Official form guide
Form 956A: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
This form records when someone is authorised to receive documents on behalf of another person from the Department of Home Affairs. You use it if you are appointing a new recipient or formally withdrawing an existing one.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 956A - Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
This form records when someone is authorised to receive documents on behalf of another person from the Department of Home Affairs. You use it if you are appointing a new recipient or formally withdrawing an existing one.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Always ensure the recipient's name matches their official ID exactly.
- 2Not clearly stating 'Appointment' vs. 'Withdrawal'
- 3Using an old or incorrect authorisation number
- 4Missing signatures on the physical copy
- 5Failing to provide the recipient's full date of birth
Plain English
Think of this as letting someone else collect your official paperwork for you with the Department of Home Affairs. It tells them who can act on your behalf regarding visa applications, citizenship matters, and more.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this when there is a change in who is allowed to receive your paperwork. There isn't a fixed deadline unless requested by the Department.
- 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 this form if a new person needs to get mail/documents on your behalf.
- Use it when you want to stop an existing authorised person from receiving documents.
- It covers both appointing someone new and formally taking away authorisation from someone current.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for a visa (e.g., subclass 600)
You need to link the recipient during your main application submission.
✓ Check if your online portal allows immediate addition.
Changing contact details only
If you just update an address, check if that is enough instead of using this form.
✓ Verify the specific requirement for your case.
Revoking all permissions at once
This form handles individual appointments/withdrawals; use it when you need targeted changes.
✓ Ensure the withdrawal covers everyone you wish to remove.
Might require a separate declaration or ImmiAccount function
Deadline or filing window
If you need the change processed urgently, submit this form as soon as possible after the appointment/withdrawal occurs. Check your specific application requirements for any strict cut-off dates.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure the name and DOB of the person you are appointing/withdrawing is 100% correct.
- 2Verify that the relationship between you and the recipient is clearly stated.
- 3Confirm whether you are appointing (adding) or withdrawing (removing) in the relevant box.
- 4Check if your signature matches the name printed on the form.
- 5Make sure you have included all necessary supporting ID copies.
How to file this form
- 1Fill out Section 1 with your personal details clearly.
- 2Complete Section 2 by detailing the action (Appoint or Withdraw) and the recipient's information.
- 3Sign and date the form in the designated signature block.
- 4Attach copies of ID for yourself and, if necessary, the recipient.
- 5Submit the completed package via your preferred method (e.g., ImmiAccount upload or mail to Home Affairs).
Known limitations
- 1This form does not guarantee a visa outcome; it only controls who gets notified about it.
- 2If submitted online, there may be processing delays before the change is reflected in your ImmiAccount.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: The form might require an accompanying letter explaining complex situations.
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->This form officially records when you change who gets documents from the Department of Home Affairs. It is used for setting up or cancelling someone's right to receive your paperwork.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if there are new fields related to digital communication methods.
- Look for updates regarding how 'authorised' is defined (e.g., spouse vs. friend).
- Verify the required supporting document list has not changed since your last submission.
- Confirm if the form now requires a specific date of effect rather than just 'from this date'.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Department of Home Affairs
- SRCForm Number: 956A
- SRCPurpose: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
- SRCContext: Document receipt authorisation for DHA matters
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific processing timeframes.
Common confusion points
People often confuse 'Authorised Recipient' with a general contact person; they are not always the same.
Not confirmed in official source: Not all types of notifications require an authorised recipient (some might go directly to your primary address).
Mistaking the date: Submitting it today but wanting the change to apply next month requires careful dating.
Thinking you can just tell a case officer verbally; always submit the formal 956A.
Source transparency
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