For most Australian visa and citizenship applications, you apply online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ online service. You can use it to start and submit eligible applications, attach documents, make payments using the available payment options, view messages and check application status. Some services use a different process—for example, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) applications are lodged through the Australian ETA app.
This guide explains how to create an ImmiAccount, set up multi-factor authentication, and use your account throughout the visa application process.
What is the ImmiAccount system?
The ImmiAccount system is the official online portal provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for lodging and managing most visa and citizenship applications. It also provides access to other Home Affairs services, including the APEC Business Travel Card and Australian Trusted Trader. While it is used for most Australian visa and citizenship applications, some services, such as Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) applications, are submitted through a separate app.
With ImmiAccount, you can start, submit and track applications, upload supporting documents, pay fees, and view messages and notices relating to applications lodged through ImmiAccount, all in one place. The department may also send notifications to the email address nominated in your application.
ImmiAccount is accessed online through the Department of Home Affairs website, which may impose browser, device, network or security requirements. It is used by both individual applicants and registered migration agents managing applications on behalf of clients.
ImmiAccount is used for most Australian visa and citizenship applications, including skilled migration, partner visas, family visas, employer-sponsored visas, and permanent residency pathways.
Features of ImmiAccount
Once you’ve created your ImmiAccount, you can manage many stages of an eligible visa or citizenship application from your ImmiAccount. Key features include:
- Start, save and return to a visa or citizenship application form
- Upload supporting documents, including passports, financial statements and reference letters
- Pay the application charge using the payment options available for your application
- Check your application status and view messages from the Department of Home Affairs
- Upload information or documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs
- Manage applications for yourself, family members or other applicants where you are authorised to act for them, including application sharing and sending incomplete applications to another account
Who needs an ImmiAccount in Australia?
Most people applying for an Australian visa or citizenship will need an ImmiAccount. This includes applicants for:
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Skilled migration visas
- Partner visas
- Family visas
- Australian citizenship (many applications can be lodged through ImmiAccount; the online process and available account options depend on the application type)
Registered migration agents, sponsoring companies and other eligible organisations may use Organisation ImmiAccounts to manage applications on behalf of clients or employees.
How to create an ImmiAccount: a step-by-step guide
Creating an ImmiAccount only takes a few minutes if you have a valid email address and your personal details ready. Follow these steps to set up your account and prepare for your Australian visa application.
Step 1: Visit the official ImmiAccount website
Go to the official Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount website. Before entering any personal information, check that you’re on the correct website, as scam sites can imitate the official login page.
Step 2: Select your account type
Choose Individual if you are applying for yourself, acting for a family member or helping another applicant. Select Organisation if you are from an organisation, a registered migration agent or a sponsoring company.
Step 3: Verify your email address
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter and verify your email address.
Step 4: Enter your personal details
Enter the account and security details requested on screen. Information required to create the account may differ from information required for the visa application.
Step 5: Create a secure password
Set a strong, unique password and accept the terms and conditions. Avoid reusing passwords from other websites, and never share your ImmiAccount login with anyone else.
Step 6: Set up multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for ImmiAccount users. It is required at each login, when creating a new account and when making account changes. You’ll choose your preferred verification method during setup — an authenticator app or an email token — which is explained in more detail below.
Step 7: Start your visa application
After you complete account creation and MFA setup, log in to ImmiAccount and select the relevant application service, where you can start, save, and manage your visa or citizenship application.
Account details you will need
Before creating your ImmiAccount, have the following ready:
- A valid email address and the personal or organisation details requested during account setup
Documents you may need for your application
These are not required to create your account, but you may need them for your visa application:
- Passport
- Previous visa information (if applicable)
- Visa grant number (if you’ve previously held an Australian visa)
Individual or organisation ImmiAccount: which do you need?
The account type you choose determines what you can do and who else can be added to it, so it is worth getting right from the start. The table below compares the two.
Most people applying for a skilled migration visa, partner visa, visitor visa or citizenship only need an individual account.
How to set up multi-factor authentication on ImmiAccount
ImmiAccount requires multi-factor authentication (MFA), which can be set up using an authenticator app or an email token. MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond a password. At each login, you will be asked to enter a six-digit code from your authenticator app or from your verified email address, depending on the MFA method you selected. The department recommends using an authenticator app, as email authentication is considered less secure.
Authenticator app or email authentication
There are two authentication options, and you can choose whichever suits your situation. The table below sets out how each one works.
This extra layer of security applies every time you log in. If you no longer have access to your authenticator app, use the “I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app” link on the login page, where you will need to enter your password and answer your secret questions before setting MFA up again. Organisation users may also ask their Organisation Account Administrator to help reset their password or MFA. An OAA can manage certain staff-access issues, including password and MFA resets.
If a code does not arrive, check your spam folder, request a new code, or try logging in using a different browser before you contact the department for assistance.
Navigating the ImmiAccount dashboard
After logging in, your dashboard is where you’ll:
- Start new applications
- Continue saved applications
- Upload documents
- Pay visa fees
- Check application status
- View messages from the Department of Home Affairs
How to Manage Your Australian Visa Application in ImmiAccount
Using ImmiAccount, you can respond to case officer requests and keep your information up to date from a single dashboard, once your application form is underway.
For eligible online applications, you can start an application, save your progress and return to it later. Nothing is submitted until you actively lodge it. Check the application instructions carefully, because some documents may need to be attached before submission and some applications may have specific completion requirements. Before you start, read the full visa requirements and consider time limits, document validity, and any health or character requirements, to make sure the selected visa is appropriate for your circumstances.
The required documents depend on the application type. The application form tells you what to attach and whether documents must be attached before or after submission, and these are uploaded directly through the account. Follow the requirements shown in the application, and keep copies of every document, because uploaded supporting documents may not remain accessible for download in ImmiAccount.
Application fees are paid using the payment options available for the application. Depending on the application type, options may include credit or debit card and, in some cases, BPAY. Save the payment receipt and transaction details for your records. Access to payment information may depend on the account and payment method used.
After lodgement, your dashboard shows the status of your application and any notifications from the department. If a case officer requests additional information, upload the requested information to ImmiAccount and follow the instructions for completing the request. Do not email documents unless the department specifically instructs you to do so.
Common ImmiAccount login problems and how to fix them
If you’re having trouble accessing your ImmiAccount, these are the most common login issues and how to resolve them. If none of these steps works, ImmiAccount may direct you to contact the Department of Home Affairs for assistance through the technical support form.
I have forgotten my username or password
Use the “I have forgotten my ImmiAccount username or password” link on the login page and enter the email address linked to your account. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your details, and check your spam folder if the reset email does not arrive within a few minutes.
I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app
Use the “I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app” link on the login page. You will need to enter your password and correctly answer your secret questions to access your account, after which you will be asked to set up MFA again. If you are unable to regain access this way, submit the ImmiAccount technical support form. The form is for technical issues, not visa eligibility questions or application-status enquiries.
My verification code has not arrived
Check your spam or junk folder first, and confirm that you entered the correct email address. If the issue persists, request a new code, try using a different browser, and follow the official troubleshooting guidance.
Do you need an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent?
ImmiAccount is designed so most people can lodge a visa or citizenship application themselves, and many applicants successfully manage the process without professional assistance. However, if your circumstances are more complex, such as applying through a skilled migration pathway, an employer-sponsored visa, a partner visa, or a permanent residency program, professional advice may be useful where the facts are complex or the consequences of an error are significant.
A registered migration agent may manage an application through an Organisation ImmiAccount. The Department encourages agents to share applications with clients, so the exact access arrangement can vary. They can help determine a suitable visa pathway, prepare supporting documents and review the application before lodging.
Getting your ImmiAccount ready for the Australian visa application process
Creating an ImmiAccount is a straightforward process, but small mistakes, such as choosing the wrong account type or using an unverified email address, can create access or administration issues. If necessary, the department provides a process for requesting an account-type change. Taking the time to set up your account correctly can help make the application process smoother from the start.
If you’re unsure which visa pathway is right for you or your application is more complex, such as skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or a partner visa, Hays Migration and Education can provide professional guidance before you lodge. Our registered migration professionals can help you prepare your ImmiAccount, review your supporting documents, and ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Frequently asked questions
The information provided is general only and should not be relied upon as migration or legal advice. A client relationship is only established upon execution of a signed service agreement.
