Eligibility to apply for a TFN
To work in Australia, permanent migrants and temporary visitors will need a valid work rights visa (from the Department of Home Affairs) which is linked to your passport or travel document.
Valid visas
You can check your visa details and conditions using VEVOExternal Link.
New Zealanders are automatically granted a work rights visa upon arrival into Australia.
Other valid working visas include:
- Working holiday makers (subclass 417 and 462)
- Temporary Activity visaExternal Link (subclass 408).
Asylum seekers may use a bridging visa, and their passport or travel document number will be their ImmiCard number. For previous identification cards, the passport or travel document number will be PLO56 or PL56.
How to apply for a TFN
If you have a valid work rights visa and are located in Australia, you can apply using the Individual Auto-Registration system.
If your visa contains any of the following conditions, you are not eligible to use IAR:
- 8101 NO WORK
- 8103 NO WORK
- 8116 NO WORK/APD ACTIVITY.
If you don't have a valid work rights visa, you can't apply for a TFN using IAR. Instead:
- permanent migrants can apply using the Australian residents – TFN application
- temporary visitors can apply using the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia, even if you are currently in Australia.
Apply using IAR
It is free to apply for a TFN. You will not need to send documents to us.
Apply online for a TFN using the IAR
For help with the application, see:
- application instructions – Online TFN registration – permanent migrants and temporary visitors.
- help and instructions for specific application fields – Individual Auto-Registration help.
- known issues or errors and troubleshooting, –Help and support for online services – individuals.
After you apply for a TFN
You should receive your TFN within 28 days from when we receive your completed application. We will post your TFN to the Australian postal address on your application
We appreciate your patience during the processing period. To prevent delays in processing your application, don't lodge another application during those 28 days. If you haven't received your TFN notice after 28 days, contact us and provide your ATO receipt ID from the application.
When you receive your TFN, it's important that you keep your TFN and all your personal information secure to prevent identity theft and fraud.
If you already have a TFN
If you already have a TFN, you can also complete the IAR online application if you:
- want to know your TFN
- want a copy of your TFN notice
- need to confirm your identity details with us.