Official form guide
Form 1281: Australian values statement
This form is the 'Australian values statement' (Form 1281) issued by the Department of Home Affairs. You use it to formally declare your alignment with core Australian national values. It helps process applications for various visas or residency purposes.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1281 - Australian values statement
This form is the 'Australian values statement' (Form 1281) issued by the Department of Home Affairs. You use it to formally declare your alignment with core Australian national values. It helps process applications for various visas or residency purposes.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't just sign—ensure you have ticked the boxes that match your actual beliefs!
- 2Not ticking all relevant values
- 3Submitting an outdated version of Form 1281
- 4Failing to upload the form via ImmiAccount
- 5Stating a value you don't genuinely believe in
Plain English
Think of this as a declaration card telling the government you believe in key Aussie principles—things like fairness, multiculturalism, and respect. When filling out forms for immigration, you might need to tick boxes confirming these values. It’s a simple way to show your commitment to Australia.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You usually submit this when prompted during an online application process with the Department of Home Affairs. There is no universal deadline; it depends on your specific visa timeline.
- 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 to formally declare your commitment to core Australian national values.
- It is required when applying for certain visas or residency statuses.
- Use it if a specific application stream asks for proof of alignment (not confirmed in official source).
- This form confirms your personal stance on key Australian principles.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for Skilled Visa (e.g., subclass 189)
Used as supporting evidence of character/values alignment
✓ Check if the online portal prompts you specifically.
Applying for Partner Visa (e.g., subclass 820/801)
Sometimes required alongside relationship evidence
✓ Confirm requirements with your specific visa stream page.
Applying via an employer sponsorship
Often needed to satisfy sponsor obligations
✓ Verify if the sponsoring body requires it.
General Residency Application
Use this when no other specific values form is listed
✓ It covers general declarations.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed date unless specified in your application checklist. Submit it as soon as possible to keep your visa processing moving smoothly.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure your full name matches your passport exactly.
- 2Verify the date of birth is correct and matches supporting documents.
- 3Read every section carefully before ticking or signing.
- 4Confirm you have clearly ticked all relevant boxes regarding your values alignment.
- 5Sign and date the form if printing, or ensure digital signature fields are complete.
- 6Check that any required declaration statements are fully completed.
- 7Not confirmed in official source: Ensure the correct application ID is referenced.
How to file this form
- 1Download Form 1281 from the Department of Home Affairs website.
- 2Fill out all sections using clear, legible handwriting or typing.
- 3Review the statement section to ensure your declaration is explicit.
- 4Sign and date the form (or complete the digital signature process).
- 5Scan or photograph the completed form clearly.
- 6Upload the document into your ImmiAccount portal when lodging your application.
Known limitations
- 1This form alone does not guarantee visa approval; it is one piece of evidence.
- 2The specific values you declare might need to align with the requirements of your *specific* visa subclass.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: The acceptance criteria for Form 1281 vary by application stream.
- 4If applying online, ensure the form is correctly linked to your ImmiAccount submission.
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 1281 is the current declaration for stating your alignment with Australian values. Check ImmiAccount or the Department of Home Affairs website for any recent updates to this form.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for changes in the definition of 'Australian Values' themselves.
- Ensure the Department of Home Affairs logo and branding are current.
- Verify the official Form 1281 number remains unchanged.
- Confirm if there are new required supporting documents listed on the form.
- Not confirmed in official source: Check for changes to submission method (e.g., digital vs paper).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCAgency: Department of Home Affairs
- SRCForm Number: 1281
- SRCPurpose: Formal declaration of Australian values alignment
- SRCContext: Used for various visa/residency applications
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific required submission method (online vs. paper)
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Whether it is mandatory or optional for all streams.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Australian Values' with general good citizenship—it requires a formal declaration of alignment.
Not knowing *when* to use it; some applications might imply the values without asking for Form 1281 specifically.
Mistaking this form for an application for Australian Citizenship itself (though related).
Failing to sign/date when submitting a hard copy, leading to administrative delays.
Not updating the form if your personal circumstances regarding national values have recently changed.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
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