How to import an application from a migration agent into ImmiAccount

What is a mirror account

A mirror account is not a separate account type — it is a term used to describe the arrangement where an applicant imports an agent-lodged application into their own personal ImmiAccount. The word "mirror" reflects the fact that you are viewing a reflection of the application, not the primary record.

The original application remains under the agent's control. Your imported copy gives you visibility into the application's status and correspondence, but the primary management functions — responding to requests, updating details, attaching documents in some cases — may still sit with the agent depending on how the application was lodged and the current authorisation settings.

Think of it as a window into your application rather than a second door.

Information you need before importing

To import an application from your agent, you need the following:

- Transaction Reference Number (TRN): This is the unique identifier assigned to your application when it was lodged. Your agent should provide this to you. It is different from your visa grant number or your ImmiAccount username.
- Date of birth: The date of birth recorded on the application. This must match exactly what was entered when the application was submitted.
- Your own ImmiAccount: You need a personal ImmiAccount to import the application into. If you do not have one, create it at online.immi.gov.au. See the ImmiAccount Australia guide for account setup instructions.

Your agent is required to give you your TRN upon request. If they are reluctant to share it, you can contact the Department directly with your identity documents to obtain it.

Step-by-step import process

1. Log into your ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au.
2. From the main dashboard, click Import application (the exact wording may vary — look for "Import" or "Link application" in the menu options).
3. Enter your TRN in the field provided.
4. Enter your date of birth exactly as it appears on the lodged application.
5. Submit the import request. The system will validate the TRN and date of birth against the Department's records.
6. If the details match, the application will appear on your ImmiAccount dashboard. It may take a few moments to populate.
7. If the details do not match, double-check the TRN and date of birth with your agent. Even a minor discrepancy (e.g., day and month transposed) will cause the import to fail.

Once imported, the application appears alongside any other applications in your ImmiAccount. You can distinguish agent-lodged applications by their source indicator or by the fact that certain action buttons may be greyed out.

What you can do with an imported application

After importing, you can typically:

- View the application status: See whether it is in "Received", "Initial assessment", "Further assessment", or "Finalised" status.
- Read correspondence: View messages and requests from the Department, including any section 56 requests for additional information.
- Check visa conditions: Once a visa is granted, view the conditions attached to it.
- See attached documents: View the list of documents that have been uploaded to the application.
- Receive notifications: Get email or in-system notifications when the status changes or new correspondence arrives.

Limitations of mirror accounts

The imported application is not a full-access copy. Key limitations include:

- Read-only in most cases: You generally cannot edit application details, update personal information, or make changes to form answers through the mirror account.
- Document uploads may be restricted: Depending on the application type and the agent's authorisation, you may not be able to attach additional documents from your imported view. The agent may need to upload documents from their account.
- No payment functions: If additional fees are required (e.g., subsequent visa application charges), these typically need to be managed through the account that lodged the application.
- No withdrawal capability: You cannot withdraw an application from a mirror account. Withdrawal must be initiated by the lodging account holder or through direct contact with the Department.
- Correspondence may be duplicated or split: Some communications may appear in both the agent's account and your mirror view, while others may appear in only one. Do not assume you are seeing every piece of correspondence the Department has sent.

When to import versus when to leave with your agent

Import the application if:
- You want to independently monitor the status of your application without relying on your agent for updates.
- You are changing agents or ending your relationship with your current agent and need visibility during the transition.
- Your agent is unresponsive and you need to see whether the Department has sent any requests or made a decision.
- You simply prefer to have your own view of all your visa matters in one place.

Leave the application with your agent if:
- Your agent is actively managing the case and you are satisfied with their communication.
- The application requires frequent document uploads or responses that the agent handles on your behalf.
- Importing might cause confusion about who is responsible for responding to Department requests — if both you and your agent respond separately, it can create conflicting or duplicate submissions.

There is no harm in importing for monitoring purposes, provided you coordinate with your agent about who responds to any Department requests. Duplicate responses to the same s56 request, for example, can complicate your case file.

What to do if the import fails

If the import does not work:

- Verify the TRN: Confirm the exact number with your agent. TRNs are alphanumeric and a single wrong character will cause failure.
- Check the date of birth: Ensure it matches the format and value on the application exactly. If your agent entered it incorrectly on the original application, the import will fail until the application record is corrected.
- Contact the Department: If you have the correct details and the import still fails, call the Department's general enquiries line. They can verify whether the application exists and whether there is a system issue preventing the import.
- Check your ImmiAccount status: Ensure your own account is fully set up and verified. An incomplete account setup — such as missing multi-factor authentication, which has been mandatory since 18 June 2025 — may prevent certain functions from working.

Will my agent know that I imported the application?

The Department does not send a notification to the agent when you import an application into your own ImmiAccount. However, your agent may become aware if you begin interacting with the application independently.

Can I import an application that was lodged on paper, not through ImmiAccount?

No. The import function works only for applications that were lodged electronically through ImmiAccount. Paper-lodged applications do not have a TRN in the same system and cannot be imported this way.

Does importing the application remove it from my agent's account?

No. The application remains in your agent's ImmiAccount. Importing creates a linked view — it does not transfer ownership or remove the original.

Can I import someone else's application (e.g., my spouse or child)?

You can import applications where you are listed as an applicant or an authorised party. You cannot import an application that belongs to another person unless you have a formal role on that application — for example, as a sponsor on a partner visa application.

What if my agent refuses to give me the TRN?

Your agent is required to provide you with your TRN. If they refuse, you can contact the Department directly with your identity documents to obtain your application details. You may also lodge a complaint with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) at mara.gov.au.

Can I import multiple applications from different agents?

Yes. You can import multiple applications into a single ImmiAccount, regardless of which agent lodged each one. Each import requires the specific TRN for that application.