Parent Visas: Paper Applications Can Now Be Imported into ImmiAccount

In April 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced an important change for Parent visa applicants: the ability to import paper-based applications into ImmiAccount. This new functionality marks a long-awaited improvement in the administration of Parent visa applications. It is especially significant given the long processing times associated with these visas.

What Has Changed?

Applicants who lodged their Parent visa application by paper can now import their application into their ImmiAccount. This provides access to a range of online services that were previously unavailable to paper applications. Once imported, applicants can:

• View the current status of their application

• Receive and respond to correspondence from the Department

• Upload supporting documents

• Update personal details

This update applies to all Parent visa applications, except for Subclass 103 applications lodged before November 2018.

Why This Matters

Parent visa applications have the longest processing visas in the Australian immigration system. Based on current figures:

• Contributory Parent visas take approximately 14 years to process

• Parent and Aged Parent (non-contributory) visas take approximately 31 years

Given these extensive timeframes, applicants frequently experience changes in their personal, family, and financial circumstances over the years. Being able to manage an application online is a significant practical improvement.

ImmiAccount vs. Webform: A Clear Upgrade

Previously, applicants who lodged their Parent visa applications by paper could only communicate with the Department using the Parent Visa Webform or by email. While still available, the webform has notable limitations. Each time a communication or document upload is submitted, applicants must manually re-enter key visa details. There is no way to track past submissions, view confirmation of receipt, or see a record of uploaded documents.

ImmiAccount offers a secure and centralised platform where applicants can upload documents, send messages, and view the history of their interactions with the Department. It allows users to see the status of their application and maintain an organised record of all correspondence. Once the application is linked to ImmiAccount, there is no need to re-enter identifying details for each interaction, making it a more reliable and streamlined tool for long-term case management.

What Has Not Changed

It is important to note that this new functionality does not change the way Parent visa applications are lodged. With the exception of the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa, all Parent visa subclasses—including Subclass 103, 804, 143, and 864—must still be lodged using a paper application. The new import option allows for greater digital access after a paper application has been submitted and acknowledged, but the initial lodgement process remains unchanged and must be done by mail.

How to Import Your Application

The import process in ImmiAccount is straightforward. Applicants who do not already have an ImmiAccount, can set up their user via the Home Affairs website. Once logged in, applicants can import their Parent visa application file using their application ID, date of birth, and their passport number. The application ID is a code the Department uses to identify applications. It appears in the application acknowledgement letter issued when the application was lodged and subsequent correspondence sent by the Department.

In Summary

The ImmiAccount upgrade gives Parent visa applicants the ability to interact with their application in a modern and efficient way. It removes the isolation that often comes with a paper-based process and gives applicants more control and visibility throughout the extended wait period. For families separated by borders and timeframes that can stretch decades, this is a welcome and necessary improvement.

Stay tuned for more updates on Australia's visa system. Subscribe to the next ImmiUpdate below.

For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au

Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.

---

Information (or the lack of it) contained in ImmiUpdates should not be relied on as immigration assistance or advice. ImmiUpdates expressly disclaim any liability, arising at law, in equity or otherwise, for any information published or not published in past, the present or future editions of the blog. People seeking immigration assistance should seek advice from a registered migration agent and those seeking legal advice should consult a lawyer. The copyright in the newsletter belongs to Rysher Migration Services and no part of the blog is to be reproduced by any means without the written consent of Rysher Migration Services.