Navigating The Australia Work Visa Application Process

Imagine you’re Maria, a registered nurse in Cebu, who’s just been offered a position in Sydney. Excitement turns to overwhelm when you discover dozens of visa subclasses—Temporary Skill Shortage (482), Skilled Independent (189), Employer Nomination (186), Working Holiday and more—each with its own requirements, timeframes and document lists.

Australia’s work visa system spans temporary and permanent streams, points-based and employer-sponsored pathways, plus regional and specialist categories. Picking the wrong option can stall your career plans or put your application at risk, while the right choice sets you on course to a smooth transition.

This guide breaks the process into clear, actionable steps. We’ll walk you through:

• Identifying your ideal visa category
• Reviewing eligibility criteria
• Verifying your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• Securing a skills assessment
• Calculating your points score
• Obtaining state nomination or employer sponsorship
• Assembling and organising documents
• Lodging an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect
• Submitting your visa application through ImmiAccount
• Completing health and character checks
• Tracking your application status
• Appealing a refusal if necessary

Whether you’re a skilled worker aiming for permanent residence, an employer-sponsored applicant or a professional exploring regional incentives, this roadmap transforms complexity into clarity. Let’s begin by pinpointing the visa category that aligns with your goals.

Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Australia Work Visa Category

The first step in your Australia work visa application journey is choosing the right visa category. With so many streams—temporary and permanent, points-based and employer-sponsored—it pays to match your professional profile and long-term goals to the visa that suits you best. Take some time here: picking the wrong path could cost you weeks of delays or even a refusal.

Temporary vs Permanent Work Visas

Temporary work visas let you fill a skill gap in Australia for a defined period. Examples include:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482: for employers to sponsor overseas workers when local labour isn’t available.
• Working Holiday (subclass 417/462): for young travellers seeking short-term work to fund their holiday.

Permanent work visas lead to permanent residency on grant:

• Skilled Independent (189): points-tested, no sponsorship needed.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186: for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.

Pros and cons:

• Temporary visas often have faster processing times but require continual sponsorship or employer support and usually don’t include a direct pathway to PR.
• Permanent visas take longer to process and demand higher points or nomination, yet grant indefinite residency, better family inclusion and access to benefits like Medicare.

Key Streams and Subclasses

Here’s a quick rundown of the main streams you’ll encounter:

• Skilled Independent (189): point-scored, open-stream permanent visa for invited applicants with at least 65 points.
• Skilled Nominated (190): permanent visa for those nominated by an Australian state or territory.
• Skilled Regional (491): provisional visa requiring regional nomination or sponsorship, leading to PR.
• Temporary Skill Shortage (482): lets approved employers fill short-term or medium-term skilled roles.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (186/187): permanent visa streams for employees nominated by their employer (186 direct entry or 187 regional).
• Distinguished Talent (124/858): permanent visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement.

Matching Your Goals to a Visa

To pinpoint your ideal pathway, consider these questions and follow this simple decision flowchart:

1. Do you have an Australian employer ready to sponsor you?
   • Yes → ENS 186 or TSS 482
   • No → go to question 2
2. Do you score at least 65 points on the skilled points test?
   • Yes → Skilled Independent 189 (metro) or, if you’re open to regional living, Skilled Regional 491
   • No → explore state nomination (190) or additional strategies to boost points (see Step 5)
3. Are you an exceptional talent in your field?
   • Yes → Distinguished Talent 124/858

By matching your current situation—points, job offer, location preference—to the stream that fits best, you’ll start your application with confidence and clarity.

Step 2: Review Core Eligibility Criteria for Your Visa Stream

Before you dive into forms and documents, it’s crucial to confirm you meet the basic requirements for your chosen visa stream. Skipping this check can lead to wasted time, money and dashed hopes. In this step, we’ll cover both the universal factors every applicant must satisfy and the specific conditions tied to different visa pathways.

General Eligibility Factors

Every Australia work visa—temporary or permanent—has a set of common prerequisites:

• Age limits: Most skilled visas require applicants to be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of application. Some streams, like the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), cap the upper age at 44, while employer-sponsored visas often stretch to 45.
• English language ability: You’ll need to demonstrate at least Competent English (for example, IELTS band 6). Higher levels—Proficient (band 7) or Superior (band 8)—can boost your points score or satisfy specific visa conditions.
• Health and character: A clean bill of health from an approved panel physician and police clearances from any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more since age 16 are non-negotiable.
• Financial capacity: Some temporary visas (such as Working Holiday or TSS 482) require evidence you can support yourself initially—bank statements or a return ticket, plus adequate health insurance where mandated.

Taking the time now to check off these basics will prevent surprises later in your application.

Stream-Specific Requirements

Once you’ve ticked the universal boxes, you’ll need to satisfy criteria unique to your chosen stream:

• Employer-sponsored visas (TSS 482, ENS 186/187)
  • Nomination by an approved business sponsor (the company must meet turnover, training and labour-market test requirements)
  • Evidence of genuine full-time employment, usually with at least two years’ relevant experience

• Points-based visas (189, 190, 491)
  • Minimum of 65 points on the skilled points test
  • Occupation must appear on the Medium-Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • A positive skills-assessment outcome from the relevant assessing authority

• Regional visas (491, RSMS 187)
  • Commitment to live and work in a designated regional area for a prescribed period (typically three years)
  • Either state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative already residing in regional Australia

Each stream builds on the general criteria with its own twists—so make sure you’ve mapped your profile to the exact requirements.

Create an Eligibility Matrix

A simple way to visualise and compare requirements is to build your own eligibility matrix. Start with this template and fill in the details that apply to you:

Feel free to add rows for any other visa subclasses you’re considering. By comparing side-by-side, you’ll quickly spot gaps—whether you need extra points, a stronger English score or a formal nomination—before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Verify Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Before you invest time in skills assessments or nomination applications, make sure your job appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list determines which occupations are in demand, the visa streams you can apply for, and the assessing authority you’ll need to work with. If your occupation isn’t listed—or you pick the wrong ANZSCO code—it can derail your entire application.

Matching your job title to the correct ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code ensures you meet visa requirements and helps the Department of Home Affairs process your application smoothly. In this step, we’ll break down how to navigate the different lists, find your ANZSCO code and identify the authority responsible for assessing your qualifications.

Understanding MLTSSL vs STSOL

Australia’s SOL is divided into two main lists: the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The MLTSSL covers occupations needed for longer periods and offers access to permanent and provisional visas like Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190). The STSOL focuses on short-term labour shortages and limits you to provisional streams such as Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or Skilled Regional (subclass 491).

Which list your occupation lands on affects your visa options, point-score requirements and how long you can stay in Australia. If you’re aiming for a permanent pathway, look for roles on the MLTSSL. If your job sits on the STSOL, prepare for temporary visas or regional sponsorship.

Finding Your ANZSCO Code

1. Go to the official Skilled Occupation List page.
2. Note whether your profession is on the MLTSSL or STSOL, and check any special conditions listed.
3. Locate the ANZSCO code beside your occupation title. These four-digit codes (e.g., 261111 for ICT Business Analyst) precisely define your role.
4. Use keywords from your job description—like “civil engineer” or “registered nurse”—but cross-reference ANZSCO descriptions, as similar roles can split into multiple codes.
5. Be wary of broad titles such as “General Manager”; they may not match your specialised duties and can lead to assessment delays.

Selecting the right code at this stage prevents common pitfalls, including incorrect skill-level assignments or mismatched English requirements.

Assessing Authority Identification

Each ANZSCO occupation is linked to a designated assessing authority—the body you’ll approach for your skills assessment. For example, IT professionals often deal with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), while engineering roles typically use Engineers Australia. After noting your ANZSCO code:

• Record the assessing authority listed alongside it on the SOL page.
• Visit the authority’s site to confirm specific document requirements, fees and processing timelines.
• Check for any occupation-specific tests or professional development criteria they mandate.

Having this information upfront ensures your skills assessment goes to the right authority and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.

By verifying your occupation on the SOL, you lock in the correct ANZSCO code and assessing authority—key ingredients for a smooth skills assessment and visa application process.

Step 4: Secure a Skills Assessment from the Relevant Authority

Ensuring your qualifications and experience are recognised in Australia hinges on a successful skills assessment. This step serves as a critical gatekeeper—without a positive outcome, you can’t proceed with most skilled visas. Let’s break down how to select the right assessing body, prepare your documentation, and manage processing timelines.

Selecting the Correct Assessing Body

Every occupation on the Skilled Occupation List is assigned an official assessing authority. Common bodies include:

• Australian Computer Society (ACS) for IT professionals
• Engineers Australia for engineering roles
• VETASSESS for a broad range of trade and non-licensed occupations
• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for nursing professions
• CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) for accountants

To confirm your authority:

1. Note your ANZSCO code and occupation title.
2. Visit the Department’s Skills Assessment page.
3. Match your code to the listed authority and review any occupation-specific instructions.

Getting this right up front avoids misdirected applications and costly delays.

Document Requirements and Submission

Assessing authorities typically request:

• Certified copies of academic transcripts and qualification certificates
• Employment reference letters on company letterhead, detailing your role, duties, dates and hours worked
• Evidence of professional registration or licensing (where applicable)
• Proof of identity: passport biodata page and any name-change certificates

Some occupations call for extras:

• Portfolios for designers or architects
• English test scores if your profession demands higher language proficiency
• Records of continuing professional development

Best practices:

• Follow each authority’s checklist exactly—missing items trigger RFIs.
• Provide certified translations for any non-English documents.
• Name your files clearly (e.g., Garcia_EmploymentRef.pdf) and group them by category.

Submit your dossier via the authority’s online portal or by post, then save all confirmation emails and postage receipts.

Timing and Processing Expectations

Assessment times vary but generally fall between 4 and 12 weeks. To keep your visa timeline on track:

• Lodge your skills assessment at least six months before your EOI or visa application deadline.
• Triple-check requirements to minimise back-and-forth.
• Consider priority or express processing (available for an extra fee) if you’re pressed for time.
• Set reminders to follow up if you haven’t received a decision within the quoted window.

Being proactive and mindful of these lead times will help you avoid last-minute headaches and keep your application moving smoothly.

Step 5: Calculate and Achieve the Required Points Score

If you’re aiming for a points-based visa (subclasses 189, 190 or 491), hitting the 65-point minimum is non-negotiable. The points test rewards factors like age, English ability, work experience and education—so knowing where you stand and how to close any gaps can make or break your application. In this step, we’ll unpack each category, walk through a sample calculation and share tactics to boost your tally.

Breakdown of Points Categories

Here’s how Australia awards points for skilled visa applications:

• Age

  • 18–24 years: 25 points
  • 25–32 years: 30 points
  • 33–39 years: 25 points
  • 40–44 years: 15 points

• English language skills

  • Competent English: 0 points
  • Proficient English: 10 points
  • Superior English: 20 points

• Overseas skilled employment

  • Less than 3 years: 0 points
  • 3–5 years: 5 points
  • 5–8 years: 10 points
  • 8+ years: 15 points

• Australian skilled employment

  • Less than 1 year: 0 points
  • 1–3 years: 5 points
  • 3–5 years: 10 points
  • 5–8 years: 15 points
  • 8+ years: 20 points

• Educational qualifications

  • Doctorate (Australian or recognised institution): 20 points
  • Bachelor’s degree (Australian or recognised institution): 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification (Australian): 10 points
  • Qualification recognised by assessing authority: 10 points

• Specialist education qualification

  • Masters by research or doctorate including at least two academic years in Australia: 5 points

• Australian study requirement

  • Meets Australian study requirement (degree, diploma or trade certificate): 5 points

• Professional year in Australia

  • Completion of a designated professional year: 5 points

• Community language credential

  • Recognised qualification in a credentialled community language: 5 points

• Study in regional Australia

  • At least one degree, diploma or trade certificate obtained in an eligible regional area: 5 points

• Partner skills

  • Partner meets age, English and skill criteria and is included in application: 5 points

• Nomination or sponsorship

  • State/territory nomination (subclass 190) or eligible relative sponsorship (subclass 491): 10 points

Conducting Your Personal Points Audit

Let’s say you’re “Ana,” a 29-year-old civil engineer with the following profile:

1. Age: 29 → 30 points
2. English: IELTS band 7 (Proficient) → 10 points
3. Overseas experience: 4 years → 5 points
4. No Australian work experience → 0 points
5. Bachelor’s degree (recognised): 15 points
6. No Australian study, professional year or language credential → 0 points

Total: 30 + 10 + 5 + 0 + 15 = 60 points

Ana is 5 points short of the 65-point threshold. A quick audit like this highlights exactly where she needs to top up—perhaps by adding a partner skill or gaining that professional year.

Tips to Boost Your Score

If you find yourself shy of 65 points, consider:

• Upgrading your English test: Pushing from Proficient (band 7) to Superior (band 8) nets an extra 10 points.
• Completing a short course in regional Australia: Five points for meeting the Australian study requirement in a designated area.
• Enrolling in a Professional Year program: Adds 5 points and strengthens your local experience.
• Submitting a community language credential: If you speak Tagalog or another recognised language, official certification can score 5 points.
• Securing state or territory nomination (subclass 190 or 491): A 10-point windfall if your occupation is in demand in a specific region.

By calculating your current total and plotting a clear path to patch any shortfall, you’ll approach Step 6—nomination or sponsorship—with confidence and all the points you need.

Step 6: Obtain Nomination or Employer Sponsorship

In most permanent and regional visa streams, you’ll need a formal seal of approval—either from a state or territory government, or from an Australian employer. This nomination or sponsorship is a critical gatekeeper: without it, your EOI can’t convert into an invitation and your visa application stalls.

State/Territory Government Nomination

For visas like Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Regional (491), state and territory nomination is your ticket in. Here’s how it works:

1. Lodge an EOI via SkillSelect, specifying which jurisdictions you’re targeting.
2. If a state or territory identifies your skills as a match, they’ll invite you to apply for nomination.
3. Prepare documentation—proof of your EOI invitation, evidence of commitment to live and work in that area, and any job offer letters if required.
4. Submit your nomination application to the relevant state or territory migration website.

Typical criteria vary by jurisdiction but generally include:

• Occupation listed on the state’s priority occupation list
• Meeting or exceeding the state’s points threshold (often a minimum of 65)
• A genuine intention to reside in that state or approved regional area
• For subclass 491, some regions allow an eligible relative to sponsor you in place of a job offer

Once your nomination is approved, you’re cleared to move on to the visa application itself.

Employer Nomination Pathways

When an Australian business wants to bring you on board, they can sponsor you under the Temporary Skill Shortage (482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (186/187) visas. The process typically involves:

1. Sponsor Approval: Your employer becomes a Standard Business Sponsor by demonstrating a genuine business, meeting training benchmarks and passing a labour market test.
2. Nomination Submission: The sponsor nominates you for a specific ANZSCO occupation, confirms salary details and lodges the nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Nomination Decision: Home Affairs assesses the nomination against market salary, business turnover and your prospective role.

The ENS (186) offers a Direct Entry stream for candidates with a positive skills assessment and relevant experience, plus a Labour Agreement stream for bespoke arrangements. The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187) follows similar steps but ties you to non-metro locations.

Key Timelines and Obligations

Nomination approvals usually take between four and twelve weeks. To keep things on track:

• Employers must uphold their commitments—pay you the market salary, maintain training benchmarks and, for ENS visas, guarantee employment for at least two years.
• You should be ready to provide any extra documents—updated contracts, police clearances, health checks—promptly.

Track your nomination application in ImmiAccount, note down reference numbers, and agree on response times with your sponsor or state office. Clear communication at this stage means fewer surprises and a smoother route to your visa grant.

Step 7: Assemble and Organize All Required Documents

By this stage, you know which visa stream you’re pursuing and have a clear picture of the criteria. Now it’s time to round up every piece of paper—certified, translated and ready to upload. A well-organised document package not only speeds up your application but also minimises requests for further information. Let’s break down what you need and how to keep it all under control.

Identity and Personal Documents

• Passport biodata page (clear colour scan)
• Full birth certificate showing parents’ names
• Any name-change certificates (marriage, deed poll)
• National identity card (if required by your assessing authority)
• Certified translations for any document not in English

Every item must be a certified copy, stamped by a notary or authorised official. If you use a translation service, ensure the translator’s declaration and credentials are included.

Professional and Academic Credentials

• Skills assessment outcome report
• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• Employment reference letters on company letterhead detailing:
  • your role, duties and dates of service
  • weekly hours worked or full-time status
  • contact information for verification
• Professional licences or registrations (where applicable)
• Portfolios or work samples (for architects, designers, etc.)
• English test results (IELTS, PTE) if you’ve claimed points for Proficient or Superior English

Tip: Ask referees to follow a standard template—include your ANZSCO code and the skills assessor’s name—to avoid back-and-forth later.

Health and Character Documents

• Police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more since age 16
• Completed health examination form and results from an approved panel physician (chest X-ray, blood tests, etc.)
• Adequate health insurance proof (if your visa subclass mandates it)
• Any additional character documents (military service records, court dispositions)

Make sure police certificates are valid on the date you lodge your application. Store originals safely and use scans for uploads.

Organisation Strategies

A logical folder structure and a simple tracking sheet can keep chaos at bay:

1. Create digital folders with numeric prefixes:

   • 01_ID
   • 02_Employment
   • 03_Health
   • 04_Qualifications
   • 05_Other

2. Name each file consistently:
   [Surname]_[DocumentType]_[Date].pdf
   e.g., Garcia_EmploymentRef_2025-04.pdf

3. Maintain a master checklist in the root folder:

   Document	Source	Date Obtained	Certified (Y/N)
   Passport biodata page	Philippine Passport Office	2025-03-10	Y
   Birth certificate	PSA	2025-02-20	Y
   Nursing qualification transcript	University of the Philippines	2024-12-01	Y
   Police clearance (PH)	PNP	2025-01-15	Y
   ACS skills assessment report	ACS	2025-03-30	Y

4. Back up your entire folder to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and an external hard drive.

5. Keep a printed copy of your checklist and key documents in case of power or connectivity issues.

By adopting these organisation strategies, you’ll have each document at your fingertips when Lodgement Day arrives. A little prep now saves a lot of scrambling later—so you can focus on final checks and countdown to your Australian work visa grant.

Step 8: Lodge an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect

Before you can be invited to apply for a points-based or nominated visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. An EOI isn’t a visa application but a way to signal your intent—sharing your skills assessment, points score and nomination status with state governments and employers. A polished EOI significantly boosts your chances during invitation rounds.

Creating and Accessing a SkillSelect Account

To get started, register on the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect portal. You’ll need:

• A valid email address and basic personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
• Your skills assessment reference and the correct ANZSCO code
• A preliminary calculation of your points score and any nomination or sponsorship letters

Once your account is active, log in and navigate to “New Expression of Interest.” Link your skills assessment by entering the reference number exactly as it appears on your assessment letter. Save your login details securely and bookmark the portal for quick access.

Completing the EOI Form Accurately

When filling out your EOI:

• Enter your ANZSCO code exactly as listed on your skills assessment report.
• Specify any state/territory nomination or employer sponsorship and upload the corresponding invitation or approval documents.
• Break down your points claim honestly—cover age, English proficiency, overseas and Australian work experience, qualifications, and extras like regional study or partner skills.

Common errors—selecting the wrong ANZSCO code, overstating employment dates or forgetting to attach nomination evidence—can derail your EOI. Double-check each field before submitting.

Managing and Updating Your EOI

Your EOI stays active for two years. If your situation changes—new English test results, additional work experience or receipt of a nomination—return to SkillSelect and update your profile. Invitations to apply for a visa are issued in rounds, drawing on the pool of updated EOIs. By keeping your information current, you improve your ranking and readiness to accept an invitation when it arrives.

By mastering SkillSelect—registering correctly, presenting a transparent points breakdown and promptly updating your EOI—you’ll be well-placed when invitation rounds open and ready to move to the formal visa application stage.

Step 9: Submit Your Visa Application Through ImmiAccount

Once you’ve secured an invitation to apply (through SkillSelect) or a nomination/sponsorship, it’s time to lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. This portal is the Department of Home Affairs’ single entry point for most Australian visas. A smooth lodgement starts with a verified account, accurate data entry and correctly uploaded files.

Setting Up and Navigating ImmiAccount

If you haven’t already, go to the ImmiAccount login page and create an account: you’ll need a valid email address, a secure password and to accept the terms of use. Once inside:

• Complete your profile under “My Details”—full name, date of birth and passport information must match your documents exactly.
• Navigate to “New Application” and select your visa subclass. ImmiAccount will prompt you for the relevant invitation or nomination reference number.
• Familiarise yourself with the dashboard: you can track application status, upload additional documents and receive messages from the Department.

Enable two-step verification in “Security Settings” to protect your personal data. Bookmark the portal so you can return quickly if you need to attach more files or review updates.

Completing the Online Visa Application

With your ImmiAccount ready, click “Start Application” for your subclass. As you move through each tab:

1. Enter personal and contact details exactly as they appear on your passport and identity documents.
2. Provide your EOI reference number or nomination approval code—this links your application to your SkillSelect profile or state/employer nomination.
3. Fill in work history, education and family details. Use the same dates and titles you’ve already submitted in your skills assessment and EOI to avoid discrepancies.
4. Declare any health or character issues; complete the prompts even if you haven’t yet obtained police clearances or medical exams (you can upload those later).

Keep your prepared documents on hand—for example, scanned qualification certificates or reference letters—so you can copy key details directly into the form.

Paying Fees and Uploading Documents

Before you click “Lodge,” you’ll be asked to pay the visa application charge. ImmiAccount accepts credit cards and BPAY; make sure you have your payment details ready. Once the transaction is confirmed, upload all required supporting documents:

• Supported file formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG (each file no larger than 5 MB).
• Naming convention: [Surname]_[DocType]_[Date].pdf (e.g., Santos_PoliceClearance_2025-03.pdf).
• Group related documents in single uploads where possible (e.g., multiple pages of your birth certificate).

After uploading, review the “Attachment Summary” screen. It lists missing or unreadable files—fix any issues before final submission. Finally, click “Lodge Application” to send your package to Home Affairs. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation email with your application ID and a summary of lodgement details.

At this point, take a deep breath—you’ve officially applied. The next steps will involve health checks, character clearances and monitoring your ImmiAccount for any requests from the Department.

Step 10: Complete Health Examinations and Character Checks

Once your visa application is lodged, you’ll need to satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements. These checks safeguard both you and the community, and they’re a non-negotiable part of the process. Below, we run through what’s involved, how to book your appointments and what documents you’ll need to submit.

Health Requirements and Approved Panel Physicians

Australia requires a medical examination to ensure you meet its health standards. Typical assessments include:

• Chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis
• Blood tests (HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis)
• General physical examination
• Additional tests if you’ve lived in high-risk TB countries

If you’re in Australia, you can arrange these with Bupa Medical Visa Services, which is an approved panel provider. Otherwise, visit the Department of Home Affairs website to find a panel physician or clinic in your country. When booking:

1. Quote your visa subclass and application ID.
2. Ask which tests apply to your nationality or medical history.
3. Confirm fees and whether you need to fast before certain tests.

After your exam, the physician will submit results directly to Home Affairs. Keep a copy of any receipts and the medical report summary for your records.

Character Checks and Police Certificates

Character clearance means showing you have no disqualifying criminal history. You’ll need police certificates for every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more since turning 16. In practice:

• In the Philippines: obtain an NBI clearance (or PNP certificate, if required) dated within 12 months of your application.
• If you’ve lived elsewhere—even for a short stint—apply to that jurisdiction’s police or national authority.

Key points to remember:

• Certificates must be valid on the date you lodge your visa application.
• Scans or certified copies are acceptable, but always check the Department’s guidance for any country-specific rules.
• Name changes (marriage, deed poll) must be supported by certified change-of-name documents.

Organise your certificates chronologically, and label each file clearly before uploading to ImmiAccount.

Adequate Health Insurance (When Required)

Some temporary visas (for example, the Working Holiday and short-term streams of the TSS subclass 482) ask for proof of private health cover. Even if it’s not mandatory for your subclass, having comprehensive travel or expatriate health insurance can save you from unexpected medical bills in Australia.

Look for a policy that:

• Covers hospital and outpatient treatment, including emergencies
• Matches your visa duration, with easy extension options
• Offers at least AUD 100,000 in cover per incident
• Includes extras like ambulance transport and overseas repatriation

Before your medical exam, confirm that your insurance policy details don’t conflict with any visa conditions—some providers even offer tailored “visa medical” packages to streamline the process.

By ticking off these health and character checks promptly and thoroughly, you’ll clear one of the final hurdles standing between your application and a visa grant. Now, keep an eye on your ImmiAccount for any follow-up requests and get ready for the next stage: tracking your application status.

Step 11: Track Your Application and Respond Promptly

Keeping an eye on your visa application and acting quickly when the Department asks for more information can make all the difference between a smooth approval and frustrating delays. Once you’ve lodged your application through ImmiAccount, take a proactive approach: routinely check for updates, understand what each status stage means, and be ready to address any requests straight away. In this section, we’ll cover how to monitor your progress online, what to do when you receive a request for information, and tips to ensure you never miss a deadline.

Monitoring Application Status Online

The most reliable way to stay informed is through ImmiAccount. After logging in, navigate to your active applications to see the current status—typically labelled as “Received,” “In Progress” or “Decision Made.” Each status provides a snapshot:

• Received: Your application and initial documents have arrived.
• In Progress: Home Affairs is assessing your case; this stage can include health and character checks.
• Decision Made: A final decision has been recorded; you’ll receive written confirmation shortly.

If you’re on a temporary visa and need to verify your entitlement, you can also use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). By entering your passport and visa grant number, VEVO shows your visa conditions and expiry, giving you peace of mind while you wait for the full outcome. A quick daily check—first thing in the morning—is usually enough to catch any status changes or messages.

Anticipating Requests for Further Information

Home Affairs may ask for additional evidence if something is missing, unclear or requires clarification. Common triggers include:

• Incomplete health forms or missing laboratory results
• Reference letters without specific dates, duties or contact details
• Mismatched dates between your EOI and visa application

When you receive a Request for Information (RFI), you’ll get a secure message in ImmiAccount. Draft your response like a mini cover letter: reference your application ID, clearly list each requested item, and attach well-labelled files. For example:

“Hello Home Affairs team,
Thank you for your message regarding application ID 123456. Please find attached:

1. Updated police clearance certificate dated 2025-04-10.
2. Employment reference letter with company letterhead and precise dates of service.
   Kind regards,
   [Your Name]”

Aim to reply within 48 hours—prompt, well-organised responses reduce the back-and-forth that can stall your timeline.

Best Practices for Timely Responses

Staying on top of deadlines and communications means less stress down the track. Here’s how to keep everything on track:

• Set calendar alerts: Add key milestones—health exam due dates, police certificate expiry, RFI reply deadlines—to your calendar with at least two reminders.
• Centralise your documents: Keep all RFI-related files in a dedicated folder (e.g., “Immi_RFI_Apr2025”) so you can grab and send attachments without hunting through multiple locations.
• Maintain clear channels: If you’re working with a migration agent, ensure they have access to your ImmiAccount messages and calendar. If you handle everything yourself, enable notifications for ImmiAccount updates and check your email’s spam folder.
• Record every exchange: Save PDFs or screenshots of all messages you send and receive, plus confirmation emails—this builds an audit trail you can reference if questions arise.

By monitoring your application closely, responding promptly to any RFIs, and staying organised, you’ll navigate Step 11 with confidence and keep your visa process firmly on course.

Step 12: Appeal a Refusal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Even the most meticulously prepared application can sometimes end in a visa refusal. If you believe your case warrants a second look, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) offers a formal avenue to challenge the decision. Acting quickly and strategically is vital—miss the deadline or submit weak evidence, and you could lose your review right.

Understanding Common Refusal Reasons

Before you dive into the appeal process, take time to dissect your refusal letter. The Department of Home Affairs will cite one or more grounds, such as:

• Points shortfall: your final test score fell below the 65-point minimum.
• Insufficient evidence: missing or unclear documents (employment references, qualifications).
• Character or health issues: concerns raised from police certificates or medical exams.

Look for the “Reasons for Decision” section and highlight each point. This breakdown becomes the roadmap for your appeal, showing exactly where your original application fell short.

Lodging a Review Application

Once you’ve pinpointed the refusal grounds, prepare to lodge your review with the AAT:

1. Check deadlines – You usually have 21 days from the date of refusal if you’re in Australia (35 days if you’re offshore). These timeframes are non-extendable.
2. Gather required materials – Complete the AAT application form, attach a copy of the refusal decision, and any new evidence you intend to rely on.
3. Pay the application fee – A standard AAT fee applies (refer to the AAT website for the current amount).
4. Submit on time – Send your application online or by post. Late lodgement will see your appeal struck out.

For step-by-step guidance and forms, head to the AAT’s immigration review page:
https://www.art.gov.au/applying-review/immigration-and-citizenship

Strengthening Your Appeal Submission

An appeal is not just a re-run of your original application; it’s your chance to address every deficiency. To maximise success:

• Provide fresh evidence: If your refusal cited missing employment records, ask referees for updated letters on company letterhead, with explicit dates and duties.
• Clarify ambiguous points: Include a brief cover letter that cross-references each refusal ground with corresponding evidence.
• Seek expert advice: Consider engaging a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to draft legal submissions and argue points of law.
• Highlight compelling circumstances: If you’ve since achieved higher English scores or secured a state nomination, make these new points front and centre.

By combining precise legal arguments with robust new documentation, you give the Tribunal every reason to overturn the original decision and grant your application the fresh start it deserves.

Step 13: Prepare for Arrival and Life in Australia

Receiving your visa grant is huge—but it’s just the beginning of your Australian adventure. With permission to travel and work officially in hand, it’s time to shift gears from paperwork to practical planning. This final step ensures that the moment you touch down, you’re ready to hit the ground running, avoid rookie mistakes and feel at home in your new surroundings.

Understanding Your Visa Grant Notice

As soon as you receive the visa grant notification—usually by email—take the time to read it thoroughly. Key details to note include:

• Visa validity dates: These tell you the window in which you must enter Australia and how long you can stay.
• Travel facility expiry: For some visas, you have a limited period to use your multiple-entry rights before the travel facility lapses.
• Visa conditions: Check for any work, study or regional living requirements. There may be restrictions on employer sponsorship, mandatory registration with professional bodies or limits on public benefits.

Save a PDF copy, print one for your carry-on luggage and store it in a safe place. If you spot any errors—spelling mistakes, incorrect dates, missing conditions—contact the Department of Home Affairs right away to get them fixed before departure.

Pre-Departure Planning

Now that you know exactly when and how you can travel, let’s tackle the logistics:

1. Flights and timing: Shop around for the best fares, but also consider arrival times—landing in the evening might mean struggling to find transport or accommodation.
2. Temporary accommodation: Book at least the first week in a budget-friendly hostel, Airbnb or serviced apartment. This gives you a base while you hunt for longer-term housing.
3. Budget and banking: Estimate your first month’s costs—rent bond, utilities, groceries, mobile plan, transport card top-up. Open a local bank account online if possible so you can transfer funds before you arrive.
4. Packing essentials: Beyond clothing, pack prescription medications (with a doctor’s letter), a few familiar household items and power-plug adapters. Check baggage allowances to avoid surprise fees.
5. Health insurance and documents: If your visa doesn’t include Medicare cover immediately, secure private or travel insurance to bridge the gap. Carry original certificates—birth, qualifications, police clearances—in your hand luggage.

A little organisation now saves scrambling later, and makes the coast feel clear once you land.

Settling In and Accessing Support

Your first week in Australia sets the tone for everything that follows. Be proactive with these tasks:

• Open a bank account: Major banks like Commonwealth, ANZ or Westpac let you set up an account online. Bring your passport and visa grant notice to the local branch for final verification.
• Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN): Head to the Australian Taxation Office website and complete the TFN application. It’s free and usually takes a few weeks by post. You’ll need this before your first pay-cheque.
• Enrol in Medicare (if eligible): Permanent residents can register for Australia’s public health scheme. You’ll need ID and proof of residency—check your local Medicare Service Centre.
• Get a local SIM card and transport card: Compare prepaid mobile plans and pick up an Opal (Sydney) or Myki (Melbourne) card for easy travel.
• Join professional networks: Register with Engineers Australia, ACS or ANMAC (depending on your field) to meet colleagues, access mentoring and stay up to date on local standards.
• Connect with community groups: Whether it’s a Filipino expat association, a church group or a Meetup for newcomers, building social ties helps you settle faster.

By ticking off these essential tasks, you’ll transform from tourist to resident in no time—ready to embrace work, explore your neighbourhood and enjoy everything Australia has to offer. Congratulations on completing the journey from visa application to a fresh start Down Under!

Ready to Begin Your Australian Work Visa Journey?

You’ve navigated a lot: choosing the right visa stream, checking eligibility, confirming your ANZSCO code, securing a skills assessment, nailing your points score, lining up state or employer support, organising documents, lodging your EOI and visa application, and completing health and character checks. That’s a clear path from your initial idea to stepping off the plane.

Now it’s time to turn planning into action. Review your personal checklist for each step, fine-tune any gaps and kick off with Step 1—identify the visa stream that fits your skills and ambitions.

If you’d like personalised advice or a custom roadmap, our migration experts are ready to guide you. Explore tailored support on the Simon Mander Consulting P/L homepage and let’s make your Australia work visa application as smooth as possible.

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