Australia’s next Census is just days away, and it matters whether you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, international student, temporary visa holder or visiting family member. Census night is Tuesday, 11 August 2026, and the count is designed to include almost every person who is physically in Australia that night.
For Indian Australians, accurate answers about ancestry, language, religion, work, housing and family life do more than create statistics. They help governments, councils and community organisations understand where services are needed—from interpreting and aged care to schools, transport and health programs.
Who needs to be included in the 2026 Census?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says the Census counts every person and household in Australia. The person completing a household form should include everyone staying at that address on Census night.
That includes:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents;
- international students and other temporary visa holders;
- parents or relatives visiting from India;
- babies and children;
- friends or guests staying overnight; and
- people with no fixed address.
Australian residents who are outside Australia on Census night are not included. Foreign diplomats and their families living in Australia are also excluded. The ABS has published dedicated information for migrants, refugees and international visitors.
When and how to complete it
Most households will receive a letter from late July containing a unique 16-digit Census number and a temporary password. These details allow the household to complete the form online. Paper forms are also available for people who cannot or do not want to complete it online.
You can complete the Census after receiving your instructions if you already know where you will be on 11 August. Otherwise, answer based on who is staying in your household on Census night. If you are travelling within Australia, you must be counted at the place where you spend that night—such as a hotel, relative’s home or other accommodation.
A simple checklist for households
- Keep your ABS letter and access details secure.
- Confirm who will be sleeping at your address on 11 August.
- Have basic details ready for each person, including date of birth, ancestry, language, education and employment.
- Do not count a household member who will be overseas that night.
- If a visitor from India is staying with you, include them on the form.
Why ancestry and language answers matter
The Census asks about country of birth, ancestry and languages used at home. These questions help reveal the size and diversity of Australia’s Indian community, including people with Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Hindi and many other cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Households should answer the questions as they apply to each individual rather than assuming everyone has the same background. Accurate language information can influence planning for translated material, interpreting services and culturally appropriate local programs. Census data is also used by businesses, researchers and community groups when deciding where to offer services.
Temporary visa holders should not worry about being counted
Being on a student, work, bridging or visitor visa does not remove the requirement to participate if you are in Australia on Census night. The Census is a national statistical count; it is not a visa application.
The ABS says it protects Census information and does not release information in a way that identifies individuals or households. People should answer accurately and use official ABS instructions rather than relying on forwarded social media messages.
Language help and scam awareness
The Census form is in English, but language assistance is available. For help in a preferred language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450. The Census Contact Centre is open from 8am to 8pm daily, local time.
Be cautious with unexpected links or people asking for payment. Completing the Census is free. Official letters and forms display the ABS logo, and genuine online instructions should lead to an official government Census service. Never share your Census number or password in community chat groups.
The practical takeaway
Indian-Australian households should check their mail, decide who will be at home on Tuesday, 11 August, and make sure every person staying there is included. Students in shared accommodation should confirm whether one person is completing the household form, while visiting parents and relatives should be counted where they sleep that night.
A complete and accurate Census helps make the Indian community visible in the decisions that shape Australian services for the next five years. Visit the official 2026 Census information website for current instructions and support.