Skills in Demand visa preparation checklist

Your employer's sponsorship approval and the nomination for your role come first — these are the employer's filings.

A clear copy of the photo page of your current passport is typically the first document requested. Your birth certificate and any name-change records (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll) are generally useful to have alongside it.

Keep a record of the nomination reference (an application ID number or TRN) your sponsoring employer provides, plus any correspondence confirming the nomination. The visa application generally asks for this reference early on, so having it ready helps.

Some occupations require a formal skills assessment from an approved assessing body. If one applies to your occupation, keep the assessment outcome letter and its reference number together with your application records.

An up-to-date CV plus reference letters from past employers generally help evidence your experience in the nominated occupation. References typically confirm your role, main duties, employment dates and hours worked, on company letterhead where possible.

Copies of degrees, diplomas, trade certificates and academic transcripts relevant to the nominated occupation. Include any professional registration or licence documents if your occupation is one that requires them.

Results from a recognised English test (for example IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT) are typically requested unless an exemption applies to your circumstances. Keep the full results report showing all component scores.

Passports, birth certificates and relationship documents (such as a marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship) for any partner or children included in your application.

Health examinations are generally arranged after you apply, through the Department's approved panel of doctors. Keep any referral letters, health identifier correspondence and past medical or x-ray reports where they are easy to find.

Police certificates are typically requested from each country where you have lived for a significant period in recent years. Military service records may also be relevant if you have served in any country's armed forces.

A recent passport-style photograph of you, and of each family member included in the application, is sometimes requested during processing.

Any document that is not in English generally needs to be accompanied by a translation prepared by an accredited translator, with the translator's credentials noted on the translation.

Lodge in your own ImmiAccount, linked to the employer's nomination.

Health examinations and police certificates if requested.