Do I need a separate Form 1263 for each employer?

Yes. One per employer you did specified work for. Each confirms that employer's dates, hours and work location.

Is Form 1263 mandatory?

It's the standard verification Home Affairs expects. If an employer can't sign it, strong alternative evidence (payslips, bank records, contract) can support your claim instead.

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Second-year visa

How to fill Form 1263 (and what to do if your boss won't sign)

Updated 2026-06-16

Form 1263, "Working Holiday visa: Employment verification", is the document Home Affairs uses to confirm you did the specified work you're claiming. Your employer fills and signs it. You need one per employer: three farms means three forms. Download it free from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (search "Form 1263").

What it asks for

Your details (name, passport, visa subclass).
The employer: legal name AND trading name, ABN, business address, contact person.
Employment: type (full-time / part-time / casual), industry, dates, total hours, total qualifying days, piece-rate or hourly.
The work address: the exact site and its postcode, which can differ from the business address.
Signatures from both the employer and you.

The #1 mistake: putting the business's head-office postcode instead of the work-site postcode. If the company is registered in Sydney but you picked in Mildura, the eligible postcode is Mildura, that's the one that proves regional work. Also make the dates match your payslips exactly, and fill both the legal name and the trading name.

Getting it signed remotely

Already left the farm? Pre-fill everything except the signature and email the PDF, the easier you make it, the more likely your employer signs. A digital signature (the form is an editable PDF) or a print-sign-scan both work. As a last resort, post it with a stamped return envelope.

If your employer refuses to sign

It happens, a farmer annoyed you left, a manager who won't "deal with paperwork", or a business that has closed. Explain calmly that the form only confirms you worked there and commits them to nothing else. If they won't give their ABN, it's public, look it up on abr.business.gov.au. If they refuse outright, you can still submit your visa application with alternative proof: payslips, bank statements showing wages, your contract, dated photos. Fair Work can help mediate.

FAQ

Do I need a separate Form 1263 for each employer?: Yes. One per employer you did specified work for. Each confirms that employer's dates, hours and work location.
Is Form 1263 mandatory?: It's the standard verification Home Affairs expects. If an employer can't sign it, strong alternative evidence (payslips, bank records, contract) can support your claim instead.

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General information to help you find your way, not personalised tax advice. For your exact situation, refer to the ATO (ato.gov.au) or a registered tax agent.