2014-Aug 08: Reminder for parents and guardians to sign applications made by applicants who are under 18

Visa Pak 174: Reminder for staff for the requirement for parents and guardians to sign applications made by applicants who are under 18

Visa Paks

8 August 2014

Reminder about the requirement for parents and guardians to sign applications made by applicants who are under 18

Immigration Regulations [Regulation 10(2)(d) – temporary, and Regulation 5(2)(c) - residence] state that applications must be signed by the applicant unless the applicant is under 18 years of age. If the applicant is under 18 the application form must be signed by a parent or guardian of the applicant.

Some immigration forms however (for example the student visa form), state that the parent or guardian may sign on behalf of a child under 18 but not that they must.

The Visitor visa form states that the person applying must complete and sign the form.

This advice is to remind all staff that the requirement in the Immigration Regulations takes precedence. If an application is being made by an applicant who is under 18 years of age a parent or guardian must sign the form on their behalf. This ensures that the parents are aware of their intended travel.

If you receive an application by an applicant who is less than 18 years of age please check that the application form has been signed by a parent or guardian. If necessary, verify this.

If the application form has not been signed by a parent or guardian, advise the applicant that this is a requirement.