Official form guide
Form 1281: Australian values statement
Form 1281 is the Australian Values Statement, used to confirm that visa applicants understand and agree to respect Australian society and laws. It is typically required as part of a visa application for people aged 18 and over.
Need help with Form 1281?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 1281 - Australian values statement
Form 1281 is the Australian Values Statement, used to confirm that visa applicants understand and agree to respect Australian society and laws. It is typically required as part of a visa application for people aged 18 and over.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to have every adult included in the application sign the form.
- 2Missing signatures from all applicants aged 18 or over
- 3Signing without reading or understanding the values statement
- 4Using an outdated version of the form (check the design date)
- 5Not including the form with your visa application
Plain English
This form is a simple declaration that you've read or had explained to you the key values that Australians share, like freedom, respect, and the rule of law. You sign it to promise you'll follow these values and obey Australian laws while you're here. It's a standard step for many visa applications, so don't skip it.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form as part of your visa application. There's no separate deadline—it goes in with the rest of your application documents.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when your visa application requires you to sign an Australian Values Statement.
- The main applicant and every person aged 18 or over included in the visa application must sign it, unless they have already signed it on the visa application form itself.
- You should read the Life in Australia booklet before signing, or have its contents explained to you if you have difficulty reading.
- Attach the signed form to your visa application as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You are applying for a visa to live in Australia
You need to sign it to show you understand and will respect Australian values and laws
✓ Confirm your visa subclass requires this form on the Home Affairs website
Form 1281 – Australian Values Statement
You are including family members aged 18 or over in your visa application
The statement must be signed by every adult included, unless already signed on the main application
✓ Check if each adult has signed or if they can sign on the visa application form itself
Each eligible family member must also sign Form 1281
You have difficulty reading the booklet about Australian values
The form says you can have it explained, for example by a friend or relative
✓ Make sure you understand the values before signing
You can ask someone to explain the content to you
You are unsure if you need to sign this form separately
Some visas include the statement within the main application form, so a separate Form 1281 may not be needed
✓ Read the requirements for your specific visa subclass on the Home Affairs website
Check your visa application instructions
Deadline or filing window
There is no separate deadline for this form—it must be submitted with your visa application. If you're applying online, upload it before you pay and lodge; if applying by paper, include it in your application package.
Before you submit
- 1Read the Life in Australia booklet, or arrange for someone to explain it to you if needed.
- 2Fill in your personal details on the form accurately.
- 3Ensure the main applicant and every eligible person aged 18 or over signs the form.
- 4Sign in ink (if submitting a paper form) or follow the digital signature instructions if submitting online.
- 5Attach the completed and signed form to your visa application.
- 6Keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download Form 1281 from the Department of Home Affairs website.
- 2Read the Life in Australia booklet (available in multiple languages).
- 3Complete the form with your details – no specific fields are shown on the sample, but include your name and signature.
- 4Have all required applicants sign the form.
- 5Attach the signed form to your visa application (either paper or online as instructed).
- 6Submit your visa application with the form included.
Known limitations
- 1This form is for visa applications only – it is not used for citizenship applications.
- 2It must be signed by each eligible person; a single signature from the main applicant is not enough.
- 3If you have already signed the statement on your visa application form, you do not need to sign Form 1281 as well.
- 4The form does not replace the need to meet other visa eligibility criteria.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 1281 is the current Australian Values Statement (design date 10/20). It is used for visa applications where the applicant must confirm they understand and agree to Australian values.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form has a design date of 10/20 or later – older versions may not be accepted.
- Verify you are using the current version from the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Confirm that the form matches the requirements for your specific visa application.
- Ensure all pages of the form are included when you print or submit it.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm 1281 design date 10/20, © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
- SRCText on page 1 and 2 confirms the statement content and signing requirements.
- SRCSource states the form must be signed by the main applicant and each person aged 18+ included in the visa application, unless already signed on the visa application form.
- SRCSource encourages reading the Life in Australia booklet and allows for explanation if needed.
- SRCSource mentions the booklet is available in multiple languages from www.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Common confusion points
People often think this form is for citizenship – it is actually for visa applications.
Some think only the main applicant signs – but every person aged 18 or over included in the application must sign.
Applicants may not realise they can have the Life in Australia booklet explained to them if they have difficulty reading.
There is confusion about whether you still need Form 1281 if your visa application form already includes the statement – you don't.
Some may sign without reading the booklet – but you are encouraged to read it first to genuinely understand the values.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.