The Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will be consolidated into a single Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

At the same time, the Australian Border Force, a single frontline operational border agency, will be established within the department.

From 1 July 2015, the Australian Border Force will draw together the operational border, investigations, compliance, detention and enforcement functions of the two existing agencies. Policy, regulatory and corporate functions will combine within the broader department.

These changes do not have any immediate effect on visa or citizenship applications or processes. Existing applications or any new application will continue to be processed in accordance with the service standards available on our website.