What documents do I need to move to Australia as a Philippines citizen?

Typical pathway: Skilled Nominated

Last verified: September 22, 2026

Philippine passport (biodata page scan, valid beyond intended travel) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Current Philippine passport issued by DFA; the biodata page must be uploaded with the subclass 190 application as the primary identity/travel document for the main applicant and every included family member. The visa is electronically linked to this passport number, so avoid renewing between lodgement and travel without notifying Home Affairs.
PSA-issued birth certificate (Security Paper / SECPA copy) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate on security paper for the applicant and each accompanying dependent, used as evidence of age, identity and family relationship. Locally-issued LCR copies are only accepted as a supplement where PSA entries are unclear or the record was late-registered.
Passport-style photograph of the applicant (visa photo) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Recent colour photograph with a plain background for the applicant and each included family member, uploaded to ImmiAccount as the identity photo. This is a distinct item from the passport biodata page scan and from any biometrics collection appointment.
Positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
A valid, favourable skills assessment for your nominated occupation issued by the designated authority (e.g. ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, VETASSESS, TRA). Philippine degrees and transcripts must be submitted directly to that authority, which may require verification from CHED or the issuing university.
English language test result (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Test report proving at least Competent English, taken at a Home Affairs–approved provider; higher bands earn extra points. Philippine-medium-of-instruction claims do not substitute — Filipino passport holders are not in the exempt passport list.
State or territory nomination approval and SkillSelect invitation letter (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect
Evidence of nomination by an Australian state/territory (following your Registration of Interest and EOI) plus the resulting invitation, which must be lodged against within 60 days. Some states additionally ask for proof of settlement funds or commitment to the state at the nomination stage — check that state's own portal.
NBI Clearance with 'Travel Abroad / Immigration' purpose (before) — Source: https://www.sydneypcg.org/nbiclearance
Philippine police certificate from the National Bureau of Investigation covering your time in the Philippines; it must be current at lodgement. If applying from Australia, the Philippine Consulate General (e.g. Sydney or Melbourne) only witnesses NBI Fingerprint Form No. 5 — the clearance itself is issued by the NBI office in Ermita, Manila.
Overseas police certificates for other countries of residence (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia/character-police-certificates
Police/character certificates from every country (other than the Philippines) where you lived 12 months or more cumulatively in the last 10 years since turning 16 — common for Filipino applicants with Gulf, Singapore or Japan work history. Required for each applicant aged 16 and over.
Immigration health examination results via a Manila/Cebu panel physician (eMedical) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health
Medical and chest X-ray examinations performed only by a Home Affairs-approved panel clinic in the Philippines using your HAP ID, for the applicant and all included family members, including non-migrating members of the family unit in most cases.
Employment evidence pack for points claims (reference letters, payslips, BIR Form 2316, SSS contribution record) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
Employer reference letters on letterhead stating position, dates, duties and remuneration, supported by payslips and Philippine tax/social security records to corroborate claimed skilled work experience. Home Affairs verifies claims, so documents should be consistent and independently checkable.
PSA marriage certificate or CENOMAR, and partner/dependant relationship evidence (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
PSA marriage certificate for a married partner, or PSA CENOMAR plus joint financial/cohabitation evidence for a de facto partner; PSA birth certificates for children and additional financial dependency proof for dependants aged 18–22. Also include PSA annotated records or court orders if names differ across documents.
Form 80 Personal Particulars (and Form 1221 if requested) (before) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/80.pdf
Detailed character/background declaration covering addresses, travel and employment history for the past 10 years. Not always requested up front, but commonly asked for by the case officer for applicants from the Philippines — verify against the document list generated in your ImmiAccount.
CFO emigrant registration sticker and PDOS certificate (before) — Source: https://cfo.gov.ph/
Mandatory Philippine exit requirement for permanent emigrants: register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and complete the country-specific Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (ages 20–59). The CFO sticker is affixed in your passport and Bureau of Immigration officers check it at NAIA before allowing departure, so complete it before buying tickets.
Visa grant notice for subclass 190 (PDF with visa grant number and first-entry date) (during) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions
The grant letter confirming permanent residence, your visa grant number and the 'must make first entry by' date. Carry a printed and digital copy — it is presented to Philippine Immigration at departure and used for every Australian service registration after arrival.
Incoming Passenger Card / Australian Travel Declaration on arrival (during) — Source: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/crossing-the-border/arriving-in-australia
Completed arrival declaration for Australian Border Force and biosecurity, declaring food, plant and animal items (relevant for Filipino travellers carrying dried fish, meat products or native wood items) and currency of AUD 10,000 or more.
Unaccompanied Personal Effects statement (Form B534) for balikbayan shipments (during) — Source: https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import/types-of-imports/unaccompanied-personal-effects
Customs declaration for household goods and personal effects shipped separately from the Philippines, lodged with Australian Border Force before or when the shipment arrives, together with the packing list and bill of lading.
Medicare enrolment application with passport and proof of permanent residence (during) — Source: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/documents-to-enrol-medicare-if-youre-permanent-resident
Enrol in person, by post or through myGov once you are physically in Australia. Services Australia requires a current passport for each person enrolling plus proof of permanent residence from the Department of Home Affairs; documents do not need to be certified.
Tax File Number (TFN) registration via ATO Individual Auto Registration (after) — Source: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/foreign-passport-holders-permanent-migrants-and-temporary-visitors-tfn-application
Apply online free of charge once you are in Australia with your visa in effect; you enter your passport details, visa subclass and grant number and an Australian postal address, and no documents are uploaded. The ATO posts the TFN notice within about 28 days.
State/territory driver licence conversion file (Philippine LTO licence plus official English translation or NAATI certification) (after) — Source: State/territory road authority (e.g. Service NSW, VicRoads, Queensland TMR)
Permanent residents must convert to a local licence within the deadline set by their state or territory road authority (commonly 3–6 months). Requirements and whether a Philippine licence is recognised without testing differ by jurisdiction — verify with the specific state road authority (e.g. Service NSW, VicRoads, TMR Queensland).
Resident Return Visa (subclass 155/157) application when the 5-year travel facility expires (after) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/resident-return-visa-155-157
The subclass 190 grants permanent residence indefinitely, but its authority to re-enter Australia lasts five years. To travel internationally after that, apply for an RRV with evidence of residence in Australia or substantial ties benefiting Australia.
Australian citizenship by conferral application with residence evidence (Form 1300t) (after) — Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident
After meeting the general residence requirement (usually 4 years lawful residence including 12 months as a permanent resident), lodge with your Philippine passport, visa grant, PSA birth certificate and Australian residential/identity evidence. Philippine law generally allows re-acquisition of Filipino citizenship under RA 9225 afterwards — confirm with the Philippine Embassy in Canberra.

Not legal advice. Based on cached research — verify with official sources before making decisions.

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