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Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) reference checklist

0 of 41 marked as collectedLast reviewed 2026-08-19Official page updated 1/07/2026 12:35 AMView Home Affairs visa page

Visa document reference checklist

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Documents the Department of Home Affairs lists

Some of these may not be required for your application. These are the documents the Department of Home Affairs names on its own pages for this visa. It is not a complete list of everything you may be asked for. KinVisa does not determine which items apply to you. The wording under each item comes from the Department of Home Affairs, taken from the page linked with it.

  • Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Up to date passport details in the application

      Your visa can only be granted if your passport is valid. Your application may be delayed if your passport is expired or near expiry.

      View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Valid passporthttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • Also provide: a national identity card, if you have one.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents
  • Also provide: proof of change of name.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Identity documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Marriage or divorce certificate (as proof of name change)

      If you have changed your name you must provide evidence of your name change. This can include: a marriage or divorce certificate.

      View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Name accuracyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
    2. 2.
      Change of name document from a births, deaths and marriages registry

      If you have changed your name you must provide evidence of your name change. This can include: change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority.

      View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Name accuracyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
    3. 3.
      Documents showing other names you have been known by

      If you have changed your name you must provide evidence of your name change. This can include: documents that show other names you have been known by.

      View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Name accuracyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • Give us identity documents for all family members and proof of their relationship with you.

    View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Identity documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • Declare your full residential and travel history for the past 10 years.

    View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Residential history and travel historyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Marriage certificate

      If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
    2. 2.
      Divorce documents

      If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
    3. 3.
      Death certificate

      If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
    4. 4.
      Separation documents

      If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
    5. 5.
      Statutory declaration about relationship status

      If you are or have been married, widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide proof such as marriage certificates, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
  • If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, tell us the reason why (for example, they already hold Australian citizenship or are a permanent resident).

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Relationship documents
  • Provide an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

    The visa page also states that for immigration purposes Australian police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

  • Complete the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check application form.

    View Home Affairs source› Australian certificatehttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/glossary/how-to-get-police-certificate
  • Also provide: an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents

    The department publishes the issuing authority and process for each country under its overseas locations listing.

  • You must give us police certificates for you and your family members aged over 16 years old.

    View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Police certificateshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • Also provide: military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documents
  • Complete and provide the following forms: Form 80 Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/80.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • Complete and provide the following forms: Form 1221 Additional personal particulars information.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Character documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1221.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • Applicants for most temporary, provisional and permanent visas must: read the Life in Australia booklet, then sign or accept the Australian Values Statement.

    View Home Affairs source› Read the Life in Australia booklethttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/australian-values
  • After you apply we may ask you to: complete a Form 1563 – Statement of Character.

    View Home Affairs source› Character requirements for visas › After you apply we may ask you tohttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1563.pdf

    The character requirements page lists this among documents the department may ask for after an application is made.

  • After you apply we may ask you to: provide a military certificate and/or a Form 1399 - Declaration of Service.

    View Home Affairs source› Character requirements for visas › After you apply we may ask you tohttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1399.pdf

    The character requirements page lists this among documents the department may ask for after an application is made.

  • After you apply we may ask you to: provide a letter of good conduct from an employer.

    View Home Affairs source› Character requirements for visas › After you apply we may ask you tohttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
  • Provide proof you have at least competent English at time of invitation for this visa.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Competent English documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Passport of a listed English-speaking country (as proof of competent English)

      To prove you have competent English, show us evidence of one of the following: that you are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries: Canada, New Zealand, The Republic of Ireland, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The United States of America.

      View Home Affairs source› Competent Englishhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english
    2. 2.
      English language test result at competent English level

      To prove you have competent English, show us evidence of one of the following: you achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.

      View Home Affairs source› Competent English › Table 1 and Table 2https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english
  • You need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) before you can be invited to apply for: Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.

    View Home Affairs source› Expression of Interest › Creating and submitting your EOIhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/expression-of-interest
  • The applicant must: provide documents to support all claims made in their EOI.

    View Home Affairs source› Points table for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) › Overviewhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      English language test result at proficient English level

      To prove you have proficient English, show us evidence that you have achieved one of the test scores listed in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.

      View Home Affairs source› Proficient Englishhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/proficient-english
    2. 2.
      English language test result at superior English level

      To prove you have superior English, show us evidence that you have achieved one of the test scores listed in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.

      View Home Affairs source› Superior Englishhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/superior-english
    3. 3.
      Evidence of the skilled employment period claimed for points

      To claim points for skilled employment experience, you must provide evidence of the employment period you are claiming.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Employment Documents

      Such as: Employment reference on organisation letterhead, Employment contract, Payslips, Tax statements, Group certificates or payment summaries, Superannuation information, Bank statements covering the employment period.

    4. 4.
      VETASSESS advice on the comparative level of an overseas qualification

      Advice from VETASSESS should be provided with your application to support your claim for these points.

      View Home Affairs source› Points table › Educational qualifications › Recognition of your qualificationshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
    5. 5.
      Academic transcript showing credits from prior learning

      Note: Your academic transcript should show how credits from prior learning contribute to your qualification for these credits to be counted towards meeting the Australian study requirement.

      View Home Affairs source› Meeting the Australian study requirement › The 2 academic years study requirement › Credits and exemptionshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/australian-study-requirement
    6. 6.
      Record of Completion for a Professional Year in Australia

      The time you “completed” a Professional Year is the date listed on your official Record of Completion which is issued by the authorised body or Professional Year program delivery partner.

      View Home Affairs source› Points table › Professional Year in Australiahttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
    7. 7.
      NAATI credential in a community language

      To be credentialled in a community language and eligible for the award of points you must have been accredited at the paraprofessional level or above, certified at the certified provisional level or above, or have a community language credential for interpreting or translating by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

      View Home Affairs source› Points table › Credentialled community languagehttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
    8. 8.
      Evidence supporting a partner skills points claim

      For you to be eligible for the award of these points your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass and must not be an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen.

      View Home Affairs source› Points table › Partner skillshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table

      Such as: Evidence of your partner's age at invitation, Evidence your partner had competent English at invitation, Evidence of your partner's nominated skilled occupation, Your partner's suitable skills assessment.

  • When you submit your visa application you will need to provide evidence that you have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

    View Home Affairs source› Skills assessment › Visas › General Skilled Migration (GSM) visashttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment

    The same page states that a provisional skills assessment issued for a subclass 485 visa application is not a suitable skills assessment for a points tested visa application.

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      AHPRA full, unconditional or general medical registration certificate

      We accept one of the following certificates issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as evidence of full registration: full/unconditional/general medical registration.

      View Home Affairs source› Skills assessment › Visas › General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas › Doctorshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment
    2. 2.
      AHPRA conditional specialist registration certificate

      We accept one of the following certificates issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as evidence of full registration: conditional specialist registration — this registration allows you to practise only in your particular speciality, with no further training or supervision requirements.

      View Home Affairs source› Skills assessment › Visas › General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas › Doctorshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment
    3. 3.
      Australian legal admission certificate or practising certificate

      For solicitors, evidence of admission to practice as a lawyer in the relevant State/Territory is a suitable skills assessment. This could be your Australian legal Admission Certificate or Practising Certificate from the relevant legal admission authority for your State/Territory.

      View Home Affairs source› Skills assessment › Visas › General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas › Solicitorshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment
  • We need to see evidence of your partner's identity and relationship with you.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Partner identity documents and photos

      Provide: identity documents and photos.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    2. 2.
      Partner character documents

      Provide: character documents.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    3. 3.
      Partner marriage certificate

      Provide: marriage certificate, if applicable.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    4. 4.
      Documents about the partner's other relationships

      Provide: documents about other relationships, if applicable.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    5. 5.
      Evidence the relationship is registered by an Australian state or territory

      For de facto relationship provide either: evidence that your relationship is registered by an Australian State or Territory.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    6. 6.
      Documents proving a de facto relationship of at least 12 months

      For de facto relationship provide either: enough documents to prove you have been in a de facto relationship with your partner for at least 12 months before you apply.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents
    7. 7.
      Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship

      For both married and de facto applicants you must provide evidence that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents

      Such as: Joint bank account statements, Billing accounts in joint names, Joint lease or mortgage documents, Documents showing the partner has lived at the same address.

  • Otherwise, provide proof your partner has functional English.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Partner documents › Proof your partner has functional English

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      English language test result at functional English level

      To prove you have functional English, show us evidence of one of the following: you achieved one of the test scores in Table 2 or Table 3 in the 12 months before your visa application.

      View Home Affairs source› Functional English › Table 2 and Table 3https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/functional-english
    2. 2.
      Degree, diploma or trade certificate taught in English

      To prove you have functional English, show us evidence of one of the following: you completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate in an institution in or outside Australia that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training, and all instructions were in English.

      View Home Affairs source› Functional Englishhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/functional-english
  • For every dependant 18 years old or younger who is applying with you, provide: copies of birth certificates or the family book showing the names of both parents of all your dependent children.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents
  • For every dependant 18 years old or younger who is applying with you, provide: copies of the adoption paper, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents
  • The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years

      They must complete either: Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1229.pdf

      The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

    2. 2.
      Statutory declaration of consent for a child to migrate

      They must complete either: statutory declaration giving their consent for the child to migrate to Australia on this visa.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    3. 3.
      Australian court order allowing the child to migrate

      Alternatively, you can show us: an Australian court order that allows your child to migrate to Australia.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    4. 4.
      Evidence the laws of your home country allow the child to migrate

      Alternatively, you can show us: that the laws of your home country allow them to migrate.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
    5. 5.
      Identity document of the person giving consent

      Include: an identity document that shows the signature and photo of the person who completed the form or declaration, such as a passport or driver’s licence.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants under 18 documents › Parental responsibility documents
  • Provide: identity documents.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents
  • Provide: documents about their other relationships, if applicable.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents
  • You must also provide proof the child is dependent on you.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Birth certificate or adoption papers for a dependent child over 18

      You must also provide proof the child is dependent on you: proof of your relationship with the dependant such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents
    2. 2.
      Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over

      You must also provide proof the child is dependent on you: a completed Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/47a.pdf

      The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

    3. 3.
      Proof of financial dependency

      You must also provide proof the child is dependent on you: proof of financial dependency such as bank statements, money transfers and rent receipts.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents
    4. 4.
      Medical practitioner's report on a dependent child aged 23 or turning 23

      You must also provide proof the child is dependent on you: if the child is aged 23 or is likely to turn 23 while your application is being processed, you must also provide a report from a qualified medical practitioner that states they are dependent on you or your partner due to the total or partial loss of their bodily or mental functions.

      View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents
  • Otherwise, provide proof your dependant has functional English.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Dependants over 18 documents › Proof your dependant has functional English

    The visa page also states you don't have to prove that a dependant under 18 years of age has functional English.

  • Most visa applicants must meet the health requirement.

    View Home Affairs source› Meeting our health requirementhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      HAP ID (Health Assessment Program identifier)

      We may ask you to have health examinations. If we do, we will give you: an identifier we call a HAP ID.

      View Home Affairs source› Arrange your health examinationshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/arrange-your-health-examinations
    2. 2.
      My Health Declarations form (health examinations completed before applying)

      The My Health Declarations (MHD) service enables you to complete your health examinations prior to submitting your visa application.

      View Home Affairs source› When to have health examinations › Before you apply for a visa (My Health Declarations)https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/when-to-have-health-examinations
  • The MOC might also recommend we ask you to sign a health undertaking.

    View Home Affairs source› Meeting our health requirement › Why you must meet the health requirementhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health
  • Give us evidence of a current polio vaccination certificate if you are travelling from, or have spent time in, a country considered at risk.

    View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Polio vaccinationhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa
  • Under the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994, you may be required to provide personal identifiers as part of the visa application process.

    View Home Affairs source› Biometricshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

    The Department of Home Affairs lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Appointment letter and original travel document for a biometrics appointment

      Bring the appointment letter and your original passport or other valid travel document to your appointment.

      View Home Affairs source› Biometrics › How to provide your biometrics › If you are within Australiahttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics
  • To nominate someone to: receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Tell us you are getting helphttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/956a.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • To nominate someone to: provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Tell us you are getting helphttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/956.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers and attach it in ImmiAccount.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › After you apply › Mistakes on your applicationhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1023.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • Complete Form 1436 - Adding an additional applicant after lodgement, pay using ImmiAccount, attach the form and supporting documents to your ImmiAccount.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › After you apply › Add familyhttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1436.pdf

    The department states this form requirement on the visa page under Step by step > Gather your documents.

  • Provide original and translated documents in your application.

    View Home Affairs source› Step by step › Gather your documents › Prepare your documents › Translate
  • If you can’t provide requested documents, explain why in your application.

    View Home Affairs source› Tips for a decision-ready application › Missing documentshttps://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/skilled-visa

Other official guidance for this visa

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