How we can help you
We do basic reference work for free and aim to respond to your question within 30 business days.
Under the Archives Act 1983, records become available for access once they enter the open access period.
We cannot perform detailed research on your behalf.
Question types
Immigration questions
When your question is about immigration, select either:
- immigration records, including migrant selection documents and citizenship records
- passenger arrival records
- passenger departure records
- proof of your arrival in Australia to help verify resident status
- internment or alien registration records.
Other questions
You can ask us a question about:
- civilian service records from World War II
- intelligence or surveillance records
- Merchant Navy records
- defence service after World War II.
If none of these fit your question, or you are not sure, choose general enquiry.
Checking the progress of a question
If you have already made a reference enquiry, you can check on its progress.
World War I and World War II military service records
For World War I and World War II military service records, as well as some post-World War II service records, search and order through RecordSearch.
Requesting records
To request records ahead of your visit to a research centre, select request to view records.
Order a digital copy of a record through RecordSearch. Copying charges apply.
Check:
- the progress of your copying order
- the copyright permission for each collection item.
Feedback
To provide feedback on our reference service, complete our Reference service feedback form.