Australia's immigration system is document-heavy, and the Department of Home Affairs has specific requirements about how documents should be certified and authenticated. This guide covers the notarisation requirements for the most common Australian visa categories applied for from Ireland.
Overview of Australian Visa Document Requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires "certified copies" of original documents for most visa applications. In Australia, documents can be certified by Justice of the Peace, but for documents originating in Ireland, certification by an Irish Notary Public is the appropriate route.
Australia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so apostilled notarised documents from Ireland are accepted. For most visa applications, notarised copies alone may suffice, but apostille adds certainty.
Skilled Worker Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
Australia's skilled visa program is popular with Irish professionals. Document requirements include:
- Skills Assessment: Before applying for a visa, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority (Engineers Australia, Australian Computer Society, VETASSESS, etc.). This requires notarised copies of degrees, transcripts, and employment references.
- English Language Test Results: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores — certified copies may be required.
- Employment References: Detailed references on company letterhead, notarised as true copies or with notarised statutory declarations confirming employment.
- Police Clearance: Garda vetting certificate from Ireland, plus police clearances from any other country where you've lived for 12+ months.
- Identity Documents: Notarised copies of passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.
Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)
Partner visa applications require extensive documentation to prove the genuineness of the relationship:
- Statutory Declarations: Sworn statements from the applicant and their partner describing the relationship history. These must be made before a Notary Public.
- Supporting Statutory Declarations: Statements from friends and family members supporting the relationship.
- Notarised Copies: Marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth certificates, and identity documents.
- Joint Financial Documents: Evidence of shared finances may need certification.
See our statutory declarations page for more information.
Student Visas (Subclass 500)
- Notarised copies of academic transcripts and qualifications
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the Australian institution
- Financial evidence (bank statements, scholarship letters)
- English language test results
- Police clearance (if over 16)
Australian Certification Standards
The Department of Home Affairs specifies that certified copies must include:
- A statement that the copy is a true and correct copy of the original
- The date of certification
- The name and qualification of the certifying person
- The certifying person's signature
An Irish Notary Public's certification meets and exceeds these requirements.
How to Get Started
Contact Hugh Phelan's office:
- Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
- Share the document checklist for your visa subclass
- Bring all original documents
See our certified copies and document notarisation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Irish Notary Public certify documents for Australian immigration?
Yes. An Irish Notary Public's certification meets the Department of Home Affairs requirements for certified copies. The Notary's seal and qualification provide a level of authentication recognised by Australian authorities.
Do I need a skills assessment before applying for a skilled visa?
Yes. Before lodging a skilled visa application, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation. This requires notarised copies of your qualifications and employment evidence.
Do I need an apostille for Australian visa documents?
While the Department of Home Affairs may accept notarised copies without apostille for some visa applications, including an apostille provides additional certainty and is recommended, particularly for complex or high-value applications.
Need Documents Notarised?
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