Take Control: ImmiAccount Access for Family Visas Now

Look, if you lodged a paper-based family visa application, you have probably been frustrated. No online tracking. No easy way to upload documents. Just waiting and wondering.

That has changed. The Department of Home Affairs has upgraded ImmiAccount to support paper applications. Here is what it means for you.

What Changed with ImmiAccount

Previously, paper applications meant paper everything. You had no visibility into your case. You could not see correspondence. You could not easily add documents without posting them in.

Now, once the Department acknowledges receipt of your paper application, you can import it into ImmiAccount. From there, you can:

• Upload additional supporting documents

• View all correspondence from the Department

• Update your personal and contact details

• Check your application status in real time

• Lodge Bridging Visa applications if eligible

• Submit withdrawal requests online

This is a significant improvement. Real visibility into your case.

Which Family Visas Are Covered

This applies to specific family visa subclasses. Not all of them. Here is the list.

Child Visas

• Child (Subclass 101 and 802)

• Adoption (Subclass 102)

• Dependent Child (Subclass 445)

• Orphan Relative (Subclass 117 and 837)

Other Family Visas

• Aged Dependent Relative (Subclass 114 and 838)

• Remaining Relative (Subclass 115 and 835)

• Carer (Subclass 116 and 836)

Long-Term Resident Visas

• Former Resident (Subclass 151)

• New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Subclass 461)

If you are waiting on citizenship or other visa types, check the Department's website for updates on those categories.

Eligibility to Import Your Application

Not all applications can be imported. The rules depend on where you lodged.

Onshore applications: All paper-based applications can be imported, regardless of when you lodged. That is straightforward.

Offshore applications: This is where it gets specific.

• Subclass 101, 102, 117: Only applications lodged on or after 1 April 2020

• Subclass 114, 115, 116: Only applications lodged on or after 25 June 2020

If your application was lodged before these dates, you may not be able to import it. You would need to continue managing it through traditional channels.

Withdrawing Your Application Online

If you need to withdraw your application, you can now do it online through ImmiAccount. Much simpler than the old process. If your application is not yet visible in the system, there is a separate web form available on the Department's website.

What Should You Do Now

If you have a paper-based family visa application pending, check whether you can import it into ImmiAccount. The online access makes managing your case significantly easier. You get visibility. You get control.

Not sure if your application is eligible? Or need help understanding what this means for your specific situation? Book a consultation and we will help you work it out.