Australian online visa application portal to be expanded in 2016

ImmiAccount, the Australian Department of Immigration’s online tool for visa applicants, has reached a significant milestone with users passing the three million mark.

Work is now beginning to expand it further with more visas classes set to be added in coming months along with a wider range of forms.

Immigrants looking to apply for Australian citizenship will also be able to use the online tool where they will be able to lodge and track their applications.

‘In 2014, ImmiAccount won the Australian ICT Excellence in Service Delivery Award and continues to provide clients and agents with a world-class visa and citizenship application tool, where they can select, complete, lodge, track and pay for an increasing range of applications,’ said a spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

‘A number of improvements are in the pipeline to further enhance ImmiAccount. Work is under way to introduce more visa subclasses and forms and provide better support for travellers. In addition, ImmiAccount will be further optimised for mobile devices,’ he added.

ImmiAccount is described as the ‘front door’ to the immigration department’s online services. It is needed for making visa and citizenship applications online. Users can also access health declaration services and attach documents to applications.

Once a user is registered they can check the progress of their application online, update their details online and consent to using eMedical and answer medical related questions where required.

A number of online forms are available in ImmiAccount. These include the appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (including migration agent), change of address details, change of email address details, change of passport details, and notification of changes in circumstances.

ImmiAccounts can be accessed and created from anywhere whether you are inside or outside of Australia and it can also be managed by someone on your behalf such as a family memberor spouse and even a representative of your future employer.

The online platform is credited with streamlining the Australian visa process, making it easier to not only apply but also a tracking system allows you to keep tabs on your application and how far along the process it is.

The spokesman also pointed out that it makes it easier and simpler for visa applicants who are not yet living in Australia, allowing for better planning and organisation of their move.