This checklist brings together every document you need for a Subclass 485 application, including identity proof, CRICOS course completion evidence, English test results, AFP checks, OVHC, and stream‑specific requirements. Use this list to make sure you meet all document requirements before lodging your application.


Why this checklist matters

The 485 visa has strict timing rules; missing even one document (like AFP or English results) can risk refusal or delay. Practitioner insights also warn that certain evidence, especially English tests and OVHC, is mandatory before or at lodgement, not after.


General 485 visa checklist for all streams

Before you apply for the Temporary Graduate visa, there are core documents that most applicants need across all streams.

Important: The exact documents can still change depending on your stream. 

That is why it is important to check your stream carefully before lodging.

Documents most applicants need

  • Valid passport

  • National ID card, if available

  • Proof of name change, if your name is different across documents

  • Completion letter and academic transcript

  • English test result, if required

  • Health insurance proof

  • Australian Federal Police check

  • Health examination details, if requested

  • Visa status documents showing your current or recent visa

  • Relationship documents, if you include a partner or children.

Before you lodge

Make sure your key documents are ready before you apply. Some documents have strict timing rules.

For example:

  • Your English test must usually be taken within 12 months before you apply

  • Your AFP check must be requested before lodgement

  • Your health insurance must already be active

A missing document can delay your application or lead to refusal. The safest approach is to check your full stream-specific list before submitting anything in ImmiAccount.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream document checklist

If you are applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa, you need to prepare both general visa documents and stream-specific evidence.

The key is to make sure everything is ready before you lodge, especially documents with strict timing rules.

Identity documents

You need:

  • Your current passport bio page (photo, personal details, issue date, and expiry date)

  • National ID card, if you have one

  • Proof of any name change

If your name has changed, you can use:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce certificate

  • Official name change documents

  • Other records showing names you have used

Study documents

You need documents that prove you completed an eligible Australian qualification.

  • Completion letter

  • Official transcript

  • Qualification certificate

Your qualification must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement and match your nominated occupation.

English language documents

You must provide English evidence unless you hold a passport from:

  • The UK

  • The USA

  • Canada

  • New Zealand

  • The Republic of Ireland

If required, your English test must be taken within 12 months before you apply.

For IELTS, this currently means:

  • Overall score of 6.5

  • At least 5.5 in each band

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, but it must be completed before you lodge.

Skills assessment documents

You must provide evidence that your skills are suitable for your nominated occupation.

You need:

  • A valid skills assessment, or

  • Proof that you have already applied for one

If your assessment is still in progress, you must upload the completed result later in ImmiAccount when it becomes available.

Make sure your qualification also matches what the assessing authority requires, as some occupations may require a higher study level.

Health insurance documents

You must show that you have adequate health insurance in Australia. You can provide:

  • Health insurance certificate

  • Signed letter from your insurer

  • Medicare card or Medicare enrolment proof, if eligible

Character documents

You must apply for an Australian Federal Police check before you lodge your visa.

Important timing:

  • Not on the same day as your visa application

  • No earlier than 12 months before applying

  • At least one day before lodging

You must provide:

  • AFP receipt or certificate

  • Form 80

  • Form 1221

In some cases, you may also need:

  • Overseas police certificates

  • Military records

If someone is helping with your application

If you want someone to receive your visa updates or help with your application, you need to upload:

  • Form 956A for an authorised recipient

  • Form 956 for a migration agent or legal representative

Partner documents

If your partner is included, you must provide:

  • Identity documents

  • Relationship evidence

  • Additional proof that you are in a de facto relationship

Dependent children under 18

For each child under 18, provide:

  • Birth certificate

  • Family book or adoption papers, if relevant

You also need consent from any parent or legal guardian not travelling with the child.

This usually means:

  • Form 1229, or

  • A statutory declaration

Dependent children over 18

If your child is over 18, you must show that they are still dependent on you.

You need:

  • Identity documents

  • Birth certificate or adoption papers

  • Form 47A

  • Financial dependency evidence

If they are 23 or older, you must also provide medical evidence if dependency is due to disability.

Post-Higher Education Work stream document checklist

If you are applying under the Post-Higher Education Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa, you need to prepare your core visa documents before you lodge.

Most refusals happen when key documents are missing or uploaded too late.

Identity documents

You need:

  • Your current passport bio page (photo, personal details, issue date, and expiry date)

  • National ID card, if you have one

  • Proof of any name change

If your name has changed, you can use:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce certificate

  • Official name change documents

  • Other records showing names you have used

Study documents

You need documents that show you completed an eligible Australian degree.

This usually includes:

  • Completion letter

  • Official transcript

  • Qualification certificate

Your qualification must meet the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement.

English language documents

You must provide English evidence unless you hold a passport from:

  • The UK

  • The USA

  • Canada

  • New Zealand

  • The Republic of Ireland

If required, your English test must be taken within 12 months before you apply.

For IELTS, this currently means:

  • Overall score of 6.5

  • At least 5.5 in each band

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted if completed before you lodge.

Health insurance documents

You must show that you have adequate health insurance in Australia.

You can provide:

  • Health insurance certificate

  • Signed letter from your insurer

  • Medicare card or Medicare enrolment proof, if eligible

Character documents

You must apply for an Australian Federal Police check before you lodge your visa.

Important timing:

  • Not on the same day as your visa application

  • No earlier than 12 months before applying

  • At least one day before lodging

You must provide:

  • AFP receipt or certificate

  • Form 80

  • Form 1221

In some cases, you may also need:

  • Overseas police certificates

  • Military records

Partner documents

If your partner is included, you must provide:

  • Identity documents

  • Character documents

  • Marriage certificate, if married

  • Relationship evidence, if de facto

For de facto relationships, you also need proof that:

  • You have lived together for at least 12 months, or

  • Your relationship is officially registered in Australia

Dependent children under 18

For each child under 18, provide:

  • Birth certificate

  • Family book or adoption papers, if relevant

You also need consent from any parent or legal guardian not travelling with the child.

This usually means:

  • Form 1229, or

  • A statutory declaration

Dependent children over 18

If your child is over 18, you must show they are still dependent on you.

You need:

  • Identity documents

  • Birth certificate or adoption papers

  • Form 47A

  • Financial dependency evidence

If they are 23 or older, you must also provide medical evidence if dependency is due to disability.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream document checklist

If you are applying under the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa, you need to show that you still meet the regional requirements and hold the right supporting documents.

This stream focuses heavily on proof of where you lived, worked, and studied.

Identity documents

You need:

  • Your current passport bio page (photo, personal details, issue date, and expiry date)

  • National ID card, if you have one

  • Proof of any name change

If your name has changed, you can use:

  • Marriage certificate

  • Divorce certificate

  • Official name change documents

  • Other records showing names you have used

Regional residence documents

You must prove that you lived in a designated regional area for at least 2 years before you apply.

Your documents should show:

  • You lived in a regional area during the full 2-year period

  • You continued living there without changing your main residence

  • You still live there when you apply

You can use:

  • Driver’s licence

  • Utility bills

  • Lease agreement or mortgage documents

  • Bank statements

  • School records for your children, if relevant

Work and study documents

If you worked or studied while holding your first 485 visa, you need proof that it also happened in a designated regional area.

You can use:

  • Employment records

  • Payslips

  • Study enrolment records

  • Course documents

Health insurance documents

You must show that you have adequate health insurance in Australia.

You can provide:

  • Health insurance certificate

  • Signed letter from your insurer

  • Medicare card or Medicare enrolment proof, if eligible

Character documents

You must provide an Australian Federal Police check before the visa is granted.

You may also be asked for:

  • Form 80

  • Form 1221

  • Overseas police certificates

  • Military records, if relevant

Only AFP complete disclosure certificates are accepted.

Partner documents

If your partner is included, you must provide:

  • Identity documents

  • Character documents

  • Marriage certificate, if married

  • Relationship evidence, if de facto

For de facto relationships, you also need proof that:

  • You have been together for at least 12 months, or

  • Your relationship is officially registered in Australia

Dependent children under 18

For each child under 18, provide:

  • Birth certificate

  • Family book or adoption papers, if relevant

You also need consent from any parent or legal guardian not travelling with the child.

This usually means:

  • Form 1229, or

  • A statutory declaration

Dependent children over 18

If your child is over 18, you must show they are still dependent on you.

You need:

  • Identity documents

  • Birth certificate or adoption papers

  • Form 47A

  • Financial dependency evidence

If they are 23 or older, you must also provide medical evidence if dependency is due to disability.

FAQs about 485 visa documents