Form 1022 – Notification of Changes in Circumstances (Australia)

Introduction

Over the years, I’ve helped countless visa applicants who found themselves in stressful situations simply because they didn’t realise they needed to tell Immigration about a change in their personal situation. Whether it was a new relationship, a change of address, or the birth of a child, one common thread connects them all — they hadn’t submitted Form 1022 – Notification of Changes in Circumstances to the Department of Home Affairs.

Many assume that once their visa is lodged or granted, they don’t need to update the Department unless asked. That’s not the case. Australian immigration law places an ongoing duty on both visa applicants and visa holders to keep their information up to date. Ignoring this duty can lead to delays, refusals, or even cancellations.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through what Form 1022 is, when you should use it, how to complete it properly, and what can happen if you don’t. I’ll also share practical examples from real cases to help you understand how even small changes can affect your visa journey. If you’re an international student, a skilled worker, a partner visa applicant, or a protection visa holder — this guide applies to you.

What Is Form 1022?

Form 1022 is an official form issued by the Department of Home Affairs for notifying any change in circumstances that might affect a visa application or an existing visa. This includes changes to your relationship, employment, health, family composition, or any other situation that may influence your visa eligibility or compliance with visa conditions.

Unlike many administrative forms, Form 1022 carries legal significance. When you sign it, you are making a declaration to the Commonwealth of Australia that the information you provide is true and complete. Giving false or misleading information, or failing to provide updates, may constitute an offence under the Migration Act 1958.

Form 1022 can be submitted both online through ImmiAccount and on paper. It’s available as a downloadable PDF on the Home Affairs website under the “Forms and Booklets” section. For applicants who applied through an agent or representative, your migration agent can also submit the update on your behalf.

Why Form 1022 Matters for Every Visa Holder

Many people underestimate the importance of Form 1022 until a problem arises. I’ve seen cases where applicants lost the opportunity to include a new spouse or dependent child because they didn’t inform the Department in time. Others faced serious compliance issues after changing employment without notification.

Form 1022 acts as a safeguard — it keeps your record accurate and protects your integrity as a visa applicant. It signals to the Department that you’re acting in good faith. For the Department, it helps ensure fair and transparent decision-making. For you, it prevents misunderstandings and legal exposure down the track.

For example, if you apply for a Partner Visa while your relationship later breaks down before a decision, notifying that change can save you from a potential ban under section 48 of the Migration Act. Similarly, a Temporary Graduate Visa holder who changes address without notice might miss critical visa correspondence, risking inadvertent non-compliance.

When You Must Notify Home Affairs

You must submit Form 1022 whenever there’s a significant change that affects information you provided in your visa application or current visa record. It applies both before visa grant and after visa grant.

Before Your Visa Is Granted

If your visa application is still under assessment, you are legally obligated to notify any change that might influence the decision. These include relationship status, financial situation, or employment changes. For example, if you’ve been sponsored for a Skilled Visa and your job offer falls through, you must notify the Department immediately. Failing to do so could result in a refusal for “not meeting the genuine position criteria.”

After Your Visa Is Granted

Even after you’ve received your visa, you still have obligations to report certain changes. The most common are address, contact details, or family composition. These updates ensure you continue to meet the conditions of your visa and maintain accurate records for future applications like permanent residency or citizenship.

As a general rule, notify changes within 14 days of their occurrence. If you’re unsure whether a change is “significant,” it’s safer to notify anyway. The Department prefers over-reporting to under-reporting.

Examples of Changes to Report

Below are examples of scenarios I’ve encountered in practice where Form 1022 should have been, or was successfully, used:

• Marriage or Divorce: A client applied for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) while single. He later married overseas. Submitting Form 1022 allowed his spouse to be added as a secondary applicant before grant, avoiding a separate partner application later.
• Birth of a Child: A Student Visa holder gave birth to a baby in Melbourne. By notifying through Form 1022, she ensured her newborn received a bridging visa and Medicare access during the application process.
• Change of Employment: A Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa holder changed employers. Using Form 1022 clarified his status while his new nomination was processed, preventing cancellation for breach of condition 8107.
• Change in Financial Situation: A Working Holiday maker suffered a job loss during COVID-19. Form 1022 was used to explain financial hardship, supporting a temporary extension request.
• Health Updates: A Partner Visa applicant diagnosed with a medical condition disclosed it through Form 1022, showing transparency and maintaining credibility during assessment.

These examples show how timely notification can prevent complications and protect your long-term immigration record.

Form 1022 vs Form 929

Applicants often confuse Form 1022 and Form 929 because both involve notifying changes to Immigration. However, their purposes differ significantly.

In practice, these forms complement each other. If you move to a new address and your family situation changes, you may need to submit both forms. Doing so demonstrates due diligence to Immigration.

How to Complete and Submit Form 1022

Follow this structured process to complete and submit the form correctly:

1. Download the latest version of Form 1022 from the Department of Home Affairs website. Always check the publication date to ensure it’s the most recent.
2. Read the notes carefully. The instructions specify which sections apply depending on whether your visa has been granted or is under process.
3. Fill in your identification details: Include your name, date of birth, and any file or transaction reference number (TRN). These ensure your submission is linked to the correct application.
4. Describe the change in full detail. Be precise — include dates, names, and supporting context. The Department values clarity and completeness.
5. Attach evidence. Upload or attach copies of any relevant documents: marriage certificate, birth certificate, letter from employer, or medical report.
6. Sign and date the declaration. This confirms that your statement is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
7. Submit the form. The preferred method is via your ImmiAccount. Choose the “Update details” function, select “Notification of changes in circumstances,” and upload the completed form and attachments.
8. Keep confirmation records. Always save a PDF or screenshot of your submission acknowledgment.

The Department lists the postal address for submission on its official page for applicants with paper-based applications. Always send via registered post if mailing documents.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

• Failing to provide evidence with the form — unsupported statements delay processing.
• Submitting the form to the wrong visa office — use the contact provided in your acknowledgment letter.
• Using outdated form versions — older forms may omit crucial information.
• Not updating their migration agent — if you have an authorised agent, inform them immediately so they can update the Department too.
• Thinking Form 1022 replaces Form 929 — they serve different legal functions.

Double-check all details before submitting. Even a small error like a misspelled name can cause delays or mismatches in your records.

Form 1022 Submission Checklist

This checklist helps you stay organised and confident that you’ve met your legal obligation to notify Home Affairs properly.

The Legal Framework Behind Form 1022

Sections 101 to 107 of the Migration Act 1958 outline the obligation of visa holders to provide correct information. Section 104 specifically requires applicants to notify the Department of changes that make previous information incorrect. If you fail to notify, the Department may issue a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation under section 107.

Form 1022 provides a mechanism to comply with this legal duty. It also protects applicants from allegations of non-disclosure. Immigration officers rely heavily on documented updates to determine whether an applicant acted in good faith. By lodging Form 1022 promptly, you demonstrate cooperation, which can be critical during complex visa or appeal processes.

What Happens if You Don’t Notify Changes?

Failing to notify can have short- and long-term consequences:

• Visa refusal: The Department may refuse your visa because the information used in assessment was incomplete or outdated.
• Visa cancellation: Under section 107, a visa may be cancelled if the Department believes you deliberately withheld relevant information.
• Character implications: A pattern of non-disclosure can be used to question your honesty and character for future applications.
• Delay in processing: Case officers often place applications on hold pending clarification of discrepancies.

In one case I handled, a skilled applicant failed to declare his marriage and was later refused permanent residency for non-disclosure. By contrast, another client who proactively lodged Form 1022 was commended for transparency and received approval faster. Being proactive almost always leads to a better outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of Form 1022?

It allows applicants and visa holders to notify Immigration about any change in their personal circumstances that may affect visa processing or conditions.

2. How do I lodge Form 1022 online?

Log into ImmiAccount, open your visa application, click “Update Details” and select “Notification of changes in circumstances.” Upload your completed form and supporting evidence in PDF format.

3. What if my change involves a newborn child?

You must complete Form 1022 and include a copy of the birth certificate. The Department will generally issue a Bridging Visa for the baby while processing updates.

4. Should I still submit Form 929 for address updates?

Yes. Use Form 929 for address and passport details, and Form 1022 for life circumstance changes. The Department may require both in combination.

5. How soon must I notify the Department?

Ideally within 14 calendar days. Delays can lead to confusion or suspicion of non-compliance.

6. Can my migration agent submit Form 1022?

Yes. If you have authorised a registered migration agent, they can upload it on your behalf using their ImmiAccount portal.

7. What happens after submission?

The Department will acknowledge receipt and update your record. If the Department needs more information, an officer may contact you directly.

8. What if I made a mistake on the form?

Submit a corrected version with a brief cover letter explaining the error. Transparency is key to avoiding suspicion.

9. Is there any fee for Form 1022?

No, there is no charge for submitting Form 1022. It is a free compliance form.

10. When should I seek legal advice?

Seek advice if your change involves relationship breakdowns, dependent additions, criminal charges, or health disclosures. These can carry serious immigration implications requiring strategic management.

Book a Consultation

If you’re unsure about whether you need to submit Form 1022—or if your circumstances involve complex family, employment, or sponsorship issues—I encourage you to seek advice early. A simple oversight can create major legal consequences.

Book a consultation with me today to discuss your situation in confidence. My team and I can help you prepare your notification, attach the correct evidence, and ensure your compliance with Australian immigration law.

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Legal Disclaimer

By Nilesh Nandan — Australian Immigration Lawyer, MyVisa®️ Immigration Lawyers

This blog is intended for discussion purposes only and does not constitute advice. You should seek independent legal advice before relying on any information provided on this site. Immigration policies, systems, and processes can change without notice. I’d like to know your own experience with the immigration challenges noted above — feel free to contact me.

MyVisa: Nilesh Nandan, Attorney at Law
BBus(Accy) LLB(QUT) GDLP MBA(IntBus)
Head of Practice