Immigration in Australia -
Gather Your Documents

This Immigration in Australia page can help with a quick overview about some of the documents you need, how to get them and how to prepare your application file. For all up-to-date, official and detailed information visit the department of immigration website: www.immi.gov.au.

But it is good to take the following initial steps:

• Gather your identity documents:
• recent photographs (certify and date them);
• birth certificate;
• copy of passport pages showing name, photo and date of birth;
• other identity documents, for example: marriage certificate, change of name evidence…
• Provide evidence of skills such as:
• qualification and training: degrees, diplomas, certificates;
• work experience / employment, including job descriptions of the positions you held and work references signed by your employers.

Make copies of all your original documents and get them certified by an authorised person in your country. Then translate them by a registered translation service.

Check the information on the department of immigration Australia website and read the most up-to-date details under the visa option you apply for to ensure you follow all the steps exactly as required.

Immigration in Australia
Start Building Your Application File

Get your skills assessed. Here are the basic steps:

• You can find all eligible occupations in the Skilled Occupation Lists. Make sure you use the latest forms, as updates may happen.
• Contact the relevant assessing authority and ask them to provide a skills assessment. Each authority has their time frames, procedures and fees.

Organise this assessment as soon as you decide to apply.

• If your skills are assessed as suitable for the occupation you nominated, make a certified copy of the skills assessment document. Attach it to your immigration application file together with certified copies of all the documents that you provided to the assessing authority.
• Check whether your skills assessment document has a validity date. If yes, then make sure to lodge your visa application before the expiry date.

Sit your English test. Here is some information to get you started with your research:

• You have to demonstrate that you have at least a competent level of English. Check here the threshold points for the English language ability.
• However if you can demonstrate proficiency in English, you should be able to claim a higher number of points.
• Generally the test to sit is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
• You may also provide the results of an Occupational English Test. Certain occupations require a higher level of English. Contact your assessing authority to clarify what level and what test they require.
• If you come from one of the countries where English is the native language of the majority of the inhabitants you should be able to claim the threshold points without a test.

  However if you want to claim the maximum number of points, sit the test and achieve a score that proves your English is proficient.

• If you go with the IELTS, check their website to see what is the next available test date and where. There are two types of tests:
  • the general training test, and
  • the academic test, which is more difficult.

  Ask the authority assessing your skills which test they require.

• The test results have an expiry period, so check this date when you make your application.

Ask your local authority organising the test whether they can provide you with study materials. Alternatively order them via the IELTS website.

If you include your partner in your application for immigration in Australia:

• You may get some points if they meet the basic requirements and have a positive skills assessment.
• Your secondary applicant should repeat the process: gather all the identity and work related documentation, provide evidence of English language ability, get their skills assessed.

If you intend to move to Australia with your family make sure you have all the legal paperwork for your dependents (for example if your children are adopted or step or their other parent is not migrating with you).

I have collated all this information just to give you an idea about the process. But things change, so do your research.

The only official and up-to-date source of information is the department of immigration Australia. Don’t take any further steps before reading attentively and understanding all the details on their website. If you need more clarification, contact them.

You can also talk to an immigration lawyer to assess your options and help with your application.

Return from Immigration in Australia to Emigrate to Australia

Return from Immigration in Australia to Home