The Australian government has announced a significant update to the ImmiAccount system in order to modernise visa processing and improve the convenience of applicants. Parent visa applicants who submit paper-based applications are now able to import their applications into ImmiAccount once they have been acknowledged by the Department of Home Affairs.
What Has Changed?
Parent visa applicants are still required to submit paper-based applications; however, they are now able to digitally administer their applications through ImmiAccount. Your application can be imported online, which will grant you access to a variety of new online services once your paper form has been received and officially acknowledged.
This update provides thousands of parent visa applicants with the much-needed respite they have been waiting for by simplifying, expediting, and streamlining the visa application process.
Australia Parent Visa Process 2025 – New ImmiAccount Integration:
You will now have the ability to import your paper application into ImmiAccount.
- Supporting documents may be uploaded online without the need for postal delays.
- Messages from the Department are received and viewed directly.
- Real-time updates to your personal information
- You may monitor the current status of your visa application at any time.
This new digital convenience is applicable to all new and extant Parent visa applications, with the exception of Parent (subclass 103) visa applications that were submitted prior to November 2018.
Who Is Eligible for ImmiAccount Integration?
The new ImmiAccount integration is available to:
- All newly lodged paper-based Parent visa applications
- Existing Parent visa applicants, provided their application has been acknowledged
Requirements:
1. Sponsor Eligibility
- Must be your child (biological, adopted, or stepchild).
- Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Must have been living lawfully in Australia for at least 2 years prior to sponsoring.
- Must be over 18 and agree to provide support.
2. Balance of Family Test
You must meet the Balance of Family Test, meaning:
- At least half of your children live permanently in Australia, or
- More of your children live permanently in Australia than in any other country.
3. Health and Character Requirements
- You must undergo medical examinations.
- You must provide police clearance from every country where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- You (and any dependents) must meet health and character requirements.
4. Assurance of Support (AoS)
- Required for contributory and non-contributory parent visas.
- Your sponsor (or an assurer) must commit to financially supporting you to ensure you do not rely on government benefits for 10 years (2–10 years, depending on the visa).
- A bond (usually AUD $10,000 for one applicant, more for families) is held by the government and refunded after the AoS period.
5. Visa-Specific Requirements
| Visa | Age Limit | Processing Time | Temporary Option | Onshore/Offshore | Contribution Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 103 (Parent) | None | 20–30+ years | No | Offshore | No |
| Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) | None | 4–6 years | Yes (via 173) | Offshore | Yes (AUD $47k+) |
| Subclass 173 (Temporary Contributory Parent) | None | Quicker | Yes (2 years) | Offshore | Yes |
| Subclass 804 (Aged Parent) | Pension age | Decades | Yes (bridging visa) | Onshore only | No |
| Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent) | Pension age | 5+ years | Yes (via 884) | Onshore | Yes |
| Subclass 884 (Temporary Contributory Aged Parent) | Pension age | Quicker | Yes (2 years) | Onshore | Yes |
Documents Typically Required:
- Passport and ID documents
- Birth certificates proving the relationship
- Proof of child’s citizenship/residency
- Police checks and health exam results
- AoS documents (bank statements, income proofs from the sponsor)
Exceptions:
- Applicants who lodged a Parent (subclass 103) visa before November 2018 are not eligible for this digital integration. Their applications will continue to be processed through traditional means only.
What Remains Paper-Based?
Despite this update, submission of the visa application form and initial documents must still be done on paper. This is a legal requirement under current migration regulations.
ImmiAccount integration is only available after acknowledgment of the paper application.
Benefits:
Permanent Residency (for Subclass 143 and 103)
- Live, work, and stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (subject to residency requirements).
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system).
Family Reunification
- Live closer to your children and grandchildren in Australia.
- Eligible for certain social security benefits after a waiting period.
Education and Healthcare
- Access to subsidized healthcare (Medicare).
- Some eligibility for public education (if guardianship of dependents is involved).
Travel Freedom
- Multiple re-entry rights during visa validity (initial 5 years for PR).
- Option to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain PR status.
Pathway to Citizenship
- Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency and character requirements.
How to Import Your Paper Application into ImmiAccount?
The Department’s official “Apply and manage your application” page has a comprehensive guide that outlines each step. It is intended to facilitate the seamless integration of applicants’ paper applications with their online ImmiAccount.
Why This Matters?
Limited communication methods, extended document handling times, and minimal visibility into the status of their application were the only options available to paper-based Parent visa applicants until recently.
This hybrid system ultimately bridges the gap, enabling applicants to experience the best of both worlds—traditional paper submissions combined with modern online tracking and management tools.
In short:
- Faster document uploads
- More transparency
- Less stress while waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my sponsor also access the application?
Sponsors can view relevant information if linked, but this process must be handled via authorization or by using their own ImmiAccount access.
Does this speed up visa processing?
While it doesn’t reduce queue times, document handling, updates, and communication will be significantly faster, potentially improving overall efficiency.
Can I skip the paper application and just apply online?
Parent visa applications must still be submitted in paper form. Digital integration is only allowed after submission and acknowledgment.
