Applying for an Australian Working Holiday Visa is an exciting step for many of you eager to explore and work in Australia. However, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to update your passport details after your visa application has been submitted.
Table of Contents
Why you Might Need to Change your Passport Details
There are several reasons why you might need to update your passport details after applying for your visa:
- Passport Renewal: Your passport has expired or is about to expire.
- Lost or Stolen Passport: Your passport has been lost or stolen, and you have obtained a new one.
- Name Change: You have legally changed your name and received a new passport reflecting this change.
Why It Matters
To travel internationally, a valid passport is mandatory. If you have applied for or obtained a visa for Australia and have to get a new passport after your application, you must inform Australian Immigration. This includes when your passport is lost, damaged or stolen, or if you have to get a new passport because your old one was close to expiry. Your visa is linked to your passport number so if you change your passport, it will affect your visa.
If you receive a new passport after applying for or being granted a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), you must inform the Department of Home Affairs to update your visa record. Your visa is linked to a specific passport number, and failure to update may cause complications with travel or identity verification.
Fastest Method: ImmiAccount (Online)
The quickest and easiest way to update your passport details is through the IMMI Account portal. Once logged in, navigate to your visa application under the “My Applications” section.
- Navigate to “Application Home”, then select “Update details”.
- Choose “Change of passport details”, select the applicant, and input:
- New passport number
- Date of issue and expiry
- Reason for change (e.g., expired, lost, name update)
- You will also have to provide a scan of your new passport.
- Submit.
⏳ Processing timeframe: within 72 hours.
Contact the Department of Home Affairs (if needed)
If you encounter any issues while updating your details online or if you prefer to update your information through another method, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.
- Phone: Call the Global Service Centre at +61 2 6196 0196. Be prepared to provide your personal details, visa application number, and new passport information.
- Email: Send an email to the Department of Home Affairs with your new passport details, including your visa application number or TRN and personal information. Attach a scanned copy of your new passport.
⚠️ No More Paper Form 929
Until November 2024, you could update passport information using Form 929 (change of contact and/or passport details). Since then, paper Form 929 has been discontinued—you must use ImmiAccount or the web form.
In case of Loss / Theft of Passport While in Australia
If you are already in Australia and lose your passport or have it stolen, you will have to contact the local police authorities by telephone (131 444) or go to a police station, to report the loss or theft. You will be given a registration number and/or a complaint receipt.
Then you will need to contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you are from to ask what your next step should be. You may need to go there in person. They may be able to give you either a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip or an emergency travel document that will get you home. If you are from the EU and there is no embassy from your country in Australia, you should be able to contact an embassy or consulate of another EU member state.
Once you have a new passport, you should still be able to update your details via your IMMI Account via the method described above.
Important Tips
- Update Promptly: Update your passport details as soon as possible to avoid any delays or issues with your visa application.
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence and documents related to your passport update for future reference.
- Double-Check Information: Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate to avoid complications with your visa.
Plan your Working Holiday in Australia 📖 Free eBook
Plan your trip in Australia with this free 60-page ebook written by former backpackers who have traveled the length and breadth of Australia.
Inside, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your journey. This ebook will guides you through the entire process, from applying for your visa to booking your flights and understanding the administrative procedures upon arrival.
With detailed insights and practical advice, you’ll navigate each step of your journey with ease. So, get ready to embark on your Australian adventure fully equipped and informed!
