The Australian Government has introduced a significant improvement to the visa application process by updating the ImmiAccount system. From 24 April 2025, individuals applying for Parent visas using the required paper-based method now have the option to link their application to ImmiAccount once it has been acknowledged by the Department of Home Affairs.
Although submitting Parent visa applications on paper remains mandatory, applicants can now manage their application online after it has been officially received. This change allows for easier and more efficient interaction with the Department, offering greater transparency and faster processing.
Once a paper application is linked to ImmiAccount, applicants gain access to several online features. These include uploading supporting documents digitally, avoiding postal delays, receiving direct messages from the Department, updating personal information instantly, and checking the status of their visa application at any time.
This update applies to both new and ongoing Parent visa applications, with the exception of Parent (subclass 103) applications lodged before November 2018. To link a paper application to an online account, applicants can follow the instructions available on the Department’s “Apply and manage your application” webpage.
The update is a welcome development for many Parent visa applicants who previously had limited options for communication and tracking. By allowing online access while maintaining the paper-based submission process, the system offers a more convenient and modernized experience.
