Non-Standard Proof of Identity

History of use of identity

Non-standard proof of identity (POI) is where the claimant cannot provide the standard POI documents as required but can collectively demonstrate a continued history of the exclusive use of an identity over a reasonable period of time, generally considered to be 2 years. An example of this is a veteran or war widow/widower who is living overseas and cannot satisfy the category A documents.

Acceptable non-standard proof of identity documents

Non-standard POI should be considered in cases where a claimant is unable to produce sufficient categorised documents. The claimant is required to provide details such as name, address, next of kin, to enable verification of their identity. Any combination or number of documents listed in the category A, category B and category C lists and other documents not listed, may serve to identify the claimant and confirm their current residential address. The non-standard POI provided should demonstrate the exclusive use of the claimant's stated identity during the preceding two years. The delegation for approval or refusal of non-standard POI checks is at the EL1 level or above.    

Veterans of the forces of the Republic of Vietnam

There are various documents that may be used to identify these veterans, such as a visa for travel to Australia, Selection and Interview Report and Application for Resettlement in Australia issued by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. These documents relate to people who came to Australia from Vietnam via a refugee camp and as such they may also have documentation relating to refugee status. Vietnamese veterans may not have any documents relating to their military service. If they were interned by the new regime in a 're-education' camp, they may have retained the related documents. They will also have, or have access to, civilian documentation such as birth and marriage certificates or driver's licences.