Living and Working in Australia
Visa Process
Once we receive the completed questionnaires and documents from you:
- We will liaise with you on any questions we have based on the information and documents you have provided;
- If required, we will prepare your Skill Assessment and email to you to review prior to lodgment;
- We will prepare and draft the Nomination and Visa application;
- We will provide the draft Nomination to your employer and Visa application forms to you to review prior to lodgment;
- Once you and your employer have reviewed and approved the Nomination and Visa application forms, they will be lodged with all supporting documents;
- You (and your family) undertake a medical examination;
- We will receive a decision on your visa application or liaise with you should the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) request any further information.
Evidence of employment
Evidence of employment may be a combination of the following:
- Employment reference letter (see below)
- Pay slips (one for each 6-month period of employment)
- Bank statements showing payment of wages
- Tax records – Notice of Assessment (Australia), P60/45 (UK) or other records
- Superannuation or Pension Fund records
- PAYG payment summary (Group certificate) (Australia) (or pre-filling report)
- Government labour books or employment records
- Other documents linking you to the relevant employer
Employment reference letter
Employment references should (please also refer to our template letter):
- Be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference;
- The letterhead should indicate clearly the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, email and website addresses;
- The name and position of the person authorized to sign the employment reference should be typed or stamped below that person’s signature;
- The contact telephone number of the person writing the reference should be included in the letter; and
- The letter should indicate the exact period of employment (including whether permanent or temporary, full or part time), position(s) held, the 5 main duties undertaken and the salary earned – positions should not be described by generic titles (eg. Research officer, public servant) but according to nature of duties undertaken (eg. Research chemist, accounts clerk).
Ongoing offer of work
Please note that to be granted the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa, you must continue to have a valid offer of employment until the time of decision. If the offer is withdrawn the visa cannot be approved.
English requirements
Applicants must meet the relevant English requirement for this visa. Read more
Family Relationships
Family members are able to be included in your visa application
Australian Federal Police check
Australian police checks are valid for a period of 12 months. Instructions to apply are available here
Overseas Police checks
We will advise when an overseas police check is required. Instructions to apply are available here.
Medicare
You will be eligible for Medicare after lodgement of most permanent visa applications, and in some other specific circumstances. If you have a condition requiring you to hold private health insurance, you may discontinue that insurance once you receive your Medicare card.
Further information regarding enrolment with Medicare will be provided after lodgement of your visa application
Interviews
Phone interviews can occur for all visa types. Please be aware that at any time after lodgement of the application, the Department may contact you by phone without warning to ask questions about any aspect of the application. This may include questions about your current or proposed employment, partner relationship, previous visa applications or any other matter.
Payment for visas
It is now a criminal offence to pay for, or receive, a benefit for agreeing to sponsor someone for a visa. Civil penalties may also apply.
Social Media
The Department may also access publicly available social or other media to confirm that claims made in the application are correct. Please adjust your social media settings accordingly or update relevant information.
