Official form guide
Form 1281: Australian values statement
The Australian values statement (Form 1281) is a declaration form where applicants confirm they will respect Australian values and laws. It is typically required as part of visa applications or citizenship processes where applicants need to demonstrate commitment to Australian society.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1281 - Australian values statement
The Australian values statement (Form 1281) is a declaration form where applicants confirm they will respect Australian values and laws. It is typically required as part of visa applications or citizenship processes where applicants need to demonstrate commitment to Australian society.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not signing the form in the designated signature box.
- 2Not signing the form in the correct place
- 3Not dating the form
- 4Not understanding the values being referenced
- 5Submitting an incomplete form
Plain English
This form asks you to promise you'll follow Australian values and laws if you're planning to live, work, or study in Australia. It's a simple statement showing you understand what's important to Australian society.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You'll need to submit this form as part of your visa application or citizenship application process, usually at the time you lodge your main 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
- Use this form when applying for most temporary or permanent visas
- Required for citizenship applications
- Necessary for some partner visa applications
- May be required for certain employer-sponsored visas
- Not needed for visitor visa subclasses 600 or 651
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Partner visa application
Different requirements for partner visas
✓ Check if your visa subclass requires this specific form
Citizenship application
Citizenship has its own values statement
✓ Verify which form is correct for your citizenship path
Student visa application
Student visas may need additional documentation
✓ Check if your education provider needs additional forms
Employer-sponsored visa
Some employer visas have supplementary forms
✓ Confirm with your employer if additional forms are needed
Deadline or filing window
The Australian values statement must be submitted with your main application; there is no separate deadline as it's part of your primary application timeline.
Before you submit
- 1The form is completely filled out
- 2All signatures are in the correct places
- 3The form is dated
- 4You've included the form with your main application
- 5You've used the most current version of the form
- 6All information matches your other application documents
How to file this form
- 1Download the current Form 1281 from the Department of Home Affairs website
- 2Read the values statement carefully to understand what you're committing to
- 3Sign and date the form in the designated areas
- 4Submit the form with your main application through ImmiAccount or by mail
Known limitations
- 1This form only covers the values statement requirement
- 2It doesn't replace other specific forms required for your visa type
- 3The form doesn't explain what Australian values mean in detail
- 4Some visa subclasses may have additional requirements beyond this statement
- 5The form must be physically signed; electronic signatures may not be accepted
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 1281 is the current version of the Australian values statement required by the Department of Home Affairs. Always check the department's website for any updates before submitting.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that you're using Form 1281 and not an older version
- Verify the current list of Australian values hasn't changed
- Confirm if any additional declarations are now required
- Ensure the form is signed and dated correctly
- Check if digital signatures are now accepted for online applications
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number: 1281 issued by Department of Home Affairs
- SRCPurpose: Australian values statement for visa and citizenship applications
- SRCSubmission method: Through ImmiAccount or with paper applications
- SRCCurrent status: Active form as of latest available information
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific list of Australian values on the form
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Exact list of visa subclasses requiring this form
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Processing times for applications including this form
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with other Department of Home Affairs forms
Not understanding which Australian values are being referenced
Thinking the form alone is sufficient for the application
Uncertainty about whether digital signatures are accepted
Not realizing some visa subclasses have their own versions
Misunderstanding the consequences of not signing correctly
Confusing this with the Australian citizenship test
Source transparency
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