July 18 2025
Form 1195 Identity Declaration: Why It’s Essential for Your Visa Application

Applying for an Australian visa is a process that requires precise documentation and adherence to Immigration requirements. Among the key supporting documents is the Form 1195 Identity Declaration, which plays a vital role in verifying your identity as part of your visa application.

Understanding how critical each step of your visa journey is can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome. Tailored support from qualified migration professionals can help individuals navigate identity verification requirements smoothly and ensure that documents, including Form 1195, are submitted accurately.

What Is Form 1195 Identity Declaration?

Form 1195 Identity Declaration is a mandatory form issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. It is used to confirm an individual’s identity when applying for Australian citizenship, visas, or other immigration-related processes. This form must be completed by both the applicant and an authorised person who can declare and verify the applicant’s identity.

Whether you’re applying for a student visa, skilled migration, or partner visa, the 1195 identity declaration form may be requested to verify that your identity documents and photo are genuine and match your application details.

Who Needs to Submit Form 1195?

While not every visa applicant will be asked to submit this form, Form 1195 Identity Declaration is usually required when you are:

  • Applying for Australian citizenship
  • Applying for a visa where facial image verification is necessary
  • Requested to provide one by the Department of Home Affairs

For many visa categories processed through the ImmiAccount system, you may receive a notification from the department asking for this specific form as part of the character or identity verification process. This form is particularly common in applications that require facial image uploads and identity validation, such as partner and skilled visas.

What Does the Identity Declaration Form 1195 Require?

The identity declaration form 1195 consists of two parts:

  1. Part A – To be completed by the applicant
    The applicant provides personal details including:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Citizenship or visa type
  • Contact information
  1. Part B – To be completed by an authorised referee
    This section must be filled by someone who has known the applicant personally for at least 12 months and belongs to a prescribed occupational category. The referee must:
  • Verify the applicant’s identity
  • Confirm the applicant’s photograph
  • Sign the form
  • Provide their own details and qualification

The applicant must also submit a passport-size photograph, certified by the referee, and ensure that all details match the information provided on the visa or citizenship application.

Who Can Be a Referee for Form 1195?

Expert individuals in specific professional roles can act as authorised referees. These include:

  • Registered medical practitioners
  • Legal practitioners
  • Engineers
  • Accountants (CPA/CA/IPA)
  • Teachers employed full-time
  • Police officers
  • Public servants (with 5+ years of service)

The referee must:

  • Be an Australian citizen
  • Not be related to you
  • Not live at the same address
  • Have known you personally for at least 12 months

Failure to provide a referee who meets the eligibility criteria can lead to delays or rejection of your visa application.

Why Is the 1195 Identity Declaration Form Important?

The 1195 identity declaration form acts as a formal confirmation that the applicant is who they claim to be. The Australian Department of Home Affairs places significant importance on identity verification, particularly to prevent fraud, identity theft, and false claims in citizenship or visa applications.

In many visa types, such as partner visas, permanent residency applications, and skilled migration, the photograph submitted via the Form 1195 Identity Declaration is used by the Department to cross-check against your passport and any past travel history. If discrepancies are found, your application may be delayed or refused.

Providing an accurate and correctly filled form 1195 identity declaration is essential to keeping your application on track and avoiding unnecessary complications with immigration authorities.

How Professional Experts Assists with Identity Declaration Form 1195

Experts go beyond general advice. Their consultants work closely with clients to ensure that their identity declaration form 1195 is completed with precision and in line with Australian immigration expectations.

Here’s how professional assistance can guide you through the process:

1. Verifying Eligibility of Referee

They assist in determining whether your chosen referee meets the Home Affairs eligibility criteria. This helps avoid delays caused by selecting a referee who is not recognised by the department.

2. Photo and Document Review

Professional guidance can help ensure your photographs for Form 1195 meet the strict requirements regarding size, clarity, and proper referee certification. They make sure that your photo is to the standard of biometric matching of Home Affairs.

3. Form Completion Support

Accurate form completion and thorough review can prevent issues like name mismatches or omissions that may trigger scrutiny from immigration officers.

4. On time Submission Coordination

Form 1195 can be ordered under time sensitive situations. Proper deadline management and coordination ensure your Form 1195 and photograph are submitted to ImmiAccount or the relevant authority on time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Form 1195

Most visa candidates suffer a set-back merely due to the presence of errors that could have been avoided. The following are the widespread mistakes that which you should avoid:

  • Applying a foreigner referee who is not an Australian citizen
  • Sending a blurry or out-dated photograph
  • Form signatures can be more than six months old.
  • Leaving out the job occupation of the referee or avoiding his signature
  • Handing in the photo that is not certified by the referee

 Choose a Trusted Visa Partner

From student visas to skilled migration and permanent residency, professional migration services can guide you through each step of the process in alignment with your goals.

A strong understanding of visa processing requirements also ensures that you stay informed about necessary documentation, including important forms like the Identity Declaration Form 1195.

A personalised approach, close attention to detail, and consistent follow-up can make a meaningful difference from the initial application stage to the final decision. Clear, step-by-step guidance simplifies complex immigration procedures and helps applicants move forward with confidence.

Book Your Free Consultation

If you’ve received a request to submit the Form 1195 Identity Declaration or are unsure whether it’s needed for your visa pathway, connect with the team of experts for professional support.

We offer a free consultation to help you understand your documentation requirements, visa eligibility, and how to navigate the process with confidence.

Form 1195 Identity Declaration might seem like a small part of your application, but in reality, it holds significant weight in proving your identity to Australian immigration. Book Your Consultation today.