Subclass 189 Visa Document Checklist

To support the claims made in your Expression of Interest (EOI) and demonstrate eligibility for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must provide the following documents.

Document Checklist for 189 Visa (Points Tested Stream)

For All Applicants: All applicants included in the visa application must submit the following:

• Identity documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or proof of name change (e.g., marriage or divorce certificates).
• Evidence of marital status, including marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents, or statutory declarations if applicable.
• Overseas police certificates from each country (including your home country) where you have spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years after turning 16, as well as any military service records or discharge papers if you have served in the armed forces.
• Passport-sized photographs.

For Primary Applicant: The primary applicant must provide the following documents:

• Academic certificates and transcripts.
• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and course completion letters for studies completed in Australia.
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or OET).
• Professional Year Program certificate (if applicable).
• NAATI certification (if applicable).
• Evidence of specialist qualifications.
• Skills assessment outcome letter.
• Professional registration or license certificates (if applicable).
• Employment reference letters and supporting documents such as payslips, bank statements, tax records, and superannuation records.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae or resume detailing your employment and education history, including dates and positions held over the last 10 years.
• If applicable, documentation proving a close family member resides in a designated regional area of Australia, including their identification and proof of residence.

For Spouse or De Facto Partner: If claiming points for a spouse or de facto partner, the following documents are required:

• English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or OET) if claiming partner English points.
• Skills assessment outcome letter (if claiming partner skilled occupation points).
• Marriage certificate (if applicable); or, for de facto relationships, either proof of relationship registration by an Australian state or territory or sufficient evidence to demonstrate a de facto relationship of at least 12 months before the application.

All documents must be provided in color PDF format. Non-English documents must be accompanied by an authorized English translation.

Subclass 189 Visa Document Checklist (New Zealand Stream)

For Primary Applicant: The primary applicant must submit:

• Evidence of residing in Australia for a continuous period of at least five years before the application date (prior to 19 February 2016), such as rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and employment contracts.
• Proof of income tax liability for three income years during the five-year period immediately preceding the application date, such as notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office.

Exemption from Income Threshold:

If seeking an exemption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following documents may be required:

• Pay slips, salary advice, or employment contracts for the 2019–20 or 2020–21 income year to demonstrate an expected income meeting the threshold.
• A signed letter from a current or former employer detailing salary as of 1 February 2020.
• Statutory declarations or other evidence from a former employer regarding termination due to COVID-19.
• Employer statements acknowledging a reduction in income due to COVID-19-related factors, such as reduced work hours, illness, or caring responsibilities.
• Centrelink letters confirming the receipt of JobSeeker payments during the 2019–20 or 2020–21 income year.
• Documentation proving access to the JobKeeper Wage Subsidy.

Exemption Due to Parental or Carer’s Leave:

• Statutory declarations by the applicant and employer, birth certificates, medical certificates for carer responsibilities, and notices of approved parental leave.

Exemption Due to Injury and Rehabilitation:

• Statutory declarations, medical certificates, and official compensation or rehabilitation documentation.

Exemption for Primary Care of a Child:

• Parenting orders, registered parenting plans, or consent orders signed by all parents or bearing a court seal.

Subclass 189 Visa Document Checklist (Hong Kong Stream)

For Applicants in the Hong Kong Stream:

• Evidence that you hold a Subclass 485, 482, or 457 visa granted based on the primary visa criteria.
• Valid British National (Overseas) or Hong Kong passport at the time of application.
• Evidence of residing in Australia for a continuous period of at least four years before applying.

Disclaimer: Aussie Migration Services Pty Ltd and its associates are independent consulting entities and are not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). The information provided does not constitute personalized migration advice. For tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please contact one of our immigration consultants or register your interest with our associates.