Avoid These Common Mistakes When Setting Up Your ImmiAccount

For most people applying for an Australian visa, the journey begins with the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal: ImmiAccount. This digital gateway is where every visa application is lodged, supporting documents are uploaded, and communication with case officers takes place. While the system is designed to streamline the application process, it is also a place where simple mistakes can lead to significant processing delays or even a visa rejection.

Understanding the common pitfalls and specific requirements of the ImmiAccount system is essential for a smooth and successful application. At Australian Migration Lawyers, we frequently assist clients who have encountered issues stemming from incorrect use of the portal. These are not just minor mistakes; they can have serious consequences for your application outcome and are often the most common reasons for refusal.

This blog outlines the common mistakes people make within their ImmiAccount and explains how to avoid them, ensuring you provide accurate information from the very beginning.

What is ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount is the Australian Government’s official platform for managing immigration and citizenship matters online. It acts as a secure and centralised dashboard that allows you to:

• Submit your visa application, whether it is a student visa, partner visa, or visitor visa.
• Upload all required supporting documents and additional documents.
• Track the status of your application in real time.
• Receive updates and requests from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Make payments via credit card, PayPal, or BPAY.
• Communicate directly with case officers when required.

Because ImmiAccount is the gateway to your visa or citizenship application, setting it up properly is a crucial first step in your immigration journey.

When Should You Create an ImmiAccount?

You should create your ImmiAccount as early as possible if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are planning to apply for an Australian visa (e.g., student visa, skilled visa, partner visa, or tourist visa).
• You are renewing or extending an existing visa while in Australia.
• You are a sponsor or nominator for someone else's visa, such as for an employer sponsored visa.
• You represent a business or organisation facilitating visa applications.

Creating your ImmiAccount early gives you time to familiarise yourself with the interface, compile necessary documents, and avoid last-minute delays.

Setting Up Your ImmiAccount: Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Setting up an Australian ImmiAccount is the first step in a visa application journey, and it is crucial to get it right. Errors made during this initial stage can lead to significant delays, loss of access to your application, and considerable stress. Ensuring your account is created with accurate information from the start is vital for a smooth process.

Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect Personal Details

A frequent and serious error is not entering your personal details exactly as they appear on your official documents, such as your passport. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, and passport details.

• The Mistake: Using a shortened name, an alias, or making a typographical error in your name or passport number.
• The Consequence: The Department of Home Affairs may be unable to validate your identity, which can render a visa application invalid. This mismatch can cause significant processing delays or prevent you from linking your application to your account correctly.
• How to Avoid It: Have your passport in front of you when creating the account. Carefully transcribe your name, date of birth, and passport number, ensuring every detail matches perfectly. Avoid using browser autofill functions, which can introduce errors.

Issues with Email Address

The email address you use is the primary method of communication and account verification.

• The Mistake: Using an incorrect, inaccessible, or shared email address. Since June 2025, with the mandatory implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), unique email addresses for each user are essential. Sharing email addresses for multiple ImmiAccounts is not permitted.
• The Consequence: You will not receive the initial verification code required to activate your account. Furthermore, you will be unable to receive password reset links or MFA codes, potentially locking you out of your account permanently if you forget your credentials.
• How to Avoid It: Use a personal, secure, and regularly checked email address. Double-check for typos before submitting. If you don't receive the verification email, check your spam or junk folder.

Weak or Forgotten Login Credentials

Your username and password are the keys to your account.

• The Mistake: Creating a username that is difficult to remember, or a password that is weak and doesn't meet the Department's security requirements. A common password mistake is using personal information like your name or date of birth.
• The Consequence: Entering an incorrect username or password five times will lock your account for four hours. Using a weak password makes your account vulnerable to unauthorised access. It is important to note that usernames are unique and cannot be changed or reused, even if the account is deleted.
• How to Avoid It: Choose a memorable but secure password. A strong password should contain a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Record your username and password in a secure location immediately after creating them.

Inadequate Security Questions

Security questions are your primary backup for regaining account access if you forget your password.

• The Mistake: Choosing questions with answers that are easy for others to guess or answers that you are likely to forget.
• The Consequence: If you forget your password, you will be unable to answer the security questions correctly, which will prevent you from resetting your password and accessing your account. While you can contact the Department for manual assistance, this is a slow process.
• How to Avoid It: Select questions whose answers are memorable to you but not publicly known. Treat the answers with the same level of security as your password and store them securely.

Errors in Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

As of 18 June 2025, MFA is a mandatory security feature for all new and existing ImmiAccounts at login.

• The Mistake: Not being prepared to set up MFA, not having an authenticator app installed, or opting for the less secure email method without understanding the risks.
• The Consequence: You will be unable to complete the login process. If you choose email authentication and your email account is compromised, your ImmiAccount is also at risk.
• How to Avoid It: Before you begin, you can install a reputable authenticator app on your mobile device, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. During setup, you will be prompted to either scan a QR code or manually enter a key into your app. If you must use email, ensure your email account itself has a strong, unique password.

Mistakes in Your Visa Application Itself

Beyond account setup, the information provided in your visa application is where many costly mistakes occur.

Submitting Fraudulent or Misleading Information

Providing false information is the most severe error an applicant can make. This includes submitting fraudulent documents, such as altered bank statements or fake employment records. The use of fraudulent documents or fake documents will lead to a visa rejection and can result in a ban from applying for any Australian visa for up to ten years under Public Interest Criterion 4020. It is crucial to be truthful about every detail, including your relationship status and history of family members.

Failing to Meet Eligibility Criteria

Before starting a visa application, you must be certain you meet all the eligibility criteria. Whether it is a complex partner visa application or a straightforward visitor visa, each has specific requirements. Common mistakes include failing to meet age limits, health standards, or character requirements. Assuming eligibility without seeking professional advice is a significant risk. The partner visa process, for example, has intricate requirements for both the applicant and the sponsor.

How to Organise Your Documents for Upload

Well-organised documentation is essential for a successful application and can significantly impact the assessment process. The Department of Home Affairs provides a tailored document checklist for each visa type, and this should be your primary guide to determine exactly what is needed.

It is crucial to create clear, high-quality digital copies of every document, as blurry or illegible files can lead to delays or requests for clarification. You can use a scanner or a high-resolution smartphone application for this. When saving these files, use descriptive names like ‘Passport_JohnSmith.pdf’ or ‘BankStatement_July2025.pdf’ to ensure they are easily identifiable. Pay close attention to the accepted file formats, which are typically PDF, JPG, or PNG, and make sure you do not exceed the maximum file size. You may need to compress some documents, but take care not to sacrifice clarity.

To present your evidence logically, sort your documents into categories such as identity, employment, financial, and relationship evidence. This structure mirrors how immigration officers will likely review your application. For evidence that spans a period, such as employment records or relationship milestones, arranging the files in chronological order will help the case officer understand your timeline clearly. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must include a certified English translation alongside the original.

Before uploading, take the time to cross-check the accuracy of every file, confirming that it is complete and correctly corresponds to the information in your application. Maintaining your own personal checklist to track documents as you upload them is a practical way to ensure nothing is missed. Finally, always keep digital and physical backups of your documents in a secure location. If any issues arise with the upload, you will have immediate access to replacements.

Creating a Secure Password for Your ImmiAccount

Your ImmiAccount password is the first line of defence against unauthorised access, and its strength is not negotiable. A secure password should be robust, with a recommended minimum length of at least 14 characters to provide a strong foundation. True security, however, comes from complexity. You should combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. It is vital to avoid predictable sequences, such as "123456," or common phrases like "Password123."

You must never use personal details that could be easily found, such as birthdays or family names. Instead, consider creating a passphrase by stringing together several unrelated words, which is often more secure and easier for you to remember. To manage this effectively, using a reputable password manager can help you generate and store highly complex passwords without the risk of forgetting them.

Critically, the password you create for your ImmiAccount must be unique and not reused from any other online account. For an additional layer of security, you should enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This feature adds a crucial verification step, typically using your mobile device, making it significantly harder for anyone to gain unauthorised access.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

ImmiAccount is an indispensable tool for managing your Australian visa or citizenship application. By understanding its features, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing your documentation thoroughly, you will give yourself the best chance of a successful application process.

If you need expert guidance at any stage, from setting up your ImmiAccount to organising and lodging a decision ready application, Australian Migration Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced migration professionals can ensure your application is accurate, complete, and strategically positioned for approval. Contact us today for a consultation and make your migration journey as smooth as possible.