ImmiAccount is the official Department of Home Affairs online portal used to lodge and manage Australian immigration and citizenship applications. All citizenship by conferral applications (Form 1290) must be submitted through ImmiAccount. Creating an account is free. You can track your application status, upload documents, and receive updates through the same portal.
ImmiAccount is the official Department of Home Affairs online system used to lodge and manage Australian immigration and citizenship applications. To apply for Australian citizenship, you must create an ImmiAccount and complete Form 1290 — Application for Australian Citizenship by Conferral — entirely online.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, paper-based citizenship applications are not accepted for most applicants — ImmiAccount is the required channel. Understanding how to use it correctly can save significant time and prevent your application from being rejected on administrative grounds.
What is ImmiAccount?
ImmiAccount is a secure government online portal operated by the Department of Home Affairs. It serves as the single platform for:
- Lodging visa applications (temporary and permanent)
- Applying for Australian citizenship by conferral
- Uploading supporting documents
- Paying application fees online
- Tracking the status of your application
- Receiving correspondence from the Department
- Providing additional information when requested
ImmiAccount is used for almost every type of Australian immigration matter. If you previously applied for a skilled visa, partner visa, or student visa in Australia, you almost certainly already have an ImmiAccount — you can use the same account for your citizenship application.
How to Create an ImmiAccount
Creating an ImmiAccount is free and takes approximately 10 minutes. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) and locate the ImmiAccount login page
- Click "Create account"
- Enter your full name, date of birth, and a valid email address
- Create a strong password (at least 8 characters with a mix of letters and numbers)
- Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
- Complete your profile with your contact details and country of birth
- You're now ready to start your application
Already Have an ImmiAccount from a Visa Application?
If you used ImmiAccount for a previous visa application, you do not need to create a new account. Simply log in with your existing credentials and start a new citizenship application from your dashboard. Your previous applications and documents remain stored in the system.
Applying for Australian Citizenship Through ImmiAccount
Once your account is set up and you've confirmed your eligibility, follow these steps to lodge your Australian Citizenship application:
Step 1: Start a New Application
Log in to ImmiAccount, click "New Application", and select "Australian Citizenship by Conferral" (Form 1290). This will open the online application form.
Step 2: Complete Form 1290
The form covers several sections including:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, passport details)
- Current visa status and visa grant number
- Residency history — all travel in and out of Australia for the past 4 years
- Character declarations
- Details of any family members applying at the same time
The form does not need to be completed in one session — ImmiAccount saves your progress automatically. However, save your work frequently as sessions can time out after extended inactivity.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
You'll need to upload the following documents through ImmiAccount:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Current passport (all pages) | Identity verification |
| Permanent visa grant letter | Proof of permanent residency status |
| Evidence of presence in Australia | Bank statements, tax returns, utility bills (4-year period) |
| Birth certificate | Identity (especially for children included in application) |
| Change of name documents | If your name has changed (marriage certificate, deed poll) |
| Overseas travel records | Passport stamps or airline records for absences from Australia |
Accepted file formats are PDF, JPG, and PNG. Each document must be under 5MB. If a document is larger, compress it before uploading.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The current citizenship by conferral application fee (2026) is $490 for adults. Children included in a parent's application pay a reduced fee. Payment is made online through ImmiAccount via credit card or BPAY. The fee is non-refundable once lodged.
Step 5: Submit
Once you've completed the form, uploaded all documents, and paid the fee, click "Submit". You'll receive a confirmation email and an application reference number. Keep this number — you'll need it for any enquiries.
Tracking Your Citizenship Application in ImmiAccount
After submitting, you can log in to ImmiAccount at any time to check your application status. The stages you'll see are:
- Application received — your application has been lodged successfully
- Under assessment — a case officer is reviewing your application
- Additional information required — the Department needs more documents or clarification
- Decision made — you'll receive notification of the outcome
According to the Department of Home Affairs, standard citizenship processing times are currently 12 to 18 months (2026). Complex cases or applications with absences issues may take longer. You can request a processing time update through ImmiAccount if your application has been under assessment for more than 18 months.
Prepare for the Citizenship Test While You Wait
Applications take months to process — use the time to master the citizenship test with free practice questions.
Start Practising NowCommon ImmiAccount Issues and How to Fix Them
Can't Log In
Use the "Forgot password" link on the ImmiAccount login page. A reset link will be emailed to your registered address. If you've also lost access to your registered email, you'll need to contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.
Session Timeout — Lost Progress
ImmiAccount logs out automatically after extended inactivity. Always click the Save button regularly while completing Form 1290. Don't rely on auto-save alone — if your session times out, any unsaved progress is lost.
Document Upload Fails
Accepted formats are JPG, PNG, and PDF. Maximum file size is 5MB per document. If your file is too large, use a free PDF compression tool before uploading. If the file format is wrong, convert it to PDF using a free online tool.
Application Stuck on "Received" for Many Months
This is normal. The "received" status can persist for several months before your application moves to "under assessment". Standard processing times are 12–18 months. Do not withdraw and re-lodge your application — this restarts the process and costs another fee.
Need to Update Contact Details
If your address, phone number, or email changes after lodging, update your ImmiAccount profile immediately. All correspondence from the Department is sent to the details on file — missing an interview invitation because your address was outdated is a common and avoidable mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ImmiAccount free to use?
Yes. Creating an ImmiAccount is completely free. You only pay fees when you actually lodge an application — for example, the $490 citizenship by conferral fee for adults. There are no subscription fees or account charges.
Can my migration agent access my ImmiAccount?
Yes — without you sharing your password. Your registered migration agent can be linked to your ImmiAccount as an authorised representative. This allows them to view and manage your application on your behalf without needing your login credentials. Your agent will provide instructions on how to link them to your account.
What happens if I change my email address after lodging?
You can update your email address in your ImmiAccount profile settings at any time. However, if you've lost access to your current registered email, you'll need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to verify your identity and update your contact details.
How do I add a dependent child to my citizenship application?
During Form 1290, there is a dedicated section for including dependent children. Each child will require their own supporting documents (birth certificate, current passport). Children under 16 are exempt from the citizenship test but must attend the citizenship ceremony and make or affirm the pledge (for those under 16, a parent or guardian makes the pledge on their behalf).
Can I apply for citizenship on paper instead of through ImmiAccount?
In most cases, no. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the online application through ImmiAccount (Form 1290) is the standard and required channel for citizenship by conferral applications. Paper applications may only be available in very limited circumstances, such as for applicants with a disability that prevents online lodgement. Contact the Department directly if you have accessibility needs. For everyone else, ImmiAccount is the path forward. See our study guide to start preparing for the test once your application is lodged.