Introduction
When preparing Form 1229 (Consent to grant an Australian travel document to a child), many parents wonder whether the supporting identification documents need to be certified. The instructions on the form and the Department of Home Affairs’ online guidance seem inconsistent, which can cause confusion.
Official vs. Online Guidance
Form 1229 itself states that certified copies of the parents’ passports and identity documents should accompany the application. However, the Department’s website notes that “You do not need to have any documents certified” and that clear colour copies are acceptable.
What Happens in Practice
In our experience, clear colour copies of parents’ passports are generally accepted and no certification is required. The Migration Regulations do not specify a certification requirement for Form 1229 documents. That said, requirements vary between countries. Some nations, such as Vietnam, require a local consent form in their language, witnessed in a government office, with identity documents certified at the same time.
Best Practice and Key Points
- Check if the country where the consent is completed has its own rules or forms.
- If there is any uncertainty, providing certified copies of the parents’ passports can prevent delays.
- If the Department needs more evidence, they will request it, but obtaining additional documents later can be inconvenient.
- Ensure that any translations or country‑specific forms are completed by someone fluent in the relevant language.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Document requirements vary by country and by visa type.
Need help ensuring your Form 1229 documents meet all requirements? Our registered migration agents at VisaTasker can guide you through the process and advise on country‑specific rules.
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Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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