How to Create an Immiaccount - A Comprehensive Guide

If you are planning to apply for a visa or manage your immigration process in Australia, creating an ImmiAccount is your first essential step. This secure online platform, provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, allows you to manage visa applications, upload required documents, and stay updated on the status of your application in a secure and efficient manner.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up an ImmiAccount, ensuring you understand the benefits and what comes next after submitting your visa application.

What is an ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount is an online service portal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs designed to streamline the visa application process. It provides a central hub where you can:

• Lodge visa and citizenship applications.
• Track the progress of applications in real-time.
• Upload supporting documents securely.
• Communicate directly with the Department of Home Affairs regarding your application.
• Make payments using secure methods like credit card, PayPal, or BPAY.

When Should You Create an ImmiAccount?

You should create an ImmiAccount when:

1. You are planning to apply for an Australian visa, such as a student or skilled migration visa.
2. You need to renew an existing visa while residing in Australia.
3. You are sponsoring an applicant for an Australian visa.
4. You represent an organization supporting employees through employer-sponsored visas.

Creating an ImmiAccount early allows you to become familiar with the platform, prepare your documents, and ensure you meet all application requirements well ahead of deadlines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an ImmiAccount

Step 0: Visit the Official Website

Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login) and click on the "Create an ImmiAccount" button. This will redirect you to the registration page.

Step 1: Provide your email:

In this section, you will be required to provide accurate details, including:

• Enter a valid, personal email address that you check regularly
• Avoid using work emails as access may change over time

Click "Continue" once you've entered all the required information.

Step 2: Confirm Your Account:

1. Check your email for a confirmation link
2. Click the link to activate your ImmiAccount
3. If you don't receive the email within an hour, check your spam folder or request a new link

Step 3: Select Account Type

1. Select "Individual" if you're applying for yourself or a family member
2. Note: Choose "Organisation" only if you're a registered migration agent or sponsoring company
3. Fill out your family name and phone number.

Once you have selected the appropriate account type, click "Continue."

Step 4: Create ImmiAccount Login Credentials:

1. Username: Choose a unique username that's easy for you to remember
2. Password: Create a strong password (at least 14 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols)
3. Security Questions: Select questions you can easily answer but others wouldn't know
4. Tip: Avoid using personal information that could be guessed, like birthdays or pet names

Step 5: Accept Terms and Conditions:

1. Read through the ImmiAccount terms of use carefully
2. Tick the box to indicate your agreement
3. Complete the "I'm not a robot" verification if prompted

Step 6: Complete the Process:

1. Review all entered information for accuracy
2. Click "Submit" to create your account

Step 7: Organise ImmiAccount notifications

Click "Manage Account", followed by "change my account alert preferences" to enable or disable security notifications, depending on whether you wish to be alerted of changes like password updates or successful ImmiAccount logins. Unticking these do not stop you from receiving essential communications specific to your application.

Managing Your ImmiAccount

Once your ImmiAccount is created, it serves as the control centre for your visa applications. Below are some key functionalities:

1. Submit Visa Applications: You can lodge applications for various visa types, including visitor, student, skilled, and partner visas.
2. Upload Documents: Easily attach required documents, such as identification, financial records, and police clearance certificates.
3. Track Application Progress: Monitor the status of your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
4. Make Payments: Pay for your visa application (including paper applications) directly through the platform using secure methods.
5. Update Personal Details: If your contact details, address, or passport information change, you can update these by clicking your submitted application

Accessing VEVO via ImmiAccount

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) is a service accessible through ImmiAccount that allows visa holders and registered organisations to check visa conditions, such as validity and rights attached to the visa.

To access VEVO, simply log in to your ImmiAccount when accessing this page and use the VEVO option to verify your visa status or that of your employees.

Benefits of ImmiAccount

1. Effortless Application Tracking: Easily track the status of your visa application using the provided reference number.
2. Secure Document Submission: Upload your documents safely through the platform without the need for mailing paper copies.
3. Convenient Payments: Pay for your application securely using accepted payment methods.
4. Real-Time Updates: Receive instant notifications and messages from the Department of Home Affairs.
5. Streamlined Communication: Directly communicate with immigration authorities through your ImmiAccount.
6. Grouping applications: you can submit visitor visa applications together as a family and request to have them be processed at the same time.

After Submitting Your Application

Once you've lodged your visa application through ImmiAccount, follow these steps:

1. Monitor Your Application: Regularly check your ImmiAccount for any updates, requests for additional documents, or messages from immigration authorities.
2. Submit Additional Documents: If further documentation is required, upload it to your application promptly to avoid delays.
3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on Australian immigration policies, visa processing times, and changes that may affect your application.

If you encounter any issues during the process, contact the Department of Home Affairs through the platform's support options or seek advice from a registered migration agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Applying for Your Visa

1. Can I create an ImmiAccount if I have a migration agent?

If you are using a migration agent, they will manage your visa application through their own ImmiAccount. You do not need to create a separate one.

2. Is creating an ImmiAccount free?

Yes, creating an ImmiAccount is free of charge.

3. What types of visas can I apply for through ImmiAccount?

Most visa types, including visitor, student, skilled migration, and partner visas, can be applied for through ImmiAccount.

4. What documents do I need to apply for a visa through ImmiAccount?

You will generally need identification documents, financial proof, and other visa-specific documents. Check your visa subclass requirements.

5. Can I use the same ImmiAccount for multiple visa applications?

Yes, you can manage multiple visa applications under the same ImmiAccount.

6. Do I need to verify my email when creating an ImmiAccount?

Yes, after registering, you will receive an email with a verification link that you must click to activate your account.

7. What should I do if I don't receive the email verification link?

Check your spam or junk email folder. If it's still missing, you can request to resend the verification link from the ImmiAccount registration page.

8. Can I manage visa applications for my company's employees using ImmiAccount?

Yes, if you register an organisational account, you can manage visa applications for your employees and track their status.

9. What is the difference between an individual and an organisational ImmiAccount?

An individual account is for personal visa applications, while an organisational account is for companies or migration agents managing multiple applications on behalf of others.

While Drafting Your Application Forms

1. How do I upload documents to my application?

Choose your application type, select "Attach Documents," and follow the prompts to select a category for your file and upload your files.

2. Can I add dependents to my visa application through ImmiAccount?

At the time of submitting your visa application, there will be an option to add dependents. Provide their details and upload relevant supporting documents.

3. Can I save a partially completed visa application and return to it later?

Yes, ImmiAccount allows you to save your application at any stage and return to complete it later.

4. What should I do if I made a mistake in my visa application?

You can correct certain mistakes by editing your application before submission. After submission, you may need to contact the Department of Home Affairs for assistance, submit a notification of incorrect answers, and/or upload a corrected document through ImmiAccount.

5. Can I import a paper-based visa application into my ImmiAccount?

Most paper applications cannot be imported.

After Submitting Your Visa

1. How can I track my visa application status?

Log in to your ImmiAccount and navigate to the "My Applications" tab to see updates on your application status.

2. How long does it take to process visa applications submitted via ImmiAccount?

Processing times vary depending on the visa type. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for specific timeframes.

3. Can I request priority processing for my visa application?

In special cases, such as medical emergencies, you can request priority processing, but approval is at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs.

4. Can I withdraw my visa application through ImmiAccount?

Yes, you can withdraw your application by selecting the relevant option in the "My Applications" tab.

5. Can I add supporting documents after I've submitted my application?

Yes, you can add additional documents if requested by the Department of Home Affairs through your ImmiAccount, as long as your application is still under review.

6. What happens if I upload the wrong document?

You can delete or replace an incorrectly uploaded document before submission. After submission, you will need to upload the correct document and notify the Department.

7. How do I know if my application has been successfully submitted?

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen and an email confirming the submission.

8. Can I appeal a visa refusal through ImmiAccount?

No, ImmiAccount does not handle appeals. If your visa is refused, you may need to contact the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) (otherwise known as the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) after 14 October 2024) for appeal options.

General Questions

1. How do I recover a forgotten password?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Immi login page, enter your email, and follow the instructions to reset your password.

2. What should I do if I forget my ImmiAccount username?

If you forget your immi login, use the "Forgot Username" option on the login page and follow the instructions to recover your username via email.

3. Can I change my ImmiAccount password?

Yes, you can change your password by logging into your ImmiAccount, going to "Manage Account," and selecting the "Password" tab to update it.

4. What happens if my ImmiAccount is locked?

If you incorrectly enter your login details multiple times (usually 5), your account will be locked for 4 hours. You can either wait for it to unlock or use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password.

We recommend resetting your password when you have gotten your password wrong the third time, so as to avoid being locked out.

5. How do I reset my security questions?

Log in to your ImmiAccount, go to "Manage Account," and update your security questions under the account settings.

6. Can I update my personal details in ImmiAccount?

Yes, you can update your contact information, address, and passport details directly through your ImmiAccount.

7. How do I update my email address in ImmiAccount?

Log into your account, go to "Manage Account," and update your email address in the account settings. You will be required to verify the new email address.

8. How long does my ImmiAccount remain active?

Your ImmiAccount remains active indefinitely, but if you do not log in for a long period, you may be required to reset your password.

9. What does the ImmiAccount dashboard show?

Your dashboard will display the status of your applications, notifications from the Department of Home Affairs, and options for managing your account.

Technical and Other Issues

1. What should I do if I encounter technical issues with my ImmiAccount?

Contact the Department of Home Affairs through their support form if you experience technical issues.

2. Is there a maximum size for document uploads in ImmiAccount?

Yes, there is a file size limit for uploading documents, typically around 5 MB per file. Ensure your files meet the size and format requirements. You should also ensure that your documents are not encrypted.

3. Can I submit visa payments through ImmiAccount?

Yes, ImmiAccount supports various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and BPAY.

4. Can I check the visa conditions attached to my granted visa through ImmiAccount?

Yes, after your visa is granted, you can access your visa conditions and grant letter through ImmiAccount.

The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice or information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.