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Parent Visas Go Online-Only From 22 April 2026

Riverwood Migration

April 28, 2026

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Parent Visas Now Require Online Lodgement via ImmiAccount

From 22 April 2026, applicants for Australian Parent visas must lodge their applications online through ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs no longer accepts paper applications submitted by post for the affected parent visa subclasses.

This change affects four Parent visa subclasses: Subclass 103 (Parent), Subclass 804 (Aged Parent), Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent), and Subclass 864 (Contributory Aged Parent). Any paper application mailed on or after 22 April 2026 will not be accepted.

What Is ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount is the Department of Home Affairs' secure online portal for lodging visa applications and managing immigration matters. Applicants must create a free account at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before submitting any application.

All supporting documents, including identity documents, sponsor evidence, and financial records, must be uploaded digitally at the time of lodgement or as requested by the Department during processing.

Which Visa Subclasses Are Affected?

SubclassVisa NameType103ParentNon-contributory804Aged ParentNon-contributory (onshore)143Contributory ParentContributory864Contributory Aged ParentContributory (onshore)

What This Means for Applicants and Sponsors

For most applicants, this transition is procedural rather than substantive. The eligibility criteria, balance of family test, and visa conditions for each subclass remain unchanged. However, applicants who are less familiar with online systems, particularly older parents or sponsors assisting elderly relatives, will need to ensure they can navigate ImmiAccount before lodgement.

Sponsors lodging on behalf of a parent applicant should confirm that the ImmiAccount is set up correctly and that all required identity documents are in a supported digital format. The Department accepts files in PDF, JPEG, and PNG formats.

Practical Steps Before You Lodge

Create an ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website if you do not already have one.
Gather all supporting documents and convert them to an accepted digital format.
Confirm which subclass you are applying for and check the current visa application charge, as contributory and non-contributory subclasses carry significantly different fees.
If using a migration lawyer, ensure they are linked to your ImmiAccount as your authorised representative before lodgement.

A Note on Verification

This change has been reported as taking effect from 22 April 2026. Riverwood Migration recommends confirming the precise commencement date and any transitional arrangements directly on the Department of Home Affairs website or by consulting a registered migration lawyer, as the underlying legislative instrument had not been publicly confirmed at the time of publication.

Key Takeaways

Parent visa subclasses 103, 804, 143, and 864 must now be lodged online via ImmiAccount.
Paper applications sent by post are no longer accepted from 22 April 2026.
Eligibility criteria and visa conditions for each subclass are unchanged.
Sponsors and applicants should prepare digital copies of all documents before lodgement.
Confirm the current requirements directly with the Department or a registered migration lawyer before submitting.

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.

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.