What is an Immicard?

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Australian Immicard: What It Is and How to Get One

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 Immicard 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:

  • Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard
  • Australian Migration Status ImmiCard

Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard

This type of Immicard is for applicants currently in Australia and are holders of one of the following visas:

  • Bridging visa E subclass 050 or 051 (for u​nauthorised maritime arrivals)
  • Bridging visa subclass 060 (for Trafficking)
  • Bridging visa subclass 070 (for removal pending)
  • Humanitarian Stay (temporary) visa subclass 449
  • Temporary Protection visa subclass 785
  • Temporary visa subclass 786 (humanitarian concern)
  • Safe Haven Enterprise visa subclass 790
  • Permanent Protection visa subclass 866

You are likewise qualified to apply for this Immicard if you have/are:

  • A Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA) or a Visa Evidence Card (PL056) and need a replacement
  • An undocumented immigration detainee with no visa and are living in the community without a visa (you need to speak with your case manager)

Australian Migration Status ImmiCard

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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Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an ImmiCard

For a smooth-sailing ImmiCard application online, here’s a step-by-step guide for your easy reference.

1

Step One : Check if you’re eligible

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

Step Two : Prepare the necessary documents

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:

  • Visa grant letter
  • Electronically scanned identity documents, such as a national ID card or Australian driver’s licence
  • Recent photographs if you don’t have valid identification documents with your photo in them
  • Other valid identity documents, including your Medicare card, Centrelink concession card, or credit card

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:

  • School-related records
  • Employment-related records
  • Financial statements
  • Utility bills
  • Rental leases
  • Mortgage documents

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

Step Three : Pay the ImmiCard fee

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

Step Four : Apply through your ImmiAccount

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:

  • Check your visa grant number and client ID number on your visa grant notice. They must be 13 and 11 digits, respectively
  • For unauthorised maritime arrivals, a A Boat ID contains three letters and three numbers (ex. XYZ789)
  • Your DFTTA number comprises one (1) letter followed by six (6) numbers (ex. A456789)
  • Your place of residence in Australia is required (PO boxes are not accepted)

5

Step Five : Wait for the outcome

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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Haroon Parvez

The team at parish Patience Immigration Lawyers were incredibly helpful throughout the application process. Their assistance made our lives so much less stressful and their expertise cleared up any confusion we had. They remained engaged with us the whole time and quickly responded to any questions with thoughtful, detailed answers. Special thanks to Usman Ali and Shan . We highly recommend the team at Parish patience immigration lawyer for anyone considering help regarding any kind of visa .

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Highly recommended lawyers! Extremely professional and reliable service, with outstanding outcomes. A special thanks to Mr Thong and Marlene, for helping us with our difficult case. Not only did they ensure that everything was ready to go, but their professionalism came in favor when we were granted our visa within just under 6 months!

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Hiring an Expert From Parish Patience for Your Immicard Grant


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!

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


    Do you have more questions about ImmiCards? Here’s some more information on
    eligibility, usage, validity, purpose, and fees.

    Who is eligible for ImmiCard?

    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.

    Does everyone get an ImmiCard?

    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.

    How long can you have an ImmiCard?

    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.

    How much is an ImmiCard?

    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.

    What is an ImmiCard number?

    You and registered Australian organisations can use your ImmiCard number to check everything about your visa status through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).

    What does an ImmiCard look like?

    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.

    What is the purpose of the ImmiCard?

    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.

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