Documents to prepare before you leave

Searching your inbox for a visa letter while someone waits at a counter is a hassle you can avoid. Before you leave, put your passport copy, visa grant, insurance and CV somewhere you can open without internet access.

You do not need to print everything. You do need accurate details, a backup and a way to find the right document when it is requested. Here is what to prepare.

In short

Before leaving, prepare:

• valid passport;
• visa grant letter;
• access to ImmiAccount and VEVO;
• valid identity document or driving licence;
• NAATI translation of the driving licence, if requested;
• CV in Australian format;
• evidence of available funds;
• travel or health insurance;
• useful documents for Medicare or for the health coverage applicable to your country;
• digital copies and offline copies.

Passport and visa

The passport is the main document linked to the visa. Check that the details in the grant letter match the passport you will use to travel. If you renew or change your passport before you travel, you must update your details with Home Affairs before using it to enter Australia.

Keep an offline copy of your visa grant letter and a backup. Options include:

• phone;
• cloud;
• personal email;
• a printed copy in your backpack.

You don't need to show it every day, but it can be useful with airlines, agencies, hostels, employers or services that ask for proof of a visa.

VEVO and proof of work rights

VEVO is the official system for checking visa details and conditions. It also allows you to send proof of your visa conditions to a third party, for example an employer.

Before leaving, make sure you know how to access:

• ImmiAccount;
• email used for the visa application;
• passport details;
• any transaction reference number.

Don't send passport photos or sensitive information to unknown people in online groups. A legitimate employer can verify your work rights through the proper process and with your consent.

Documents for working

To apply quickly you should already have:

• One page Australian CV;
• short application message in English;
• references or contacts from previous jobs;
• useful certificates, if you already have them;
• copy of the driving licence, if the job requires driving;
• real availability: city, start date, means of transport.

In Australia, a resume for hospitality, farm work or casual roles should be straightforward. You don't need a very long document: a clear profile, practical experience, availability and Australian contact details are more useful.

TFN, bank account and superannuation

The TFN, Tax File Number, is required after arriving in Australia if you have a visa with work rights. The ATO indicates that you can apply online if you are in Australia, have a valid visa with right to work and the visa is linked to your passport. The application is free.

You can't complete everything properly before arrival, but you can prepare:

• passport;
• Australian address where to receive communications;
• reachable phone number or email;
• visa data.

For a bank account, many banks allow you to start the process online, but activation may require identity verification. Choose a bank that has a reliable app, branches in the area where you arrive and clear costs.

Superannuation is Australia's superannuation fund. If you work as an employee and are entitled to it, the employer pays super contributions on top of your pay. When you start a job you will be asked if you already have a super fund or if you want to use the default one.

Healthcare and insurance

Access to Medicare may depend on your citizenship and health arrangements between Australia and your country. Always check the Services Australia page for your situation.

If you are an Italian citizen, you may be eligible through the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Italy and Australia. Services Australia indicates that eligible Italian citizens may have limited coverage for medically necessary treatment, under certain conditions.

To register you may need:

• passport linked to visa;
• current visa;
• European Health Insurance Card with IT initials valid on the date of arrival, or valid Italian health card, or substitute declaration according to official indications.

Medicare is not always a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Before leaving, consider private coverage for emergencies, travel, baggage, civil liability, sports, physical work and periods not covered.

Licence and driving

Get ready with:

• valid driving licence;
• check the rules established by the State or Territory in which you will drive;
• official NAATI translation, if requested;
• digital copy of the driving licence;
• real experience of driving on the left before accepting jobs that require long commutes.

How to organise your documents folder

Create a digital folder with simple names:

• Passport.pdf
• Visa grant letter.pdf
• CV Australia.pdf
• Driving licence.pdf
• Insurance policy.pdf
• Medicare documents.pdf
• Certificates.pdf
• Emergency contacts.pdf

Also keep a small physical folder with your passport, visa grant, insurance, driver's licence, a backup payment card and an emergency contact.

One last check before your flight

Try opening your documents with your phone in flight mode. If they are only in a chat or cloud folder, download copies. Check your passport expiry date and have your CV ready to update with an Australian number.

Keep the full folder private. Send a prospective employer only the documents needed, after checking the business, address and terms of the job.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs - VEVO: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online
• Australian Taxation Office - TFN for foreign passport holders: 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
• Services Australia - Visiting from Italy: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/visitors-australia/medical-care-visitors-australia/visiting-from-italy
• Services Australia - Enrolling in Medicare: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare