Question 1

What is Form 956 for?

Accepted Answer

Form 956 appoints a representative to give you immigration assistance and to deal with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf — receiving your correspondence and acting on the matter. It is how your lawyer is put on the record for your file.

Question 2

What is the difference between Form 956 and Form 956A?

Accepted Answer

Form 956 appoints a representative — such as your lawyer — who can both receive the Department's correspondence and advise and act for you. Form 956A appoints an authorised recipient, who only receives correspondence and cannot advise you or discuss the merits of your case. If a lawyer acts for you, one Form 956 covers both; you do not also lodge a 956A.

Question 3

Do I need to lodge Form 956 to have a lawyer act for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Until a Form 956 is lodged against your application, the Department deals with you directly and sends correspondence to you. Lodging it — through ImmiAccount against the live application, or with the application itself — is what puts your lawyer on the record and directs the notices to them.

Question 4

Can I withdraw or change a Form 956 appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A new Form 956 appointing a new representative supersedes the previous appointment once lodged against your application, and an appointment can be ended using the form's "appointment has ended" option. Confirm with the Department that the change has been recorded, rather than assuming it.

Question 5

Does lodging Form 956 cost anything?

Accepted Answer

The Department does not charge a fee to lodge Form 956 itself. Any cost is the professional fee of the representative you appoint — and an exempt person, such as a close family member, must never charge a fee for immigration assistance. Ask your representative about their fees before you sign.

Form 956: Appointing Your Immigration Lawyer

What is Form 956 for?