Refugee and Stateless Individuals: Travel Documents FAQ
Can a non-citizen get an Australian passport?
Non-citizens in Australia cannot obtain an Australian passport but may qualify for other travel documents. These include:
Convention Travel Documents (CTDs)
Certificates of Identity (COIs)
These documents are primarily for refugees, stateless individuals, and others who cannot secure a passport from their country of nationality.
What are the Eligibility criteria for Non-citizen To Apply?
To Apply for a Convention Travel Document (CTD)
You may be eligible for a CTD if you meet the following criteria:
You are in Australia.
You are not an Australian citizen.
The Department of Home Affairs has recognized you as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
To Apply for a Certificate of Identity (COI)
You may qualify for a COI if you:
Are not an Australian citizen.
Are about to leave Australia.
Are either stateless or unable to obtain a valid travel document from your country of nationality.
What is the Application Process?
Applying for a CTD or COI
Obtain the Application Form: Call 131 232 and select option zero (0) to request the application form.
Complete the Form: Fill it out and gather the necessary documents.
Schedule an Appointment: Call 131 232 again to set up an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office (not at Australia Post).
Payment: You can pay the required fees at your appointment using EFTPOS, MasterCard, or Visa (cash is not accepted).
Overseas Applications: If you are outside Australia, contact the nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office for guidance on replacing an existing CTD or COI.
What are the Required Documents to make an application?
When applying for a CTD or COI, you will need to provide:
Identity Documents: Proof of your identity.
Previous Travel Documents: Any prior CTD or COI issued.
Visa Status Record including:
A Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA).
A Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) printout.
A visa grant letter from the Department of Home Affairs.
If you are not a refugee, you may need to show evidence of overseas travel plans (like a draft itinerary). It is advisable to wait until your CTD or COI is granted before making fixed travel arrangements.
If you claim stateless status, additional evidence is required, as one Australian immigration document indicating "stateless" is insufficient. Parental consent is required for children, especially if the child is a ward or under guardianship of the Minister for Immigration.
Are there Other Special Circumstances for Non-Citizens?
Can You Get a CTD or COI Overseas?
It is challenging to replace a CTD or COI outside Australia. You cannot apply for these documents if you are outside Australia and have never held either document before.Can I Get a CTD or COI if I’m Unlawful?
Yes, you can apply for a CTD or COI even if you have an unlawful status in Australia.
How long is the Validity of CTDs and COIs?
CTDs: Usually valid for one to two years.COIs: Usually valid for two years. Note that if you return to your home country and become eligible for a travel document from that country, your COI becomes invalid immediately.
How Agape Henry Crux Can Help You
Non-citizens in Australia can travel out of Australia even if individuals do not hold a valid travel document; options such as CTDs and COIs can be useful. If you are seeking professional advice for visa purposes, speak to one of our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law with our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents at Agape Henry Crux. The team specialises in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.