The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed a full systems maintenance window from 8pm Friday 25 September to 12pm Saturday 26 September (AEST). During this time, ImmiAccount, eLodgement, VEVO and several other online services will be unavailable.

Separately, the direction on restricting secondary applicants for subclass 485 and 500 visas has already been confirmed by the Department, though the exact commencement date hasn't been announced. Industry expectation is that this won't be far off. If your family's migration plans depend on bringing dependants along on a 485 or 500, now is the time to get your strategy locked in.

A refused application under these subclasses is unlikely to get a second chance once restrictions take effect — which is exactly why the quality of your preparation matters more than ever. Our team is lawyer-led, not agent-run: every application is assessed and strategised by a practising migration lawyer, not just processed.

Already working with us? No action needed — your matter is being handled, and we're tracking how the maintenance window affects processing timeframes.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.