Form 1195 – Complete Guide to the Australian Citizenship Identity Declaration

Introduction

Every Australian citizenship application must satisfy one key requirement — proof of your true identity. While passports, birth certificates, and visas provide evidence, the Department of Home Affairs needs an additional safeguard. That safeguard is Form 1195 – Identity Declaration. As a practising immigration lawyer for more than two decades, I’ve helped thousands of clients navigate this form. Yet, I still encounter many cases delayed or refused simply because Form 1195 was incorrectly filled, unsigned, or certified by someone ineligible to act as a referee.

This form might appear routine, but it plays a crucial role in confirming that the applicant pictured is indeed the same person applying for citizenship. Without a valid Form 1195, the Department cannot verify your identity, and your citizenship application cannot proceed. This comprehensive guide explains the form’s structure, the importance of each section, how to select an approved referee, and how to ensure your application is accepted the first time.

Unlike other forms, Form 1195 serves as a bridge between documentation and trust. It brings human verification into an administrative process that is otherwise document-driven. I’ll also discuss real cases where simple oversights caused significant delays — and how careful attention can help you avoid them.

Purpose of Form 1195

Form 1195 – Identity Declaration is required for anyone applying for Australian citizenship or evidence of citizenship. The form’s purpose is straightforward but vital: it verifies the identity of the applicant through a trusted Australian citizen referee. The Department uses this declaration to ensure that photographs, biographical details, and identity documents correspond with a genuine individual.

Every applicant, regardless of age, must submit their own Form 1195. Even infants and minors applying through their parents require a separate, signed identity declaration. The form is not merely an administrative extra — it’s an essential anti-fraud mechanism underpinning Australia’s citizenship integrity framework.

For most applicants, Form 1195 is used together with either:

• Form 1300t – Application for Australian Citizenship (General Eligibility), or
• Form 1290 – Application for Australian Citizenship (Other Situations).

Because these forms are used for different categories, your Form 1195 must match the personal details listed in whichever application you lodge. Even a minor discrepancy in your name, date of birth, or address can trigger verification delays.

Why the Identity Declaration Matters

Australia’s citizenship system is built on strict standards of identity assurance. The Department verifies applicants using multiple layers of evidence — Form 1195 is the final human layer. The referee signing this form is, in effect, vouching for your honesty and identity. That is why only specific occupations are approved and why the referee must be an Australian citizen who has known you personally for at least 12 months.

The form ensures:

• Photographs submitted belong to the same person named in the citizenship application.
• Identity details are validated by a trustworthy Australian citizen with a professional standing.
• Fraud and impersonation risks are minimised, maintaining the integrity of citizenship records.

Failing to provide this form correctly signed and endorsed can lead to administrative holds, additional correspondence, or outright rejection. The Department’s officers will not begin assessing your application until a valid Form 1195 is on file.

Who Can Complete and Sign Form 1195

Only certain individuals can act as referees. To qualify, your referee must:

• Be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older;
• Have known you personally for at least 12 months;
• Not be related to you by birth, marriage, or de facto relationship;
• Be currently employed in an approved profession; and
• Be willing and available to be contacted by the Department if required.

Approved professions include doctors, accountants, lawyers, teachers, engineers, police officers, nurses, and several others. The Department publishes the full list within the official Form 1195 (PDF). It’s always wise to double-check that your referee’s occupation appears on the current list before submitting.

It is not enough for your referee to hold a senior job or a professional title; they must meet all five conditions above. I’ve seen many otherwise well-prepared applications delayed because the referee wasn’t an Australian citizen or had known the applicant for less than 12 months.

Remember: a referee is making a legal declaration. Providing false or misleading information, even unintentionally, can result in penalties for both you and the referee.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Completing Form 1195

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your form is accepted without delay:

1. Download the official form directly from the Home Affairs website to ensure you’re using the most up-to-date version. Avoid third-party sources.
2. Complete Section A – Applicant details. Enter your full legal name, date of birth, current address, and contact information exactly as they appear on your citizenship application and identity documents.
3. Attach two identical passport-style photographs. They must be less than six months old, on a light background, and show the full face and shoulders. Write your name clearly on the back of each photo.
4. Provide your referee with the form and photos. The referee completes Section B by hand. They must sign and date the form, write “This is a true photograph of [full name]” on one photo, and sign beneath that statement.
5. Check legibility. The Department rejects forms that are smudged, incomplete, or digitally signed.
6. Keep copies. Scan the completed form and both photos for your records. Lost originals can cause weeks of delay.
7. Submit correctly. Upload the scanned version to your ImmiAccount if lodging online, or attach the original to your paper application if mailing.

Tip: Do not staple or glue your photos directly to the form unless the Department’s instructions specify this. Use a paperclip or small envelope to avoid damage.

Supporting Documents and Photo Rules

Form 1195 complements other identity documents like passports, birth certificates, and driver licences. However, it is not a substitute for these documents. The Department uses Form 1195 to cross-check your photographic likeness against these identity proofs.

Photograph Requirements:

• Colour photos taken within the last six months.
• Plain light background (white, grey, or cream preferred).
• No shadows, filters, or digital alterations.
• Show the head and shoulders clearly, with the face centred.
• Printed on high-quality photographic paper.

Your referee must endorse one photo exactly as follows: “This is a true photograph of [applicant’s full name]” followed by their signature and date. Failure to include this exact wording is one of the most common reasons Form 1195 is returned for correction.

Form 1195 vs Form 1300t vs Form 1290

Many clients ask whether Form 1195 replaces their main citizenship application form. The answer is no — it supplements it. Below is a comparison showing the differences:

All three forms operate together in confirming eligibility and identity. Think of Form 1195 as the authentication layer sitting on top of your citizenship documentation.

Common Mistakes and Case Studies

Having reviewed thousands of citizenship files, I have observed recurring issues involving Form 1195. Here are some examples that illustrate the importance of accuracy:

• Incorrect Referee Occupation: A client submitted the form signed by a family friend who worked in an unlisted profession. The case was returned, adding three months to processing time.
• Digital Signatures: Some referees use digital stamps or typed signatures, but the Department requires handwritten ink. Such submissions are automatically rejected.
• Outdated Forms: Applicants occasionally download old forms from search engines instead of the Department’s website. Always check the footer for the current year.
• Missing Name on Photograph: Forgetting to write the applicant’s name on the back of the photo is a common error that prevents verification.

Case Example: One family applied for citizenship for their child but failed to provide a Form 1195 signed by a referee who had known the child personally. Because the referee only knew the parents, the form was deemed invalid. The Department requested a replacement, delaying approval by five months. Simple details like this can make or break your application timeline.

At MyVisa, we often assist clients by reviewing every section of the form before submission. We also prepare a short covering statement summarising compliance with identity requirements — a small step that helps case officers assess applications faster and with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form 1195 used for?

Form 1195 is used to confirm your identity and photograph for Australian citizenship or evidence of citizenship. It must be signed by an approved referee and accompany your application.

2. Can I fill Form 1195 online?

No. The Department requires a handwritten signature by the referee. You can, however, scan and upload the completed form when lodging your application online through ImmiAccount.

3. Who can act as my referee?

Your referee must be an Australian citizen working in an approved occupation who has known you personally for at least 12 months. They cannot be related to you or living at the same address.

4. What if my referee is overseas?

They may sign if they are still Australian citizens, but communication delays may occur. Provide accurate contact details in case verification is required.

5. Do children need their own Form 1195?

Yes. Each applicant, regardless of age, must submit their own identity declaration form and photographs.

6. Can I use the same referee for multiple family members?

Yes, provided the referee has personally known each individual for at least 12 months and is willing to complete a separate form for each applicant.

7. How long is the form valid?

Generally six months from the date the referee signs it. If your citizenship process exceeds this period, the Department may request an updated form.

8. What happens if I submit an incomplete form?

The Department will write to you requesting correction. However, this pauses processing. Always double-check before submission to avoid delays.

9. Is Form 1195 required for evidence of citizenship applications?

Yes, it’s required whenever an identity declaration is necessary to issue or reissue a citizenship certificate.

Book a Consultation

Completing Form 1195 correctly is a small but critical step toward Australian citizenship. A minor oversight — such as using an ineligible referee or mismatched photo — can delay your application for months. As a registered lawyer with over 20 years of experience in immigration and citizenship law, I can ensure your submission meets all legal standards and Departmental expectations.

If you’re uncertain about who can sign your form, how to attach photographs, or what supporting evidence to provide, don’t leave it to chance. Book a consultation today to get personalised legal guidance and peace of mind for your application.