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Were you advised to get an ImmiCard but don’t know what it is and where to get one?
In this blog guide, we’ll explain in more detail what is an immicard Australia requires, who it is exactly for, what its use is, and other information related to ImmiCard grants in Australia.
What is an Australian immicard? An Immicard is a crucial identification document for some visa holders who want to travel to Australia but do not have a passport that the Australian Government recognises as valid.
An ImmiCard, then, becomes the legal equivalent of a passport for said visa holders to present evidence of their Commencement of Identity in Australia, which will allow them to gain access to government services while in the country.
There are two (2) types of Immicards, namely:
This type of Immicard is for applicants currently in Australia and are holders of one of the following visas:
You are likewise qualified to apply for this Immicard if you have/are:
Meanwhile, an Australian Migration Status ImmiCard is exclusive for visa holders of the Refugee and Special Humanitarian Programme and are outside Australia at the time.
You will be issued an Australian Migration Status ImmiCard BEFORE you fly to Australia.
Upon your arrival here, you can use your Immicard to gain access to government services such as healthcare and social security benefits.
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For a smooth-sailing ImmiCard application online, here’s a step-by-step guide for your easy reference.
1
The first thing you need to do is check if you’re eligible as the ImmiCard is only issued to certain visa holders, namely those who don’t have a passport as proof of their identity.
2
If eligible, prepare your documents relevant to your application. If you’re applying as a holder of an eligible visa, you must prepare to submit documents such as:
If you are applying because your ImmiCard has expired, lost, or damaged, you must also submit the above
mentioned identity documents, plus three (3) additional documents proving you’ve been residing in Australia since you arrived, such as:
If you changed your name, it’s imperative to submit proof of that name change, such as a marriage certificate or a name change certification.
3
Before applying, you need to first pay for the ImmiCard fee as you will be needing the receipt number in the
application form. For first-time ImmiCard applicants, the fee is AUD $100, while it’s AUD $30 for replacement of damaged or lost ImmiCards.
4
If you don’t have an account yet, create a new one where you could apply for your ImmiCard and fill out the
application form. Some key points when filling out details in your application:
5
The processing time for ImmiCard applications is as early as one (1) week. However, it could take up to eight (8) weeks or more if your case is quite complex and requires further assessment. If the delay will negatively affect you and your visa status, you can contact the Department to prioritise your case.
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If you require professional assistance for your ImmiCard application and other more complex matters concerning your visa status, a migration specialist from Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers can provide sound legal advice and expert recommendations. We can discuss the specifics of your case in a consultation. Book an appointment today!
Do you have more questions about ImmiCards? Here’s some more information on
eligibility, usage, validity, purpose, and fees.
Those who do not have or cannot obtain a valid passport from their home country can be granted an Immicard as the legal alternative of providing evidence of their Commencement of Identity in Australia.
An ImmiCard is intended only for certain visa holders who don’t have a valid passport. An Immicard will serve as their valid travel document to come to Australia and be entitled to government benefits.
An ImmiCard is valid for five (5) years. It is not automatically renewed upon expiry. You must apply for a new one if yours already expired or otherwise damaged or lost.
An ImmiCard is free of charge for first timers whose visa 785, 786, 790, or 866 were granted within the last three (3) months. It is also free for vulnerable and/or unaccompanied minors and non-citizens. For an ImmiCard replacement, it costs AUD $30.
You and registered Australian organisations can use your ImmiCard number to check everything about your visa status through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).
The ImmiCard is a plastic card with security features for identity protection. Much like a typical identification card, it has a passport-sized photograph on the left side of the card and the holder’s basic details on the right, including date of birth, given names, and sex. It also contains a unique card number that the Department can use to check the visa and its conditions.
The main purpose of ImmiCard is to allow eligible visa holders to access government benefits and services if they don’t have a valid passport as proof of their identity.