Document Requirements
SUBCLASS 491 DOCUMENTATION CHECKLISTThe 491 visa requires documents for two stages: state nomination/family sponsorship AND the visa application itself. This comprehensive guide covers all required documents for both stages.
Stage 1: Nomination/Sponsorship Documents
For State Nomination (Most Common)
Documents required when applying to state/territory for nomination:
Current passport biographical pages for all applicants.
Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Valid English test results (some states require higher than Competent English).
Detailed CV showing all work experience and qualifications.
Reference letters, contracts, payslips for work experience (if required by state).
Written statement explaining why you want to live in that particular state/region.
Job offers, connection to state evidence, etc. (varies by state).
For Family Sponsorship (Alternative)
If sponsored by an eligible family member:
- Sponsor's citizenship/PR evidence
- Relationship evidence (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
- Sponsor's residence proof (utility bills, lease, employment in regional area for 12+ months)
- Sponsor's identification
Stage 2: Visa Application Documents
After receiving invitation to apply for the visa itself:
1. Identity Documents (MANDATORY)
Current passport for you and all family members (must be valid for at least 6 months).
Original or certified copy showing both parents' names.
If applicable in your country (both sides).
If married - original or certified copy.
If your name has changed.
2. Nomination/Sponsorship Approval (ESSENTIAL)
3. Skills Assessment (MANDATORY)
- Positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
- Must be valid at time of invitation
- Must match your nominated occupation
4. English Language Evidence (MANDATORY)
- Test results: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge
- Must show all four components
- Results must be less than 3 years old at invitation
- Must meet minimum Competent English requirement
5. Educational Qualifications
For all qualifications you're claiming points for:
- Degree/diploma/trade certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Educational assessments (if applicable)
6. Work Experience Evidence
For EACH employment period you're claiming points for:
- Employment contracts or offer letters
- Payslips (first, last, and samples)
- Tax returns or assessment notices
- Bank statements showing salary deposits
- Reference letters including:
- Job title and duties
- Employment dates
- Hours per week
- Salary details
- Referee contact details
7. Police Clearance Certificates
- From every country you've lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years
- Must be issued within 12 months of visa application
- Include NAATI translation if not in English
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) check if lived in Australia
8. Health Examinations
Completed after lodging application (when instructed):
- Medical examination by approved panel physician
- Chest X-ray (for 11+ years old)
- HIV test (for 15+ years old)
- Additional tests if required
9. Partner Skills Evidence (if claiming points)
- Partner's skills assessment
- Partner's English test results
- Partner's age evidence
- Relationship evidence (marriage certificate or de facto proof)
10. Additional Points Evidence
As applicable:
- Australian Study: Certificates, transcripts, CRICOS enrollment proof
- Professional Year: Completion certificate
- NAATI: Credential certificate
- Regional Study: Evidence of study in regional Australia
?? Document Format Requirements
Certification
- Certified copies: Most documents must be certified by authorized persons (JP, lawyer, notary)
- Originals: Some documents accepted as scanned originals
- Translations: NAATI-certified translations for non-English documents
Digital Format
- File format: PDF preferred for documents, JPG for photos
- File size: Under 5MB per file
- Quality: Clear, readable scans (300 DPI recommended)
- Color: Color scans for passports and photos
Document Costs
| Document Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | $300-1,200 |
| English Test | $385-450 |
| Police Certificates (per country) | $50-300 |
| Health Examinations (per adult) | $300-500 |
| Document Certification | $100-300 |
| NAATI Translations (per page) | $40-80 |
? Document Preparation Timeline
Start NOW (3-6 months before EOI):
- Skills assessment (6-12 weeks)
- English test (book and complete)
- Police certificates (2-12 weeks depending on country)
After State Nomination Approval:
- Gather all visa documents (1-2 weeks)
- Get documents certified (1-2 weeks)
- Organize and scan documents (1 week)
After Visa Invitation:
- Lodge application within 60 days
- Complete health exams when requested
Pro Tips
- Start early: Begin document collection before submitting EOI
- Contact employers early: Reference letters can take weeks
- Multiple police checks: Order all simultaneously to save time
- Keep copies: Save digital and physical copies of everything
- Organize by category: Group documents logically for easy upload
- Track expiry dates: English tests (3 years), police checks (12 months)
- State requirements first: Some states need documents before nominating
Next Steps
Documents ready? Learn the step-by-step application process!