How to update your passport details in ImmiAccount during a pending application
Migratio Editorial · Last updated
TL;DR: If your passport changes while a visa application is being processed, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs. This is done by uploading Form 929 or Form 1022 through ImmiAccount along with a copy of the new passport. Failing to update your details can cause problems at grant, at the border, or with future applications.
Passports expire, get renewed, or are replaced for a variety of reasons — damage, name changes, change of nationality, or simply reaching the end of their validity period. When this happens during a pending visa application, the Department of Home Affairs needs to know. Australian visas are electronically linked to your passport, so if the Department grants a visa against a passport number that is no longer valid, it can create complications at immigration checkpoints and with airline systems. This article explains the mechanics of updating passport details through ImmiAccount while an application is in progress. For broader guidance on using the portal, see the ImmiAccount Australia guide.
When you need to update passport details
You should update your passport details with the Department whenever:
- Your passport has been renewed and you have a new passport number.
- Your passport has been replaced due to loss, theft, or damage.
- Your name has changed on your passport (for example, after marriage).
- You have acquired a new nationality and now hold a different passport.
- Your existing passport is about to expire and you have obtained a new one.
The key fact is that a new passport means a new passport number. Since Australian visas are linked electronically to a specific passport number, the Department must associate your application (and any subsequent grant) with the correct document.
Form 929 and Form 1022
The Department provides two forms for notifying changes to personal details:
- Form 929 — Change of address and/or passport details — this is the most commonly used form for passport updates during a pending application. It is designed specifically for notifying the Department of a change in address or travel document details.
- Form 1022 — Notification of changes in circumstances — this form covers a broader range of changes, including changes to personal details, relationships, employment, and other circumstances. It can also be used for passport changes.
For a straightforward passport renewal where only the passport number and expiry date have changed, Form 929 is usually sufficient. If additional circumstances have changed (for example, a name change alongside the passport renewal), Form 1022 may be more appropriate.
Both forms are available as PDF downloads from the Department's website. Complete the relevant form, print it, sign it, and scan it for upload — or complete it digitally if the form supports it. Do not upload form-fillable PDFs, as ImmiAccount rejects them. Flatten the PDF before uploading by printing it to PDF or saving it as a non-fillable version.
How to upload the new passport in ImmiAccount
To submit your passport update through ImmiAccount:
1. Log in to ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au.
2. Open the pending application that needs the passport update.
3. Navigate to the "Attach documents" or document upload section.
4. Upload the completed Form 929 (or Form 1022).
5. Upload a clear colour scan or photo of the biographical page of your new passport — the page that shows your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date.
6. If your old passport has been cancelled or returned to you with the corner clipped, upload a scan of the cancelled passport's biographical page as well.
Follow the standard ImmiAccount file upload rules: each file must be under 5 MB, filenames can only contain letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, dashes, and underscores, and encrypted PDFs are rejected. The maximum number of documents per application is 60 (or 100 for partner visa applications). If you are close to the document limit, consider combining multiple pages into a single PDF before uploading.
After uploading, check the document list in your application to confirm the files appear correctly. There is no separate notification mechanism to alert the case officer — uploaded documents become part of the application file and will be reviewed during processing. For detailed upload guidance, refer to the ImmiAccount Australia guide.
What happens if your passport expires during processing
Visa processing times vary significantly depending on the visa subclass, and it is common for passports to expire while an application is being assessed. If this happens:
- The application continues to be processed. A passport expiry does not automatically cancel or delay your visa application.
- You should renew your passport as soon as possible and update the details in ImmiAccount using the process described above.
- If the visa is granted against an expired passport number, you will need to contact the Department to have the visa linked to your new passport before you can travel. Airlines and border systems check visa records against the passport you present, so a mismatch will prevent boarding or entry.
- Do not wait until the visa is granted to update. Notifying the Department proactively avoids the extra step of having the visa re-linked after grant.
If your passport has already expired and you have not yet obtained a new one, apply for a new passport through your country's embassy or consulate as a priority. Once you have the new passport, update ImmiAccount immediately.
Importance of keeping travel documents current
Keeping your passport details current in ImmiAccount is not just administrative housekeeping. Australian visas are stored electronically and matched to your travel document at every immigration checkpoint. If there is a discrepancy between the passport you are carrying and the passport number recorded against your visa, you may be:
- Denied boarding by the airline at check-in, as Advance Passenger Processing (APP) systems check visa validity before departure.
- Delayed at Australian immigration while officers manually verify your visa status.
- Unable to use automated SmartGate entry, which relies on an exact match between your passport and visa records.
Updating your passport details promptly after any change avoids all of these scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
Can I update my passport details directly in ImmiAccount without a form?
No. ImmiAccount does not have a self-service field for editing passport details on a submitted application. You must complete Form 929 or Form 1022 and upload it as a document to the application.
Which form should I use — Form 929 or Form 1022?
For a simple passport renewal (new number, new expiry), Form 929 is the standard choice. If other circumstances have also changed — such as your name, marital status, or address — Form 1022 covers a broader range of changes.
My visa was granted on my old passport. How do I link it to my new one?
If the visa was granted against a passport that is no longer valid, contact the Department to request that the visa be associated with your new passport. This can sometimes be done by uploading Form 929 through ImmiAccount if the application is still accessible, or by contacting the Department's general enquiries line.
Does updating my passport details delay my application?
Not typically. The update becomes part of your application file and is reviewed during normal processing. However, if the update coincides with a decision being prepared, there may be a short administrative delay while the case officer incorporates the new information.
What if I have dual nationality and got a new passport from a different country?
Notify the Department by uploading Form 1022 with details of both passports. The Department needs to know all travel documents associated with your identity. If you want the visa granted against a specific passport, indicate this in the form or in a covering letter uploaded alongside it.
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