GUARANTOR REQUIREMENTS:
A guarantor must sign section 11 of the application form. The guarantor must also endorse the back of one
passport photo by writing ‘This is a true photo of [YOUR FULL NAME]’ and signing in black pen.
You should ensure that your guarantor meets the below criteria:
✓ Is aged 18 years or older.
✓ Has known you for a minimum of 1 year.
✓ Cannot be related in any way to you, or in a de facto relationship with you, or living at the same
address as you.
✓ Meets the guarantor qualifications below (either 1 or 2).
Guarantor qualifications you can choose from:
1. Australian citizen who currently holds a valid Australian passport
OR
2. Foreign national (not Australian) who is currently employed in one of the below occupations/professions:
❖ Accountants (certified/registered)
❖ Bank Manager or Director (of a department but not a bank employee/clerk)
❖ Professional Engineers (currently licensed)
❖ Judges, Barristers, Attorneys, Lawyers, Solicitors
❖ Registered Medical Practitioners – Doctors/GP, Psychiatrists, Dentists, Pharmacists
❖ Registered Nurses, Midwifes, Chiropractors, Optometrists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists
❖ Registered Veterinary Surgeons
❖ Police Officers - with at least 5 years continuous service
❖ Ministers of Religion and Marriage Celebrants
❖ Teachers - who have been teaching for more than 5 years
❖ Public Servants/Local Government employees - who have been employed continuously for at least
5 years
What if i can't find a guarantor in Switzerland?
Some applicants find it difficult to obtain a guarantor in Switzerland. Usually this is because they have recently
relocated to Switzerland and do not know anyone here who has known them for longer than 12 months. If
you are unable to obtain a guarantor in Switzerland, you should obtain a guarantor from a country where
you previously lived (e.g., Australia). You will need to send them Section 11 of the passport applications form
to complete and sign, together with one of your passport photos, for them to endorse and sign the back of
the photo. Once they have signed the documents, they must send the originals back to you so that you can
submit them when you lodge your application. We cannot accept the documents from your guarantor by
email. They must send the originals back to you before you lodge your passport application.
PASSPORT PROCESSING TIMES:
You should allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your new passport after you lodge the application.
To minimise processing times, make sure your application includes everything we need - All sections of the
application form are fully and correctly completed, dated and signed.
Check the APO website for current passport processing timeframes
If applicable - Your current/expiring passport will be automatically cancelled 30 days from the date we send
you the new passport. You will receive an email notification.