Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for Irish emigrants, with tens of thousands of Irish citizens holding Australian visas. Whether you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Partner Visa, or Permanent Residency, various documents will need to be certified or notarised. This guide explains the document preparation process from Cork.
Which Australian Visa Documents Need Notarisation?
The Department of Home Affairs and various skills assessment bodies may require certified or notarised copies of:
- Passport — biographical pages
- Birth certificate
- Academic qualifications — degrees, diplomas, transcripts
- Professional registrations — medical, engineering, nursing, teaching
- Employment references — for skills assessment
- Police clearance certificates
- Relationship evidence — for Partner Visa applications
- Statutory declarations — supporting statements for various visa types
Step 1: Check Your Specific Visa Requirements
Different visa types have different documentation requirements. For example:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage): Skills assessment, qualifications, employment history
- Subclass 189/190 (Skilled Independent/Nominated): Comprehensive skills assessment through the relevant body (Engineers Australia, AHPRA, VETASSESS, etc.)
- Subclass 309/820 (Partner Visa): Relationship evidence, statutory declarations from friends and family
- Subclass 417 (Working Holiday): Minimal documentation, but certified passport copy may be needed
Step 2: Gather Your Original Documents
Give yourself plenty of time. Ordering a replacement birth certificate from the General Register Office or academic transcript from your university can take several weeks.
Step 3: Book Your Notarisation Appointment
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork, appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. He holds a BCL from UCC and a Diploma in Notarial Law, and is dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales. He regularly handles Australian visa documentation.
Step 4: Attend and Get Documents Notarised
For visa applications, Hugh Phelan will typically:
- Compare original documents with copies and certify them as true copies
- Witness statutory declarations
- Apply the notarial seal to each certified document
Bring enough copies — some assessment bodies want originals sent directly while also requiring certified copies for the visa application.
Step 5: Apostille (If Required)
Australia is a Hague Convention member and accepts apostilles. However, not all Australian visa applications require apostilled documents — many accept notarised copies without apostille. Check with the Department of Home Affairs or your migration agent. If an apostille is needed, submit to the DFA (€40 per document, 2–5 working days by post).
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Most Australian visa applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. You will upload colour scans of your notarised documents. Some skills assessment bodies require original documents sent by post.
Timeline
- Day 1–2: Notarisation appointment in Cork
- Day 2–7: Apostille (if required)
- Day 7–10: Upload or post documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Australian visas require notarised documents?
Not all. Some visa types accept certified copies from authorised certifiers. However, skills assessments for Skilled Worker visas typically require notarised copies. Always check your specific visa requirements.
Does Australia accept Irish notarised documents?
Yes. Australia recognises the notarial seal of Irish Notaries Public. Hugh Phelan’s notarisation is accepted by Australian authorities.
Do I need an apostille for Australian visa documents?
It depends on the specific requirement. Many visa applications accept notarised copies without apostille. Skills assessment bodies may require apostille. Check with the relevant authority.
How much does notarisation cost for an Australian visa?
Costs depend on the number of documents. Notarisation typically starts from €80. Contact Hugh Phelan’s office for a quote based on your specific documents.
Need Notarial Services in Cork?
Contact Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public, at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork for prompt professional service.