How to use ImmiAccount for your Australian citizenship application
ImmiAccount is the Department of Home Affairs' online portal for lodging and managing visa and citizenship applications. For Australian citizenship by conferral, it's the primary — and usually only — way to submit your application.
Setting up an account
If you don't already have an ImmiAccount, create one at online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login. You'll need an email address, a password, and basic personal details.
If you've used ImmiAccount for a previous visa application, use the same login. Don't create a second account — the system is linked to your identity documents, and duplicate accounts cause problems.
Starting your citizenship application
Once logged in:
- Select New Application
- Choose the relevant citizenship application type — for most applicants, this is citizenship by conferral
- Complete each section of the form
Save your progress as you go. You can return and complete sections across multiple sessions — you don't have to finish in one sitting.
Uploading documents
ImmiAccount has a document upload section within your application. The Department publishes detailed document upload guidance; follow the instructions shown inside your application because limits can vary.
When uploading:
- Scan at a readable resolution — blurry or cropped images are the most common reason the Department requests resubmission
- Upload complete documents — don't crop out dates, names, or signatures
- Use accepted file formats — check the current list in the application system
- Do not upload encrypted or secured PDF files — the Department may not be able to open them
- Attach documents before finalisation — once an application is finalised, you may not be able to attach more documents
Documents not in English must be accompanied by a translation from a NAATI-certified translator.
For more on what documents you need, see the citizenship documents checklist.
Paying the application fee
Once your form is complete, you'll be prompted to pay the application fee by credit or debit card. The application is only lodged once payment is confirmed. Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
For current fee amounts, check the Department's citizenship fees page. See Australian citizenship fees for an overview of what's involved.
After lodgement: tracking your application
Once submitted, your application appears in the ImmiAccount dashboard with a status indicator. Common statuses include:
- Received — your application has been lodged and payment confirmed
- Processing — the Department is assessing your application
- Action Required — the Department needs something from you; check immediately
- Approved — your application has been approved; wait for ceremony instructions
Check your dashboard regularly. The Department sends all formal correspondence through your ImmiAccount inbox — not always to your email. Log in and check the inbox directly, rather than waiting for a notification that may not arrive.
Common problems
Forgotten password: Use the "Forgot password" link on the login page. Reset instructions go to your registered email.
Can't find your application: Make sure you're logged in to the correct account. If you've used ImmiAccount for a previous visa, an older login may be the one that holds your data.
Upload error: Try a different browser, compress the file if it's very large, or convert to PDF if another format isn't accepted.
Account locked: Contact the Department's ImmiAccount support through their website.
Related guides
- Step-by-step Australian citizenship application
- Australian citizenship fees
- How long does Australian citizenship take
ImmiAccount features and processes can change. Use the instructions within the portal as the primary guide, and contact the Department if you encounter problems not covered here.