ImmiAccount Australia visa applications are managed through the Department of Home Affairs online system known as ImmiAccount.
For many visa applicants, ImmiAccount becomes the main place to manage an application after it has been started: you can access applications, upload documents, read correspondence, respond to requests and check the status shown by the Department.
This guide focuses specifically on using and managing ImmiAccount. If you are looking for a broader guide to completing and lodging an Australian visa application online, see our separate Australia Visa Online Application guide.
What Is ImmiAccount?
ImmiAccount is an online service provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
It is used for many visa and citizenship applications and allows applicants, representatives and other authorised users to manage applications electronically.
Depending on the application, ImmiAccount may be used to:
- start and save an application;
- access an existing application;
- upload supporting documents;
- view correspondence from Home Affairs;
- respond to requests for information;
- provide additional documents after lodgement;
- view the status displayed for an application; and
- access decision correspondence once a matter is finalised.
How to Access the Official ImmiAccount
Use the official Department of Home Affairs website to access ImmiAccount.
Because visa applications involve identity documents, financial records and other sensitive information, avoid entering your login details into unofficial websites that merely look similar to the Home Affairs portal.
You can access the official service through:
Department of Home Affairs – Applying Online
Creating an ImmiAccount
If you need a new ImmiAccount, follow the account creation process provided by Home Affairs.
Use contact information that you can continue to access while the application is being processed. You may need the account for months or, in some visa categories, considerably longer.
Keep your login information secure and do not share access unnecessarily.
Multi-Factor Authentication for ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount uses multi-factor authentication as an additional security measure.
The available authentication process can change, so follow the current instructions presented by Home Affairs rather than relying on an old guide describing one particular authentication method.
If you use an authenticator application, make sure you retain access to the device and any recovery information associated with it.
If You Change Your Phone or Device
Changing or losing the device used for authentication can create access problems if the authentication method has not been transferred or recovered correctly.
Before replacing a device, check your current ImmiAccount security settings and Home Affairs guidance so you do not unnecessarily lose access to the account.
Starting and Managing Applications
Once signed in, your ImmiAccount dashboard may show applications you have started, submitted or otherwise have access to.
The available options vary depending on the application type and its stage of processing.
Common functions include:
- continuing a saved application;
- opening a submitted application;
- viewing application details;
- accessing messages;
- attaching documents; and
- viewing the current administrative status.
Can You Save an Application and Return Later?
Generally, an application started in ImmiAccount can be saved before submission and completed across more than one session.
This can be useful where you still need to confirm dates, collect information or prepare supporting documents.
Do not use the ability to save an application as a substitute for checking the underlying visa requirements. The application still needs to be complete and accurate when it is eventually lodged.
Uploading Documents in ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount allows supporting documents to be attached to many applications.
The document categories displayed depend on the visa or citizenship application and the information provided in the form.
When uploading documents:
- use clear, readable scans;
- make sure every relevant page is included;
- use sensible file names;
- keep your own copies of everything submitted;
- do not upload password-protected files; and
- follow the file type and size limits shown by ImmiAccount.
Home Affairs currently states that most supporting documents can be up to 5 MB, although specific requirements can differ by document type and application.
Adding Documents After Lodgement
In many applications, additional documents can be attached after the application has been submitted.
This may be necessary because:
- Home Affairs requests further information;
- a document becomes available after lodgement;
- circumstances change;
- an updated document is needed; or
- the applicant discovers an omission that should be addressed.
Use the document attachment function available within the relevant application and follow any instructions given by Home Affairs.
Do not assume that sending documents separately by email will automatically add them to the application.
Messages and Correspondence in ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount can contain important correspondence about your application.
Depending on the matter, Home Affairs may send:
- requests for further information;
- health examination instructions;
- biometric instructions;
- character-related requests;
- requests concerning identity or documents;
- procedural correspondence; and
- decision notifications.
Check the correspondence associated with the application rather than relying only on an email alert.
Responding to a Request for Information
If Home Affairs requests additional information, read the request carefully before uploading anything.
Identify:
- what information is being requested;
- which applicant the request relates to;
- the deadline for response;
- whether any specific format is required; and
- whether the request raises a broader eligibility or credibility issue.
A request for one document does not necessarily mean that document is the only issue in the application. Consider the request in the context of the entire case.
What Do ImmiAccount Statuses Mean?
Applicants often become concerned when the status displayed in ImmiAccount changes.
Common administrative labels can include statuses such as:
- Received;
- Initial assessment;
- Further assessment; and
- Finalised.
The precise status shown can vary by application.
These labels should be treated as administrative indicators only.
What Does “Further Assessment” Mean?
“Further assessment” does not reliably tell you that a particular case officer is actively working on your application at that moment.
It also does not indicate whether a decision is imminent.
The application remains under processing until the Department makes and communicates a decision.
What Does “Finalised” Mean?
“Finalised” means that a decision or other final outcome has been recorded for the application.
You should open the relevant correspondence to see the actual outcome. Do not rely only on the status label.
Can You Track Exactly Where Your Visa Is in the Queue?
No. ImmiAccount does not provide a live position in a processing queue or show exactly when an application will be allocated or decided.
The status displayed in the account is not a countdown to a decision.
Published processing times are also general indicators rather than guarantees for an individual application.
Correcting an Error After Submission
If you discover that information in a submitted application is incorrect, deal with it rather than leaving the incorrect information on the record.
Home Affairs provides processes within ImmiAccount for notifying the Department about incorrect answers.
The seriousness of the issue depends on what the error concerns.
Examples of potentially material errors include:
- passport or identity details;
- employment history;
- relationship history;
- family composition;
- previous visa refusals or cancellations;
- health information; and
- character declarations.
Updating Changes in Circumstances
Circumstances can change while a visa application is being processed.
Depending on the application, relevant changes may include:
- marriage;
- separation or divorce;
- birth of a child;
- change of passport;
- change of contact information;
- changes in family composition; or
- other matters relevant to the application.
Use the appropriate Home Affairs process to notify relevant changes rather than waiting until after a decision.
Health Examinations in ImmiAccount
If health examinations are required, the application may display health-related instructions and a HAP ID.
The exact examinations required depend on the visa and the applicant’s circumstances.
Do not assume that every visa applicant has the same medical requirements.
For more detail, see our:
Australia Visa Medical Check Guide
Biometrics and ImmiAccount
Some applicants may be required to provide biometrics.
If biometrics are required, follow the instruction letter issued by Home Affairs and the process applicable to the country where biometrics are being collected.
Biometric requirements are not identical for every applicant or every visa.
Can a Migration Agent Use ImmiAccount for You?
A registered migration agent can manage visa applications electronically where the relevant Home Affairs process permits it.
This does not mean that the migration agent needs to use the applicant’s personal login credentials.
Professional representatives may manage applications through their own authorised processes and accounts.
ImmiAccount and Your Registered Migration Agent
If a registered migration agent is handling your matter, clarify who is responsible for monitoring correspondence and responding to requests.
A well-managed application should have a clear process for:
- receiving Department correspondence;
- reviewing requests;
- preparing responses;
- uploading evidence; and
- keeping complete records of what has been submitted.
Common ImmiAccount Problems
I Cannot Log In
Use the official ImmiAccount account recovery process rather than creating unnecessary duplicate accounts.
If multi-factor authentication is the issue, follow the current Home Affairs recovery instructions.
I Cannot See My Application
An application may not appear simply because you are logged into a different account from the one associated with it.
Applications may also be managed through another authorised user or representative.
Check which account or representative actually has access before assuming the application has disappeared.
I Uploaded the Wrong Document
If an incorrect or incomplete document has been attached, consider whether a corrected document should be uploaded with a clear explanation.
Do not assume the Department will automatically identify which version should be relied upon.
I Cannot Attach Any More Documents
ImmiAccount applies attachment limits. If the system does not permit further uploads, follow the Home Affairs instructions applicable to your particular application.
My Status Has Not Changed for Months
A status remaining unchanged does not necessarily indicate that something is wrong.
Visa processing can involve periods where no visible change appears in ImmiAccount.
The absence of a status change does not by itself establish whether the application is delayed, actively being assessed or close to decision.
ImmiAccount Australia Visa FAQs
Is ImmiAccount the official Australian immigration portal?
Yes. ImmiAccount is provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for online immigration and citizenship services.
Can I have more than one visa application in ImmiAccount?
Yes. An account may contain more than one application where the relevant applications are associated with that account.
Can I save an application and finish it later?
Generally, yes. Applications can usually be saved before submission and completed over multiple sessions.
Can I upload documents after submitting a visa application?
In many cases, yes. The available attachment options depend on the application and its processing stage.
Does “Further Assessment” mean a decision is coming soon?
No. The status does not provide a reliable indication of when the Department will make its decision.
Does “Finalised” mean the visa was granted?
Not necessarily. It means the matter has reached a final outcome. Open the decision correspondence to determine whether the visa was granted, refused or otherwise finalised.
Can I apply for an ETA through ImmiAccount?
No. Electronic Travel Authority applications use a separate application process.
Using ImmiAccount Without Guessing
ImmiAccount is an important part of the Australian visa process, but it is still only the system used to manage an application.
The portal cannot tell you whether your underlying visa strategy is sound, whether you satisfy the legal criteria or whether the evidence you have supplied adequately proves your case.
If you need a broader explanation of completing an application online, see:
Australia Visa Online Application: ImmiAccount Guide
If you want your visa circumstances assessed before or during an application, you can arrange a personalised assessment.