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The Visa Checklist: Do you have all your documents ready?

By 3 May 2023May 23rd, 2023No Comments

When applying for a visa, it may seem like the list of documents you need to provide is never ending. Being prepared and making sure you have all the required documentation ready to go when you start your application will make sure that you make the process easier for everyone involved.

Immigration will carefully check all your documents, and if you have failed to provide a document or there is a discrepancy which requires further investigation you will delay your visa application while you have to find the documents required. A good migration agent will check all these documents before lodging your application, and ensure that there isn’t anything that may cause an issue later in the process.

What documents do you actually need?

Each visa needs a different collection of documents, and you can find a checklist on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Generally though, you need to provide proof of identity, English proficiency through an IELTS test or equivalent, proof of insurance and a health check.

What about a 482 Visa specifically?

In applying for a 482 Visa, once you have a confirmed job offer and sponsorship, you need to demonstrate that you have the qualifications required to be eligible – you can either hold a relevant degree or have five years professional experience.

Make sure that your CV is up to date

Having an up to date CV will make the process easier for everyone. Ensure that you have included the jobs and positions you have held, particularly over the past five years, disclosed any degree that you hold and the institution where you have earned that degree.

Ensure that your references are current

If you are applying for a position on the basis of experience, it is crucial that the references you supply are current and that the contact details provided for them are correct. Immigration is likely to check with your references to ensure that you are qualified for the role

Have a copy of your University transcript and certificate

If you are applying on the basis of holding a degree make sure you have a copy of your degree and transcript. If you don’t have a copy on hand contact the institution and they will be able to post a copy of the degree and your transcript to you.

Colour copies of all documents (or certified copies)

Plain colour copies of documents are acceptable and preferred.  If they are black and white they will need to be certified unless the original document is in black and white.

A ‘certified copy’ is a copy of an original document that has been authorised (or stamped) as being a true copy of an original. Documents can be certified by any person recognised by the law in your country.

Have a certified English translation of all documents

If any of the documents you are required to provide are not in English you need to ensure you can provide a certified English translation of those documents.

A translator in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

A translator outside Australia does not need to be accredited, but they must endorse the translation with their full name, address, telephone number, and details of their qualifications and experience in the language being translated.

Forging Documents

Earlier this year, reports about fraudulent 482 Visa applications made headlines, prompting the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to state that visa fraud is a high operational priority. If you are caught with a forged document there will be penalties, and if they become aware of the fraud, a good migration agent will not proceed with the application.

Pendragon Team