Census 2026: Information for migrants, refugees and international visitors
Information to support migrants, refugees, and international visitors to complete the Census and how to access translated information.
About the Census
Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing.
The Census asks questions about many things, including your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education.
Information from the Census helps planning for health care, transport, schools, and infrastructure. It’s also used to help plan local services for individuals, families and communities.
The Census is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Who needs to participate
Everyone in Australia on Census night, Tuesday 11 August 2026, must be included on the Census form. This includes:
- visa holders
- international visitors
- international students.
The Census does not include Australian residents who are out of the country on Census night, or foreign diplomats and their families living in Australia.
You must include everyone staying in your household on Census night, including visitors and babies.
The Census is compulsory under the Census and Statistics Act 1905. Learn more about how we keep your information safe.
How to complete the Census
You can complete the Census online, by paper, or with help from us.
From late July 2026, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. You can start your Census as soon as you get your instructions, if you know where you will be on Census night.
For help in your preferred language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
Most households will get a letter in the mail. This includes your 16-digit Census number and temporary password to complete the Census online. If you prefer to complete using a paper form you can request one.
Some households will get a paper form. Once completed, you can return it using the Reply Paid envelope provided. There are instructions on the form if you prefer to complete it online.
For international visitors and international students staying in accommodation such as hotels, motels or student accommodation, instructions to complete your Census will be provided by accommodation staff.
If you want to complete your Census separately from your household, call the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227. They can give you a Census number to complete your Census online or send you a paper form in English.
How your information is kept safe
The personal information you provide on your Census form is protected by law and isn’t shared with anyone else, including other government agencies such as Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Tax Office and Centrelink.
The information you provide in the Census is confidential. Your information will be kept secure, and we will not share or release information about you, your family or your household in a way that is likely to identify you or them.
Your data is protected by the Privacy Act 1988 and the secrecy provisions of the Census and Statistics Act 1905.
Learn more about how we keep your information safe.
If you want to complete your Census separately from your household, call the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227. They can give you a Census number to complete your Census online or send you a paper form. For contact centre hours visit our Contact us page.
Help to complete the Census
There’s support available if you need help to complete your Census.
- The Census form is in English only. You can ask family or friends to help with your Census.
- Call us on 1800 181 227 to speak to someone in English.
- For help in your preferred language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
- You can also use our Find us map to find help in your area.
- If you can’t find information in your preferred language, please contact us.
For contact centre hours visit our Contact us page.
Resources
Information about the Census is available in 25 languages to help the community better understand what the Census is, how it works and what you need to do.
To help spread the word and support your families and communities, you can access materials in English here.
