Document Checklist
Australia Skilled Worker Visa Document Checklist (189, 190 & 482)
The 189, 190 and 482 pathways share a lot of the same evidence, but the points-tested visas (189/190) add a heavier documentation burden than the employer-sponsored 482. Gather everything below before you submit an Expression of Interest or lodge your application — a missing or inconsistent document is one of the most common causes of delay.
Identity and photos
- Current passportColour scan of the biographical page for every applicant, including family members included on the application.
- Birth certificateCertified copy; required if your passport doesn't show place of birth or parents' names.
- Name change evidenceMarriage certificate, deed poll or equivalent, if any document is in a different name.
- Passport-style photosMeeting the Department of Home Affairs' current photo specifications.
Skills and occupation (189/190 — usually required for 482 too)
- Positive skills assessmentFrom the assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, TRA) — check it's still within its validity window, typically 3 years.
- Occupation confirmationYour nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL for 189, the state/territory list for 190, or the Core Skills Occupation List for 482).
- SkillSelect Expression of Interest copy189/190 only — plus your Invitation to Apply once received.
- State/territory nomination approval190 only.
- Signed job offer or employment contract482 only — from an approved sponsoring employer, meeting the current salary threshold (TSMIT).
English language evidence
- Test resultsIELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced, within the validity window at time of application (commonly 3 years for points-tested visas).
- Exemption evidenceIf claiming an exemption — e.g. passport from an exempt country, or study conducted entirely in English.
Employment history
- Reference letters for every claimed roleOn company letterhead, stating job title, duties, dates and hours per week — needed to support both the skills assessment and any points claimed for experience.
- PayslipsAt least two per year of claimed employment.
- Tax records or payment summariesSupporting the employment periods claimed.
- Superannuation recordsFor Australian employment, if relevant.
Education
- Degree certificates and transcriptsFor any qualification claimed for points or used in the skills assessment.
- Certified translationsFor any document not already in English.
Health and character
- Medical examinationThrough an approved panel physician — book promptly once invited, as results have a limited validity period.
- Police clearance certificatesFrom every country where you (and any accompanying family member 16+) lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, since turning 16.
Family members included on the application
- Passport and birth certificateFor each family member.
- Relationship evidenceMarriage certificate or de facto relationship proof.
- Partner's English test and skills documentsIf claiming partner skill points (189/190).
- Dependent child evidenceBirth certificates and, for children 18–23, evidence of financial dependency.
- Health and police checksFor every family member aged 16 or over.
Tips
- Every claim must match your Expression of Interest exactly — a mismatch between your EOI and your supporting documents is one of the most common reasons for a request for further information or a refusal.
- A skills assessment or English test that expires between your EOI and your invitation can force you to restart — track expiry dates and renew before submitting the EOI where possible.
- For the 482, confirm your employer has passed genuine position testing and paid the Skilling Australians Fund levy before you rely on the job offer as your pathway.
- This checklist is general guidance, not migration advice — document requirements and fees change, so confirm the current list on homeaffairs.gov.au or with a registered migration agent before lodging.
- See VisaMet's full [Australia skilled worker visa guide](/guides/australia-skilled-worker-visa-guide-2026) for how the 189, 190 and 482 pathways compare, and [join the waitlist](/#waitlist) for help tracking your application.
Requirements change — always confirm the current list with the official source before you submit.
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