The Ultimate Document Checklist for 482 & 186 Visas (2025 Edition)

For skilled workers wanting to work in Australia for 2–4 years.

A. Personal Documents (The Basics)

• [ ] Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
• [ ] National ID Card: (e.g., Citizenship card for Nepal/India).
• [ ] Name Change Documents: If applicable (Marriage certificate/Divorce decree).
• [ ] Resume (CV): Must be detailed, covering all employment history with exact dates (DD/MM/YYYY).

B. Skill & Qualification Documents

• [ ] Educational Certificates: Degree/Diploma certificates and full academic transcripts.
• [ ] Skills Assessment: Critical! A positive assessment from TRA, VETASSESS, or relevant body (valid for 3 years).
  
  • Note: Mandatory for many trade occupations.
• [ ] English Language Test:
  
  • IELTS: Overall 5.0 (with no band less than 5.0) for Short-term; higher for Medium-term.
  • PTE: Overall 36 (with no score less than 36).
  • Check exemptions (e.g., holding a passport from UK/USA/Canada).

C. Employment Evidence (The "Refusal Trap")

Most refusals happen here. You must prove 2 years of full-time experience.

• [ ] Employment Reference Letters: Must be on company letterhead, signed, and include:
  
  • Exact period of employment.
  • Position title.
  • 5 main duties (must match ANZSCO code).
  • Salary details.
  • Full/Part-time status.
• [ ] Payslips: At least 2 payslips per year of employment claimed.
• [ ] Tax Documents: (e.g., Tax Return/Form 16/IRD records) to prove the income was legal.
• [ ] Bank Statements: Highlighting salary credits.

D. Employer Documents (Ask Your Boss)

• [ ] Employment Contract: Signed by both parties.
• [ ] Labour Market Testing (LMT): Proof the job was advertised for 4 weeks (unless exempt via international trade obligations).

The "Golden Ticket" to Permanent Residency.

Stream A: Direct Entry (DE)

For those who have never worked in Australia or don't meet the 2-year transition rule.

• [ ] All "Personal Documents" from above.
• [ ] Full Skills Assessment: Mandatory for Direct Entry. (Note: A 485 visa skills assessment is often not enough; you need a "Full" assessment).
• [ ] 3 Years of Experience: Proven via logs, tax returns, and reference letters.
• [ ] Competent English: IELTS 6.0 (or PTE 50) in each component.

Stream B: Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)

For those already on a 482/457 visa.

• [ ] 2 Years of Work Evidence: (Reduced from 3 years in late 2023). You must show you worked for your sponsor for 2 of the last 3 years on a 482 visa.
• [ ] Current Visa Grant Letter.
• [ ] Evidence of Salary: PAYG summaries and payslips showing you were paid the market rate.

• The "Job Description" Mismatch: Your reference letter says "Manager," but your duties look like "Assistant." The Department will reject this. Your duties must align with the ANZSCO definition.
• Police Checks Expiring: Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks are only valid for 12 months. Don't apply too early.
• Health Insurance Gaps: For the 482 visa, you need "Overseas Visitor Health Cover" (OVHC), not OSHC (Student cover).

This checklist is a guide, but every case is unique. One missing date on a reference letter can cost you $4,000+ in visa fees.

Don't guess. Get it checked.

At Right & Associates, our MARA agents review every single document before we press "Submit."

• We verify your work references.
• We draft your GTE/Genuineness statements.
• We liaise with your employer for the nomination.

Ready to Apply?

Book a Document Verification Consultation at your nearest office:

• Sydney: 02 9281 1464
• Canberra: 02 6179 6786
• Adelaide: 08 7081 4153
• Parramatta: 02 9638 1128