The Importance of Form 956 – Receive Your Visa Correspondences from DoHA
If you have engaged a registered migration agent (RMA) or a solicitor to assist with your migration matter, you may recall being asked to sign Form 956. But what is the significance of Form 956?
What is a Form 956?
A Form 956 serves two functions:
it informs the Department of Home Affairs that the RMA or lawyer is acting on your behalf, and
it authorises them to receive correspondence on your matter.
An RMA will need to notify the Department when lodging your visa application or within 28 days of taking up your case if it has already been lodged. The purpose of the Form 956 is simply to show that an RMA or lawyer has been appointed to work on your issue. A separate form will also need to be completed for each application made and for each client represented by the RMA, such as a sponsor and an applicant.
Why is Form 956 important if I change migration agents?
If you need to change to a new migration agent, another Form 956 will need to be completed to notify the Department of the change. If you fail to do so, then important correspondence from the government, such as requests for further information under section 56 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), notices of intention to consider cancellation (NOICC), refusal letters and grant letters, may be missed. Most online visa applications can then be transferred to the new RMA’s ImmiAccount so that they can begin to work on your matter. The previous migration agent will continue to be the authorised recipient of government correspondences until you inform the Department otherwise through Form 956.
Do I need to complete Form 956 after the case is over?
Although you are not required to inform the Department that the matter has ended and the RMA is no longer your representative, it is recommended that you complete Form 956 regardless.
What happens if my RMA does not complete a Form 956?
Your representative will not necessarily always have to complete a Form 956 as their obligation is only to inform the Department that they are acting for you under section 312A of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). This notification can be achieved through other means, such as filling in their details within the migration agent section of a visa application or otherwise writing to the Department.
However, if your RMA does not notify the Department when required, then they will be fined $660 and could face disciplinary action from the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Can an RMA still give migration advice without a Form 956?
Form 956 only notifies the Department of the appointment of a migration agent; the absence of such a notification doesn’t affect the legal validity of a visa application.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Now that you understand the purpose of Form 956, you should be better able to appreciate the importance of completing this otherwise mundane form. Seeking professional advice from an Immigration Lawyer. At Agape Henry Crux, our team works with 2 of our Accredited Specialists Immigration Lawyers (s) who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment 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 and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
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.
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