Graduate Visa Document Checklist — documents that may need certified translation
Graduate applications are checked against a narrow set of dates and a single qualifying study record. Most problems are timing problems, not evidence problems. Always check homeaffairs.gov.au for the latest requirements specific to your visa.
Important
This checklist is general guidance only. Not all documents listed will be required for every application. Requirements vary depending on your individual circumstances, the specific visa subclass, and the Department of Home Affairs' current requirements. Always verify the requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your application.
What decision-makers focus on in Graduate applications
Timing windows
Applications must be made within a set period after course completion, and while holding an eligible visa.
Qualifying course
The course must satisfy the Australian study requirement, including duration and CRICOS registration.
Family continuity
Adding a partner who was not previously declared attracts extra scrutiny.
Timing and sequence cautions
- The clock starts from the completion date on the institution's letter, not the graduation ceremony.
- You generally must hold or have recently held an eligible visa when applying.
- English results and police certificates must still be valid at lodgement.
Common mistakes in Graduate files
- Waiting for the graduation ceremony and missing the application window.
- Applying with a transcript instead of an official completion letter.
- Adding a partner without relationship evidence covering the student visa period.
- Foreign-issued police certificates or civil documents left untranslated.
Which Documents May Need NAATI-Certified Translation?
Graduate applicants usually hold Australian study records in English, so the translation load falls on home-country documents — birth certificates, police certificates, marriage records and any pre-Australian qualification used for a skills assessment.
- Birth certificate
- Change-of-name documents if your records differ
- Marriage or de facto relationship evidence
- Children's birth certificates
- Custody or consent documents for children
- Police clearances for countries lived in during the required period
- Court records for disclosed matters
Trans Lingo provides NAATI-certified translations from $59 per page, delivered within 24 hours.
Save or Print This Checklist
You can print this page or save it to your device to help you prepare your documents.
Related Guides
Graduate Visas overview
Full category guide and document list.
Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate
Post-study work visa for recent graduates.
Birth Certificate Translation
NAATI-certified, from $59.
Police Clearance Translation
Certified for Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
This checklist is general guidance for documents commonly used in Graduate applications. Not every document will apply to every applicant. Always check homeaffairs.gov.au for the latest requirements.
Section A — Australian study requirement
- Completion letter from your Australian institutionNot usually required
- Academic transcript for the qualifying courseMay need translation
- Testamur or award certificateMay need translation
- CoE history covering the qualifying study periodNot usually required
Section B — Eligibility evidence
- Current or most recent student visa grant noticeNot usually required
- English test results within validityNot usually required
- Skills assessment for the Graduate Work stream, where applicableMay need translation
- Evidence of regional study, if claiming an extended stayNot usually required
Section C — Identity and cover
- Passport bio-data pageMay need translation
- Birth certificateTranslation required
- Health insurance covering the visa periodNot usually required
- Change-of-name documents if your records differTranslation required
Section D — Family members
- Marriage or de facto relationship evidenceTranslation required
- Children's birth certificatesTranslation required
- Evidence a family member was declared on the original student visaNot usually required
- Custody or consent documents for childrenTranslation required
Section E — Character and health
- Police clearances for countries lived in during the required periodTranslation required
- Australian Federal Police check where requestedNot usually required
- Health examinations after referralNot usually required
- Court records for disclosed mattersTranslation required
This checklist is general guidance only and is not legal advice. Requirements vary by visa subclass and individual circumstances. Always verify the current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your application.