The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) keeps an international movement record which includes records of everyone who travel in and out of Australia. You can make a request to receive your own international movement record from the relevant authority. The DHA can provide Australian movement records. Parties making an application for citizenship by conferral usually make a request for international movement record.
The DHA provides an online form for you to make a request to receive your own international movement records. The Form 1359 that allows you to make a request can be found here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/request-international-movement-records
Note that the form allows you to request records from after 1981. For records before this year, you can make a request to the National Archives of Australia using this link: https://www.naa.gov.au/
Purpose of International Movement Records?
When travelling to Australia, the immigration authorities do not provide a stamp on your passport to indicate the dates on which you have travelled or departed Australia. For these reasons, if you are in need of the dates, you can apply to receive international movement records.
There are many organisations that may need this information. For example, the Superannuation Fund, Centrelink or some health insurance companies. More importantly, individuals may require this information when lodging for an application for citizenship via conferral.
Residency Requirement for Citizenship By Conferral
To be eligible to apply for citizenship by conferral, Australian permanent residents have to meet the residency requirement. This includes the length of time that the applicant has already lived in Australia. According to the DHA, at the time of application, the applicant must:
- have been residing in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa immediately before the day they apply
- have held a permanent visa, or SCV (see below) in the 12 months immediately before the day of application
- have not been absent from Australia for a period of more than 12 months in total in the past 4 years; and no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before making the application.
The DHA provides an online residence calculator so you can assess whether you have met the residency requirement. See here. For calculating the exact dates of arrival and departure from Australia, applicants may require their own movement records.
What Information Will the International Movement Records Show?
The international movement record may show the following information:
- The period of time that you were outside or in Australia;
- Your arrival and departure details dates from Australia;
- The number of movements recorded during that period;
- Full name, gender, date of birth, and country of birth;
- Travel document numbers such as Passport number;
- Visa information such as visa number and expiry date of visa at the time of travel;
- Flight details or vessel details such as flight number.
Can I Request for Someone Else’s Record?
Yes, you can use the same online form to request for someone else’s international movement records. Note that you need their consent to do so. You need to have their signed written consent. Importantly, you will also require proof of identity. For proof of identity, you may need certified copies of a photographic identity document such as your passport.
Typically, a migration agent or lawyer may make a request for their client. In this case, they will need your written authorisation to proceed with making this request.
Seeking Advice from Immigration Lawyers
Immigration lawyers in Australia assist with visa applications, appeals, and legal advice related to immigration issues. They can navigate complex immigration laws, represent clients in court, and provide guidance on various visa options and eligibility requirements. Furthermore, they ensure applicants meet criteria, handle paperwork, and offer support throughout the immigration process.
They have the ability and experience to help you with all migration law matters. Our team at JB Solicitors can provide you with market-leading advice for all immigration law matters.
Our legal team can help you with making visa applications or citizenship applications. We can also help with the process of gathering documents, and other necessities that you must comply with when dealing with the DHA.
We can help you with the following visas:
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Working holiday visas
- Partner visas
- Work visas
- Sponsored visas
- Business investment visas
- Employer sponsored visas such as 482 visa
- Permanent residency visas including Skilled Independent (189) and Skilled Nominated (190) visas
- Employer sponsored permanent visa such as the 186 visa
- Regional visas, etc.
In addition to this, our lawyers can also provide the following range of services:
- Providing tailored advice related to your matter
- Appealing visa decisions made by the DHA.
- Court representation if required
Contact our team of immigration lawyers for more information.
