From time to time expected or unexpected events do happen.  This is particularly something that a foreign national need to be aware of considering that it may impact the status of their visa.

Here are some of the common scenarios where action needs to be taken if you are in Australia on a visa.

  1. 1.      Your passport details have changed

Home Affairs can easily update your passport details. The easiest way to update your passport details is by logging into your ImmiAccount and completing an online form.  The process is instant which means that your visa details will automatically be transferred to your new passport. Please note that not all details can be updated online in ImmiAccount such as changes to date of birth or gender.

If you are facing difficulties updating your details online you can update your details using Form 929 which can be downloaded on Home Affairs website.

  1. 2.      Your personal details have changed

It is one of the most common scenarios for personal details to change. If your personal details such as your address, contact details or gender have changed, you can tell Home Affairs about changes to your personal details in 2 ways. 

  1. 1.      You can update your contact details in ImmiAccount on the 'Update us' tab.
  2. 2.      Form 929

If you applied on paper or can't update your details online, complete Form 929 - Change of address and/or passport details form.

Change to your sex and/or gender

If you are notifying Home Affairs of a change to your sex and/or gender information, please provide one of the following as evidence of your sex and/or gender:

  • a statement from a Registered Medical Practitioner or a Registered Psychologist which specifies your gender
  • a valid Australian Government travel document, such as a valid passport, which specifies your gender
  • a state or territory birth certificate, which specifies your gender. A document from a state or territory Registrar of Birth Deaths and Marriages recognising a change of sex and/or gender will be seen as sufficient evidence.
  1. 3.      Changes to your employment

Changes to your employment can be tricky depending on the type of visa you are holding.  For example, if you are on a sponsored visa such as TSS it may be a breach of your visa conditions if you ceased employment altogether or changed roles without prior approval from the Department of Home Affairs.  However, situation may be different if you hold a permanent visa with NIL conditions.  In such scenarios it is always advisable to contact a registered migration agent to discuss your options.

  1. 4.      You had a baby in Australia

By operation of law, a baby will hold the same visa as their parent however, you will need to notify the Department of Home Affairs. 

Your baby may be an Australian citizen.

A baby born in Australia is automatically an Australian citizen if at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.

Your baby might also be a citizen of your home country (dual citizenship). 

  1. 5.      Your relationship status has changed

Depending on the type of visa that you hold, a change in your relationship status could impact your visa situation.  Form example, if you are a a dependant on your partner's Student visa or other temporary visa (for example subclass 457, 482 or 485 visa).  Your visa may be subject to cancellation.

Alternatively, you may be able to keep your visa if you hold any of the following visa subclasses:

  • Temporary Partner (subclass 820 or 309) visa
  • Permanent Visa
  • New Zealand subclass 461 visa

Once again, it is strongly advised that you discuss your personal circumstances with your registered migration agent to understand the full impact of the changes to your circumstances.