Who should use this form?
This form can only be used by:
• a registered migration agent;
• a non-registered migration agent outside Australia; or
• an exempt person.
This form should be used to notify the Department of
Immigration and Border Protection (the department) that:
• you have been appointed by a client (eg. a visa applicant)
to provide immigration assistance with matters under the
Migration Act 1958 and, if applicable, to receive documents
on their behalf; or
• your appointment has ended. (You may notify the
department of this in writing if you prefer.)
A separate form 956 Advice by a migration agent/exempt
person of providing immigration assistance must be
completed for each matter.
Do not use this form if:
• you have only been appointed as a person who is
authorised to receive documents, on their behalf, that the
department would otherwise give to them; or
• your appointment as an authorised recipient has ended.
In these cases, please use form 956A Appointment or
withdrawal of an authorised recipient.
What is immigration assistance?
A person gives immigration assistance if he or she uses, or
claims to use, his or her knowledge or experience in migration
procedure to assist a person with matters related under the
Migration Act 1958.
The most common times assistance is provided is during
visa application processes, visa cancellation processes or
sponsorship processes (including monitoring or sanctions).
Note: Immigration assistance does not include simply filling
in an application form, translating or interpreting or passing
on information about an application without comment or
explanation.
Registered migration agents
A registered migration agent is a person who is registered
with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority
(Office of the MARA) to provide immigration assistance.
If operating in Australia, migration agents must be registered
with the Office of the MARA.
Information on migration agents is available on the Office of
the MARA website www.mara.gov.au
Immigration Advice and Assistance Scheme (IAAAS)
If you are a registered migration agent who is assisting a
client under this scheme, please indicate this on the form at
Question 8.