies (e.g., WorkSafe Victoria).
- 3The validity period is noted on the document, so check that date carefully.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: Whether this form can be used for tax purposes alone.
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->This Certification of Immigration Status (Form 1194) provides formal proof of your current visa standing with the Department of Home Affairs. It confirms what you are allowed to do in Australia right now.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the issuing date to ensure it is recent.
- Verify the specific visa subclass listed matches your actual granted visa.
- Confirm the expiry/end date of your current immigration status.
- Look for any noted changes regarding temporary vs. permanent residency declaration.
- Ensure all personal details (name, DOB) match your passport exactly.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by Department of Home Affairs.
- SRCForm Number is officially 1194.
- SRCPurpose: Certification of Immigration Status.
- SRCUse often required for Australian employment verification.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Visa Grant Date' with 'Arrival Date'.
Not knowing which specific visa subclass to list (e.g., 485 vs. 189).
Thinking this form covers citizenship when you only have a temporary visa.
Using the wrong date format (DD/MM/YYYY vs MM/DD/YYYY).
Source transparency
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