How to attach documents to ImmiAccount after lodgement

Where to find the attach documents button

After logging into ImmiAccount, the process to attach documents is straightforward:

1. From the ImmiAccount landing page, locate your submitted application. It will appear under My applications with a status such as "Received", "Initial assessment", or "Further assessment".
2. Click on the application's reference number or the View application link to open the application summary page.
3. On the summary page, look for the Attach documents button. This button typically appears in the left-hand navigation panel or as a prominent link on the summary page itself.
4. Click Attach documents to open the upload interface.

The button is only available for applications that have been submitted and are still being processed. Once an application reaches "Finalised" status, you can no longer attach documents to it.

What you can upload after lodgement

The types of documents you can upload after lodgement are broadly the same as during the initial application. Common examples include:

- Updated identity documents (new passport, change of name certificate)
- Additional relationship evidence for partner visas
- Police clearance certificates obtained after lodgement
- Health examination results (if directed by the Department)
- Employment references, payslips, or tax records
- English language test results
- Statutory declarations or witness statements
- Responses to specific requests from your case officer

There is no restriction on document categories — if the upload interface allows you to select a document type and attach a file, you can submit it.

File limits still apply

Every rule that governs uploads during the initial application also applies after lodgement:

- 5 MB maximum per individual file
- Filenames must use only letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), dashes, and underscores
- Encrypted and form-fillable PDFs are rejected
- 60-document total per application (100 for partner visa subclasses)

The document count is cumulative. If you uploaded 45 documents during initial lodgement, you have 15 remaining slots for post-lodgement uploads. Plan your uploads accordingly — combine related pages into multi-page PDFs where possible to stay within the cap.

For detailed guidance on file compression and naming, see ImmiAccount file upload requirements.

Step-by-step upload process

Once you have clicked Attach documents:

1. Select the document type from the dropdown menu. Choose the category that best matches your document (e.g., "Identity documents", "Character documents", "Relationship documents").
2. Add a description if the field is available. A brief, clear description helps the case officer identify the document without opening it — for example, "Updated AFP police check dated June 2026".
3. Click Browse (or the equivalent button) and select your file from your computer.
4. Confirm the upload. The system will validate the file size, format, and filename before uploading.
5. Repeat for each additional document you need to attach.

After uploading, verify that the document appears in the list of attached documents on your application summary page. If it does not appear, re-check the file against the upload requirements (size, filename, format) and try again.

Responding to section 56 requests

Under section 56 of the Migration Act 1958, the Department can formally request additional information or documents from you. When this happens:

- You will receive a notification in ImmiAccount and typically an email to the address registered on your ImmiAccount.
- The request will specify exactly what documents or information are needed.
- A deadline will be set, usually 28 days, though the timeframe can vary.

To respond:

1. Log into ImmiAccount and open the relevant application.
2. Read the s56 request carefully. It will be visible in your application messages or correspondence tab.
3. Prepare the requested documents, ensuring each meets the file upload requirements.
4. Use the Attach documents function to upload your response.
5. If the request asked for specific information (not just documents), check whether the portal provides a text field or form to submit your response alongside the attachments.

Failing to respond to a s56 request by the deadline can result in a decision being made on the information already available — which may mean refusal. If you cannot meet the deadline, contact the Department before it expires to request an extension.

Tips for smooth post-lodgement uploads

- Name files clearly. Case officers review hundreds of applications. A filename like `AFP-Police-Check-June-2026.pdf` is far more useful than `scan001.pdf`.
- Upload promptly. Do not wait until documents accumulate. Uploading as soon as a document is available ensures it is on file if a case officer reviews your application unexpectedly.
- Check your ImmiAccount regularly. Notifications about s56 requests or other correspondence are sent to your ImmiAccount inbox and your registered email. If your email filters or spam settings catch Department emails, you may miss a deadline.
- Keep a record. After uploading, note the date, filename, and document type you attached. ImmiAccount does not provide a download receipt for post-lodgement uploads, so your own records are the best fallback.

Can I delete a document I uploaded by mistake after lodgement?

No. Once a document is attached to a submitted application, it cannot be removed. If you uploaded the wrong file, attach the correct version with a clear filename and, if possible, add a note explaining the error.

Will my case officer be notified when I upload new documents?

The Department's system records the upload, but there is no guarantee that your case officer receives an instant alert. If the documents are time-sensitive or in response to a specific request, uploading them is sufficient — the officer will see them when they next access your file.

Can my migration agent upload documents on my behalf?

Yes, if your agent has access to your application through their own ImmiAccount (or via a linked arrangement), they can attach documents. The same file rules and limits apply regardless of who uploads.

What if the attach documents button is missing?

If you cannot see the button, the application may have already been finalised or the system may be experiencing temporary issues. Log out, clear your browser cache, and log in again. If the button is still absent and your application status is not "Finalised", contact the Department's technical helpdesk.

Does uploading documents reset my application queue position?

No. Attaching additional documents does not change your place in the processing queue or restart any processing clock. It simply adds material to your existing file.

Can I attach documents to an application that was refused?

No. Once an application reaches "Finalised" status — whether granted or refused — the attach documents function is no longer available.