International Movement Records - IMR
International movement records are records which the Department of Immigration keep on all persons travelling into and out of Australia.
Section 489 of the Migration Act 1958 creates a database which contains information concerning the entry and departure of people to and from Australia. Access to your own international movement records is available under section 488 of the Migration Act 1958 as well as the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
There are various systems in place to ensure quick and effective processing and screening of people travelling to and from Australia. This is through the Department of Immigration, where the information is recorded and monitored in the international movement record.
What are International Movement Records?
International Movement Records are comprised in a database containing critical details of travellers who travel in and out of Australia. The information contained in the movement records include the following:
▪ Name;
▪ Date of birth;
▪ Country of birth;
▪ Gender;
▪ Relationship status;
▪ Country;
▪ Date of departure and/or arrival;
▪ Port code (if applicable);
▪ Visa subclass and expiry date;
▪ Flight or vessel details;
▪ Travel document number, such as the flight number; and
▪ Number of movements.
International movement records are entirely electronic. Since this information is sensitive and confidential, stringent guidelines are enforced under section 488 of the Migration Act 1958 regarding access to and divulgence of such records. The Act dictates that the information can only be accessed by authorised officers. Furthermore, the legislation prescribes the purposes of which the records can be disclosed legally.
What are International Movement Records used for?
The main purpose of international movement records is to access information on the travel movements for your arrival and departure from Australia. You can monitor your travel history through the international movement records. The records will also determine your visa details, including your visa subclass and expiry date.
For visa applicants if you require evidence of your residency period in Australia, the IMR record will provide this proof. This is particularly useful for Partner Visa sponsors to determine usual place of residence.
For citizenship applicants, if you have lost your documents or unsure whether you have satisfied the residency requirements to be granted Australian citizenship, your international movement records can confirm eligibility.
What Else Are IMR Records Useful For:
HECS / HELP Loan Applications
New Zealand Citizen SCV Visa Eligibility
Australia Citizenship
Australia Visa
Various Centrelink Queries
Lifetime Health Cover Loading - LHC
How can I request for a copy of my International Movement Records?
Classified, copies of your international movement records can be requested for lawful and legitimate purposes.
To request a copy, all you need to do is complete a Request for international movement records. You will need to include a certified copy of a photographic identity document such as a passport or drivers licence. For a document to be a certified copy, it should be stamped by an authorised person.
Can another person request my International Movement Record?
As a migration agent, Visa Crew can make a request for this information on your behalf; we need to have written authority from you to make the request.
We will require a certified copy of your passport and your residential address to make the application on your behalf.
At Visa Crew we can obtain your travel records from the department; contact us to find our how we can assist you.
Note: There is a fee for this service.
