Who requires FORM J?
Have you been asked by VFS to submit FORM J because your appearance has changed?
FORM J is a form to submit to VFS (on behalf of the Indian Consulate) to have your Indian passport issued to you while living in Australia. If you have changed your appearance ('considerably changed' as determined by VFS) then you must also submit FORM J which is a statutory declaration stating that you have changed your appearance.
If you're not sure what you need, perhaps review their checklist available on their website
What does it mean by 'considerably changed'?
There can be various circumstances when you would have to submit FORM J when renewing your Indian passport. The example provided by VFS includes if you previously wore a turban but have stopped wearing a turban (or vice-versa).
We have also seen instances when people have had to submit FORM J after they have cut their hair or shaved their beard. Also, if a previous passport was issued when you were a child but you have since matured and your look has changed, then you may also need to submit FORM J when renewing your passport.
What does FORM J contain?
The central element of FORM J is your photograph. You must include your current photograph and paste it into FORM J. The rest of FORM J is essentially a statutory declaration in which you declare that the photograph reflects your new appearance - assuming it is different from what it was before.
Where can I download FORM J?
FORM J is available from the VFS website. Currently, it can be found at:
https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/australia/passport-services/English/pdf/Form-J.pdf
However, VFS often update their website from time to time (without including redirections) so if the above link doesn't work, then you'll just need to search it for the correct form (and checklist).
How can we help with FORM J?
If you live in New South Wales, then you must sign FORM J in front of a notary public. If you live in other states, presumably VFS will accept it being signed in front of a justice of the peace or other equally qualified/authorised witness.
As a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney, we assist many clients who must submit their FORM J to VFS to confirm their change of appearance.
What next?
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/notary-fees/.
Acknowledgements
This blog is supported and maintained by Phang Legal. Phang Legal is a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney. With offices conveniently located in Parramatta and Rouse Hill, Phang Legal supports and services the Indian community across Sydney with readily available and easily accessible notary public services at highly competitive rates.
Frequently asked questions regarding our notary public services can also be found at https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/faqs/.
Ern Phang
Notary Public
Ern Phang is the solicitor director of Phang Legal and a notary public. Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public, including the kinds of problems and solutions that his clients face when sending documents to India.
IMPORTANT: the information in this article is correct at the time of publication, however, the law constantly changes. This means you should always refer to the most recent articles because we try to update this blog on a regular basis with the most current information.
