Australia PR Documents Required: Complete Checklist

Lodging an incomplete Australia permanent residency application is one of the most common causes of processing delays. This checklist covers all documents required for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 skilled migration visa applications.

Identity Documents

• Valid passport — all pages, including the bio-data page and all visa/entry/exit stamps
• Previous passports (if any, for the past 10 years)
• National ID card (if applicable)
• Birth certificate (certified English translation if not in English)
• Change of name documents (if your name has changed via marriage, court order, etc.)

Skills Assessment Documents

• Positive skills assessment letter from the relevant Australian assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA, AICD)
• Assessment must be valid at time of visa application lodgement (most are valid for 3 years)
• Degree certificates and transcripts (certified copies)
• Professional registration certificates (if applicable to your occupation)

English Language Test Results

• IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET — official score certificate
• Test must be within 3 years of the visa application date
• Minimum Competent English (IELTS 6.0 per band) to qualify; higher scores earn bonus points

Employment History Documents

For each role claimed in your skills assessment and EOI:

• Employment reference letters — on company letterhead, signed by direct manager or HR
• Must include: employer name and address, your name, position title, employment dates, weekly hours, key duties matching your ANZSCO occupation
• Payslips or salary bank statements supporting each employment period
• Tax documents (Form 16, ITR for Indian employment)
• Contract letters or appointment letters

Character Requirements

• Police clearance certificates from India: State police clearance + FRRO certificate (for those who have lived overseas)
• Police clearance from every country you've lived in for 12+ continuous months since age 16
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check if you've lived in Australia
• Court or prison documents (if applicable)

Health Requirements

• Health examination via eMedical — completed at a DIBP-approved panel physician in India after DHA request
• Chest X-ray report (included in the eMedical examination)
• Medical history of any pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

State Nomination Documents (Subclass 190 Only)

• State nomination letter from the nominating Australian state or territory
• Commitment statement to reside and work in the nominating state

Partner and Family Documents (If Applicable)

• Partner: passport, birth certificate, skills assessment (if claiming partner skills points), English test results
• Marriage certificate (certified English translation)
• Children: passports, birth certificates
• Adoption papers (if applicable)

Important: Document Formatting Rules

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Employment letters must be on official letterhead with wet or digital signatures — not email printouts. Documents older than 12 months may be questioned by the case officer; ensure references are recent enough to be credible.

What Happens After Lodging

DHA will review your documents and may send a request for additional information. Respond within the requested timeframe (usually 28 days). See the Australia PR application process guide for all steps, and check the current processing times. For scoring your profile first, use the Australia PR points calculator.