How to Import Paper Visa Application into ImmiAccount
If you’ve submitted a paper-based child or family visa application, there’s now an important department update from the Department of Home Affairs. A new feature has been introduced to improve the application process.
A new online feature allowing applicants and RMAs to import paper-based visa applications into ImmiAccount. This update streamlines the management of visa applications by enabling users to upload documents, check application status, and view correspondence online.
This long-awaited functionality means you can link your paper application to your online ImmiAccount, making it much easier to track progress, upload documents, and manage the visa process more efficiently.
What Visa Types Can Be Imported into ImmiAccount?
The new functionality applies to a range of Child, Other Family, and Long-Term Resident visa subclasses. Both newly lodged and existing applications can be imported into ImmiAccount.
Child and Dependent Visas
Child visa (subclass 101 and 802)
Adoption visa (subclass 102)
Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117 and 837)
Other Family Visas
Aged Dependent visa (subclass 114 and 838)
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115 and 835)
Carer visa (subclass 116 and 836)
Long-Term Resident & Other
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461)
Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
These visas must still be lodged by paper form, but once the application is acknowledged by the Department, you can link the paper visa application to ImmiAccount to manage it online.
What You Can Do After You Link a Paper Visa Application
Once imported, you’ll have access to a range of online services in your ImmiAccount, including:
Uploading supporting documents and attaching additional documents after importing
Application view correspondence and viewing messages from the Department
Updating personal details (e.g. contact info or passport) and managing communication through ImmiAccount
Checking the current status of your application
Lodging Bridging Visa applications (if eligible)
Using the online form to withdraw the application if needed
By importing paper applications, you can streamline access to these features and manage your application more efficiently.
Exceptions: When Paper Applications Can’t Be Imported
This functionality does not apply to older paper applications lodged outside Australia before the following dates:
Child (101), Adoption (102), or Orphan Relative (117) visas lodged before 1 April 2020
Aged Dependent (114), Remaining Relative (115), or Carer (116) visas lodged before 25 June 2020
Parent visa application (including Subclass 103) lodged before November 2018
If your application falls into these categories, you will not be able to import it into ImmiAccount. Only applications for which the Department has acknowledged receipt, or for which you have a receipt, can be imported. This applies to parent and parent visa application types as well.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Your Paper Visa Application
Step by step guide: Importing your paper-based Parent visa application into ImmiAccount
Once your application has been acknowledged and you have your reference number, follow this step by step guide to import your application:
Go to ImmiAccount and ensure you are logged in (or create a new account and log in).
Navigate to the “Import Application” section to import applications.
Enter the following details to import your application:
Application ID
Date of birth
Identity document number (passport, ImmiCard or Titre de Voyage)
Importing is required to manage your application online. Once submitted, your paper visa application will be linked to ImmiAccount, allowing you to access, update, and track your application.
Why Linking to ImmiAccount Makes Managing Your Visa Easier
This change is a major improvement for applicants who previously had no way to track or manage paper-based applications online.
Linking your visa to ImmiAccount gives you:
Faster access to updates
The ability to upload new documents anytime
A clearer view of processing status and correspondence
Easier access to lodge a Bridging Visa if eligible
For long processing family visas like the Remaining Relative, Carer, or Child visas, this added visibility is incredibly helpful when you're doing your application by yourself or having a registered migration agent handle the application for you.
Need Help Linking Your Paper Application?
At Via Migration, we assist clients with all stages of the visa process — including linking and managing paper-based visa applications. If you’ve lodged a Child visa, Family visa, or Long-Term Resident visa, and you’re not sure how to connect it to ImmiAccount, we can help.
Book a consultation and we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.
