Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) marks the pivotal moment in your Australian skilled migration journey. With only 60 days to submit your complete visa application, this phase demands precision and swift action. The process involves coordinated document gathering, compliance verification, and strategic submission planning to avoid costly oversights.
Immediate Post-ITA Actions (Days 1-7)
Verification and Deadline Mapping
- Confirm your ITA through the official SkillSelect portal immediately upon receipt[3]
- Calculate your submission deadline using the ITA date as Day 0 (Day 60 is your absolute cutoff)[2]
- Create a master checklist prioritizing time-sensitive requirements like health exams and police clearances
Visa Subclass-Specific Protocols
- For Subclass 190: Initiate state nomination procedures through Victoria’s Live in Melbourne portal within the first week[1]
- For Subclass 189: Focus on direct documentation for the Department of Home Affairs application[2]
Core Documentation Phase (Days 8-35)
Mandatory Personal Documents
- Identity: Passport bio-data pages with minimum 6-month validity[1]
- Relationship: Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or statutory declarations for de facto relationships
- Dependents: Birth certificates for all accompanying family members
Skills and Qualifications Portfolio
- Original skills assessment from designated authority (e.g., Engineers Australia)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates with certified translations where applicable
- Employment contracts and detailed position descriptions matching ANZSCO codes[1]
Financial and Residency Evidence
- Subclass 190 Applicants: Provide six months of Victorian residency proof:
- Bank statements showing salary deposits and local transactions[1]
- Lease agreements, utility bills, or Victorian driver’s license[1]
- Recent payslips (minimum four weeks) and superannuation statements[1]
- Tax returns from the past two years
Compliance Requirements (Days 15-45)
Health Examinations
- Complete your HAP ID through the ImmiAccount portal
- Schedule medicals with panel physicians (book early to secure appointments)
- Upload eMedical reference post-examination
Character Certifications
- Obtain police certificates from all countries where you resided for >12 months since age 16
- Use the AFP Clearance portal for Australian checks
- Provide military discharge papers if applicable
Application Finalization (Days 40-60)
Formal Application Assembly
- Reconfirm all documents match your EOI claims exactly (discrepancies trigger rejections)[2]
- Certified translations for non-English documents
- Sequential organization using Home Affairs’ document checklist codes
State Nomination Finalization
- Subclass 190 applicants: Upload state-specific documents directly to the Victorian portal:
- Notarized employment contracts with salary details[1]
- Position descriptions verifying duties and hours[1]
- Monitor nomination approval before visa submission
Visa Lodgment Protocol
- Complete the online application via ImmiAccount
- Pay AUD4,640 primary applicant fee (2025 rate)
- Upload documents as PDFs with logical filenames
- Triple-check declarations before submission
Post-Submission Preparedness
Contingency Planning
- Retain scanned copies of all submissions
- Monitor ImmiAccount daily for correspondence
- Prepare for potential requests:
- Supplementary evidence (e.g., employer verification)
- Updated police/medical certificates if processing extends beyond six months
Post-Approval Migration Timeline
- Upon visa grant, you have 12 months to make your first entry to Australia[4]
- Initiate asset transfers and employment reconnaissance during this period
Meeting the 60-day deadline requires regimented execution but positions you for Australian permanent residency success. Focus on document authenticity and sequential task completion to navigate this decisive phase effectively.
