Form 1022 – Notification of Changes in Circumstances (Australia)
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.
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.
| Aspect | Form 1022 | Form 929 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Notify changes in circumstances (relationship, employment, health, dependants) | Notify changes in address, contact, or passport details |
| Use Case | When your life circumstances change and may affect visa status | When your residence or passport details change |
| Example | Getting married, changing jobs, or having a baby | Moving house or renewing your passport |
| Form Type | Form 1022 (Notification of changes in circumstances) | Form 929 (Change of address or passport details) |
| Submission | Through ImmiAccount or by post | Through ImmiAccount or email |
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:
- 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.
- Read the notes carefully. The instructions specify which sections apply depending on whether your visa has been granted or is under process.
- 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.
- Describe the change in full detail. Be precise — include dates, names, and supporting context. The Department values clarity and completeness.
- Attach evidence. Upload or attach copies of any relevant documents: marriage certificate, birth certificate, letter from employer, or medical report.
- Sign and date the declaration. This confirms that your statement is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- 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.
- Keep confirmation records. Always save a PDF or screenshot of your submission acknowledgment.
For applicants with paper-based applications, the postal address for submission is listed on the Department’s official page. 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
| Step | Action | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download the current version of Form 1022 from Home Affairs website | ☐ |
| 2 | Read instructions carefully | ☐ |
| 3 | Complete personal details (Part A) | ☐ |
| 4 | Describe change in circumstances (Part B) | ☐ |
| 5 | Attach supporting evidence (if required) | ☐ |
| 6 | Sign and date declaration | ☐ |
| 7 | Submit through ImmiAccount or post | ☐ |
| 8 | Save submission confirmation | ☐ |
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. Both may be required 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 further information is needed, 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.
48 Responses
Hi lawyers,
What steps do I need to take to book a consultation?
Hi Jack,
You can book a consultation with me by visiting [myvisa.com.au/appointment](https://myvisa.com.au/appointment).
For complex matters, please schedule a formal consultation. For simpler queries, you’re welcome to use my 10-minute service.
Looking forward to helping you further! 😊
Regards,
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer & Special Counsel
MyVisa® Immigration Law Advisory
https://myvisa.com.au/
Hi. I applied a transit visa on 7 of November. But I need to do fingerprinting on 28 of November. but I have to summit the biometric letter within 14days. Will be late. sorry, where shall I send the letter to explained why summbit the biometric late.
Thank you
How to fill out the form of change of location and new address to a third country?
Can I use 1022 form for 491,189,190 visas if my martial status change
Sir
How long does australian home affairs take to update the change of circumstances form that we submitted.
I had posted a 1022 form, on August 04 2023. I have not received any update. Please advise.
Dear sire
I am maiwand shirzad from Afghanistan
I have received Acknowledgement latter (Humanitarian (Class XB) visa) on date , 04-02-2022
up to now i haven’t received any updates even i have sent our passports .
what should i do ?
can i migrate to a neighbor counters (pakistan or iran) because in our country situation you know better , there is no embassy of Australian
I got my tourist visa approved, however I got married after 2 months. Do I need to to withdraw my current visa and apply for a new one or do I just change the circumstances even though my current visa is already granted?
Hey sir please what should I do- I got my Visa approval (500 visa) to Australia on 9 March and I got married on 19 March now I am in Australia how do I update my status to include my husband so he can come over
Hey sir please what should I do on my case as I got my Visa lodged and got approved for student (Subclass 500) to Australia December, 2022.
I was married before when I first entered Australia with my partner as student in 2016 and then by 2021 we separated our visa. I was on my own and on the way I met a guy and now we are married. We got married last May,2023 and we wish to apply for visa but i have been granted Student visa on Dec 2022 and at that time he was my boyfriend so I declared as separated believing that it was talking about my ex-husband. But now I want to change my situation ( relation to Married) so need your assistance. How can we proceed and what’s our chances?
I applied Student VISA and I’am now Granted. I want yo update my Immi Account as de facto since I was not able to declare it during my application. What form should I fill up? Is it still form 1022?
Hello sir,
i am here in Australia carrying a Student Visa (500) and my partner is in my home country (Bhutan) and i want to bring him here in Australia. So for that i have completed filing up the form 1022. We want to do his visa process in the consultancy in Bhutan. Now the problem here is I don’t know where to submit or post the form. like whom should i contact for this.
Thank you.
Hello I want to update my twin newborns. I have filled form 1022 but I dont know on which address I should send it to. Please help if you can
Hey sir please what should I do- I got my Visa approval (500 visa) to Australia on 21jan and I got married on 21 Feb now I am in Australia how do I update my status to include my husband so he can come over
Hi Nilesh,
I am currently holding 485 visa and got married in my country 7 months ago. I need to update my change of circumstance / form 1022 in immiaccount. But there’s mo option fir that ( only available option is address/passport change detali).
Can you please help me in this case?
Hi,
Did you find where to submit Form 1022?Any address or email please let me know
nadee
I would like to know where I should send this application after filling it in digitally. cheers
I want to know where I should send this application form after filling.
Regards
Hello sir ,
I have changed my first name in Australia through BDM.
I’m a permanent resident here. Planning to apply for Austral citizen ship next month. My Indian passport hasn’t updated with my new name. Is it okay to apply citizenship without changing my name in my passport. Also do I have to update to Home affairs department about my name change. Which form do I have to use. Your reply shall be highly appreciated.
Good morning, thanks for the sharing. One of my friend (student visa 500) holders, is going to marry this Wed. He needs to fill the form 1022 and he wonders how to give the form to immigration? Thank you.
I got married after I was granted visa subclass 500. I have not as yet travelled to Australia. It’s been a year since i got my visa and it’s been 06 months since i got married. What should I do? Do i need to inform DEpartment of home affairs before travelling to Australia. What if i inform them after travelling to Australia? Please help and guide. Thanks
Hi!
I am waiting for a process of 408 covid-19visa which is not granted yet. To be specific, I submitted a form on 2nd September before mature of my previous (500 visa) which was 9th September.
I ‘ve employed in a critical sector such as hospitality industry (restaurant) and would like to change a venue with employer.
In that case, should i submit a form of changes of circumstances or should I cancel a application and submit a new application before the visa approves?!
I
I got a sponsor in Australia to apply under CSP (community support program). he lodged an visa application for me on February 2020 . My application is not assessed yet and at the moment he can not be my sponsor anymore and would like to change the sponsor. Is it possible by filling out form 1022?
Please kindly advise me ASAP
Hi sir,
I have sponsored my fiancee for PMV 300 over a year now, however, we are not engaged anymore, she has not approved visa yet. I would like to inform the imm that we are not together anymore and I wish to cancel my scholarship for her. which form do I need to sumbit. and how will she be inform of the visa or sponsorshipe cancellation ?
I lodge an application for 485, two years ago. I was in a relationship with somebody that year and I include him in my visa, he was overseas when that happened so he was listed as a dependant. The situation changed and he never came back. He never got a visa issued under my visa, but we never notified IMMI. 1.5 years after I met someone and we want to get married and apply for partner visa. Would this affect my application?
You can’t change what has happened in the past.
It seems that you are now the holder of a 485 visa and there has been no 485 visa granted to your former partner.
I would proceed to lodge a fresh partner visa sponsored by your current partner, making sure that all answers are correct. I expect you’ll be ok if you meet the standard time of application criteria.
Should you wish to get specific advice about your circumstances from me, you can book in a consultation with me.
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer
MyVisa®
I am currently on BVA for a couple of years – Visa 866. I have met now my partner -Aussie born citizen, been living together for two years. I am thinking of applying for a Partner visa. My question is; will this affect the possibility of being granted a Partner visa?
Dear Shyna
Thank you for contacting MyVisa®.
Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to lodge a partner visa application with your Australian Citizen Partner.
Please note the following information:
* You should withdraw your 866 Visa application shortly after you lodge your partner visa application. Your withdrawal will be effective when the withdrawal notice is received by the delegate who will decide the application.
* Depending on when your bridging visa was granted, your bridging visa will either expire 28 days (lodged before 19 November 2016) or 35 days (lodged after 19 November 2016) after the application has been withdrawn.
* Since you are the holder of a bridging visa, you will be required to meet additional requirements (schedule 3) in order to be eligible for the Partner Visa but this can be done on the basis that your protection claims are in fact genuine and do not allow you to go offshore to lodge.
Should you wish to get specific advice about your circumstances from me, you can book in a consultation with me here.
https://myvisa.com.au/book
Please do let me know if you would like a quote partner visa as well as the schedule 3 submission noting that partner visa laws are about to change in the very near future!
Regards
Nilesh Nandan
Immigration Lawyer
MyVisa®
Dear Nilesh, I have been granted a 485 visa three years ago. I have left Australia two years ago. 1. Do I need to notify the department that I have left and update my new home address, which is outside Australia? And how? 2. Whether notifying my left will affect my current visa? I may come back to Australia later but currently not sure when. I saw the 1022 form indicates that you do not have to notify the department of any changes in your circumstances that occurred after you were granted your visa. 3. My visa has a 8501 condition, which claims that I need to maintain a health insurance while I’m in Australia. Since I have left Australia for two years, do I need to pay the insurance?
Hello Nilesh Sir,
I hope you are well, I wanted to know about the circumstance change form. I have applied for the offshore humanitarian visa Class XB. currently, I have a newborn baby how to add him to my application?
please help me in this regard.
It is difficult to advise you on this without further discussion.
I am currently on 485 visa, I am the primary applicant. I have separated with my spouse. How do I notify of my change in circumstance? I tried through IMMI but I couldn’t find where to update it. I no longer want my dependent in my visa. How can I remove my dependent from my visa? Thank you
I am on 489 regional skilled visa. I got married after the grant before coming to australia. And condition 8515 was not on my visa. So I got married and came here. Now I have applied subsequent entrant 489 for my wife and kid. My question is do I need to i for DOHA about my relationship status? If yes how ?
Hi
I applied for citizenship by conferral 3 months ago. and in the section of
Does the applicant intend to depart Australia within the next 12 months?
I entered this information:
Yes
Purpose of travel: Getting Married
Proposed date of departure
from Australia:
26 Oct 2020
Length of proposed absence: around 8 weeks
But I cannot leave country now and I want to declare a change in my circumstances to the department.
I can’t find an appropriate way to change it. How can I inform the department of my new changes? (I can’t also find Notification of changes… in my application change of details on my immi account)
Thank you
Hi Nilesh, I had applied for PR in Sep-2019, we have our baby Mar-2020 in India but due Covid situation, we delayed the applying for passport for the newborn and meanwhile we didn’t update immigration about the newborn. On 19-Oct-2020 our PR got approved and just last week we applied for kids passport. Would there be any issues in submitting 1022 form now?
hi Nilesh,
i am from India. I need to update the my marriage status in high commission. for this, what should I do or which form I need to submit in high commission and at what email, I need to update this information.
Hi Nilesh, With an onshore visitor visa application which is still in progress can applicant request to change length of stay (from 6 months to 12 months or more) by submitting notification of change in circumstances form?
I’m not sure because I have not done this but it may be an option for you to consider responding with a form notifying of incorrect answer.
I’m sorry for the late reply.
hello sir, can you please explain what does CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCE means? I applied parent visa subclass 864 for mother as sponsor. But, now, my wife wishes to withdraw her documents and support attached with form no.40. Now, i have been told to fill up form no.1022 to notify any change in circumstances. Does her withdrawal covers change in circumstances? what is the effect if i do not inform about the withdrawl. PLEASE HELP
“Circumstances change” means such a change in your circumstances that results in an answer to a question on any form becoming incorrect in the new circumstances.
Where there is a change in your circumstances you must, as soon as practicable, inform an officer in writing of the new circumstances and of the correct answer in any form.
You have mentioned that your wife wishes to withdraw her support. We understand in the form 40, there is a question where the sponsor’s partner needs to consent to the sponsorship application. So, the answer on your sponsorship form is now likely to have become incorrect.
Therefore, you need to notify the Department about the change.
Please contact us to get specific advice above your situation.
Myvisa.com.au/book
Hlo sir,I want to update my marital status in Australia embassy because I came here on student visa but now I got married on jan 2020.please help me
Firstly, you can notify the Department of Home Affairs about any change to your circumstances including the fact that you have since married your partner.
Secondly you could give consideration to lodging a fresh student visa application with your dependent partner as a dependent in the new application that you are lodging.
If this fresh visa application is approved then both you and your partner will hold a student visa.
If this is done quickly then it may not be necessary to lodge a separate notification to immigration about your marital status as this purpose will have been served by the fact of the lodgement of the fresh application for a visa.
Please let me know how you go with this. Thank you very much for your question.
I have temporary resident visa but I don’t know which form I need to fill and how ?
To be honest I have no idea what form you should fill in either because information you provided has many possibilities.
if you wish to get some advice in relation to what to do next with your visa application you can book in a consultation with me.
if you would simply like to work out whether I’m the right person to assist you then you can book in a quick chat with me for this purpose.
Alternatively please provide more details about the immigration problem that you are having.
Hi good evening sir we apply a partner visa one of the question of the application we have a false answer instead of Yes we put No can you help us sir plss
Hello Sir,
I have my visa is Partner (subclass 100 ) Granted on 06 Sept, 2019. My passport country is Vietnam. It will be expired in March 2020. I would like to go to Vietnam to visit my parent, but I do not know where can I extent my passport. Please help me. Thank you very much for your times.
Contact your embassy.
Here is a link. Hope it helps.
https://vietnamembassy.org.au/vietnam-visa
Nilesh