The document checklist
Applications rarely fail on eligibility. They stall on evidence. Gather these before you open ImmiAccount, so lodging is a single sitting rather than a week of chasing paperwork.
- Passport photo, personal detail and expiry pages, scanned in colour
- Birth certificate showing both parents' names, or an accepted alternative
- Evidence of your highest qualification, if your passport requires the 462 education test
- English test result or evidence of functional English, if required for your passport
- Recent bank statement or bank-issued balance confirmation in your own name, showing at least the funds you need
- Letter of support from your government, if your passport requires one
- Any name-change documents, if applicable
On funds evidence. A single recent statement in your own name is the usual standard. Three months of statements are not required, but if a large deposit shows up in the days before your statement date, include a line of explanation or extra history so the case officer is not left guessing.
Translating non-English documents
Every non-English document needs an English translation attached alongside the original. Translators inside Australia must be NAATI-accredited. Translators outside Australia do not need formal accreditation, but must include their full name, contact details and relevant qualifications on the translation itself. You do not need any document certified for an online application.
Non-English passports and certificates still need an attached English translation, original and translation both scanned.
Lodging in ImmiAccount
- Create or log in to ImmiAccount. Use the same email you will check throughout the process.
- Complete the online form. Declare your current location accurately, since this determines whether a bridging visa can attach to the application later.
- Attach every document once. Do not attach a single document twice, even if it answers more than one question.
- Pay the application charge. A$840 for a first visa. Processing does not start until payment clears.
- Note your transaction reference number. Keep it somewhere separate from ImmiAccount itself.
Health, police and biometrics
You may be asked for a health examination, a biometric appointment, or an Australian and overseas police certificate, depending on your circumstances and time already spent in Australia. You can complete health checks before you apply, or wait until Home Affairs requests them. Do not book travel until the visa is granted in writing.
What to actually pack
Beyond clothing for the season you land in, keep physical and digital copies of every document you lodged with, your grant letter once issued, and enough card access to cover the first two to three weeks before any income lands.
Book before you land, not after
- First night or two of accommodation, hostel or share house
- Travel insurance, since Medicare does not cover working holiday makers
- A SIM card plan, or confirm your current provider works in Australia on arrival
- If using a soft landing package, confirm the pickup time and flight details with the provider in advance