How to Upload Documents to ImmiAccount — a step-by-step guide

What is ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount is the Department of Home Affairs' online portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. It is used to lodge most Australian visa applications, track application progress, and upload supporting documents. All visa applicants who lodge electronically — which includes the vast majority of visa types — will need an ImmiAccount. ImmiAccount is free to create and accessible from any device with an internet connection.

How to create an ImmiAccount

1. Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and select "Create an ImmiAccount"
2. Choose whether you are applying as an individual or on behalf of someone else
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
5. Complete your profile — you will need your passport details and personal information
6. Your ImmiAccount is ready to use

Each family member who is included in a visa application may need their own ImmiAccount, or may be linked to the primary applicant's account depending on the visa type.

File requirements for uploaded documents

The Department of Home Affairs has specific requirements for uploaded documents:

• Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIF, TIFF
• Maximum file size: 5 MB per file for most document types
• Maximum total attachment size: varies by visa type — typically 10–20 MB per application
• File names: use clear, descriptive file names (for example: "Birth_Certificate_Original.pdf" and "Birth_Certificate_Translation.pdf")

Documents that exceed the file size limit must be compressed or split before uploading. For scanned documents, scanning at 150–200 DPI in black and white usually produces a small, clear file suitable for upload.

How to upload your NAATI-certified translations correctly

When uploading a translated document to ImmiAccount, always upload both the original document and the NAATI-certified translation together in the same attachment category. The Department of Home Affairs expects to see the original document alongside its certified translation — uploading the translation without the original (or vice versa) can cause processing delays. The steps are:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount and navigate to your visa application
2. Find the relevant document attachment section (for example, "Identity Documents" or "Police Certificates")
3. Upload the original document as one file
4. Upload the NAATI-certified translation as a separate file in the same section
5. If the system only allows one file per category, combine the original and translation into a single PDF before uploading
6. Repeat for each document that requires translation

Naming your files clearly

Use clear, consistent file names so that the case officer reviewing your application can immediately identify each document. Recommended naming convention:

• "Birth_Certificate_Colombia_Original.pdf"
• "Birth_Certificate_Colombia_Translation.pdf"
• "Police_Certificate_Argentina_Original.pdf"
• "Police_Certificate_Argentina_Translation.pdf"

Avoid generic names like "document1.pdf" or "scan.jpg" — these can cause confusion and delays.

Common ImmiAccount upload problems and solutions

• File too large: Compress the PDF using a free online tool, or reduce scan resolution. For translations, Trans Lingo delivers translations as optimised PDFs that meet standard file size requirements.
• Wrong file format: Convert to PDF before uploading. PDF is the most reliable format for ImmiAccount submissions.
• Missing attachment category: Some document types appear only after you answer certain questions in the application form. Complete the entire form before attempting to attach all documents.
• Attachment not saving: Ensure you click the "Save" or "Attach" button after selecting each file. Do not close the browser before saving.

After uploading — what happens next?

Once you have lodged your visa application and uploaded all supporting documents including translations, the Department of Home Affairs will review your application. You may receive requests for additional information (called a Section 56 request or similar) through your ImmiAccount if the case officer needs further evidence. Check your ImmiAccount regularly and respond to any requests promptly. All correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs regarding your application will appear in your ImmiAccount inbox.