What Is ImmiAccount?
ImmiAccount is the Department of Home Affairs' secure online portal for lodging visa applications, citizenship applications, and sponsorship requests. Almost all Australian visa subclasses can now be applied for online through ImmiAccount, making it the primary way most people interact with Australia's immigration system.
Whether you're applying for a tourist visa, a student visa, a skilled migration visa, or a partner visa, ImmiAccount is where the process begins.
Creating an ImmiAccount
Before you can apply for any visa, you'll need to register for a free ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The registration process asks for:
- Your full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- A valid email address
- A password
You can register as an individual (applying for yourself) or as an organisation (for migration agents, employers, or education providers). Most personal applicants choose individual registration.
Choosing the Right Visa Subclass
Australia has a large number of visa subclasses, and selecting the correct one before you apply is critical. Applying for the wrong visa wastes application fees, which are generally non-refundable. Common visa subclasses include:
| Visa Subclass | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Subclass 600 | Visitor visa (tourism, family visit, business visitor) |
| Subclass 500 | Student visa |
| Subclass 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage (employer-sponsored work) |
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent (points-tested permanent residence) |
| Subclass 820/801 | Partner visa (onshore) |
| Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (permanent) |
Use the Visa Finder tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to help identify which visa suits your circumstances.
Lodging Your Application: Step by Step
- Sign in to ImmiAccount and click "New application".
- Select the visa subclass you're applying for.
- Complete the online application form — this covers personal details, travel history, health and character declarations, and your purpose of visit.
- Upload supporting documents as required (passport bio page, photographs, financial evidence, health insurance, etc.).
- Pay the visa application charge (VAC) — payment is made online by credit card.
- Submit and note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) — this is how you'll track your application.
Health and Character Requirements
Most Australian visas require you to meet health and character requirements:
- Health examination — completed through a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Results are submitted electronically.
- Police clearance — certificates from every country you've lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years may be required, depending on the visa.
Check the specific requirements for your visa subclass on the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
Tracking Your Application
Once lodged, you can track your application's progress through ImmiAccount. Processing times vary significantly by visa type — from days for some electronic travel authorities to years for some permanent residency streams. The Department publishes current processing times on its website, updated regularly.
Seeking Migration Advice
Australia's migration system is complex. If you're applying for a skilled, employer-sponsored, or family visa, consider consulting a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) — only agents registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) are legally permitted to provide immigration advice for a fee in Australia.