When you apply for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa, the Department of Home Affairs may issue a Section 56 (s56) Request for Further Information during the assessment process. This request usually means that the case officer requires additional or clearer evidence to verify your employment claims, work experience, or related documentation that supports your skills assessment or points claimed.
Below is an overview of the types of employment evidence that can be requested as part of an s56 notice for these skilled visa subclasses.
1. Employment Reference Letters
One of the most critical documents, a detailed employment reference letter should:
- Be written on official company letterhead displaying the company's name, address, contact details, and ABN (if applicable).
- Include the exact period of employment (start and end dates, or "to present" if ongoing).
- State the position title(s) held and whether the employment was full-time or part-time.
- Describe in detail the main duties and responsibilities performed, which should closely align with the ANZSCO code of the nominated occupation.
- Include the employer's name, position, and signature of an authorised person (e.g., HR manager, director, or supervisor).
- Optionally, include company stamp or seal for authenticity.
If you worked for multiple employers, a reference letter should be provided for each period of claimed employment.
2. Payslips and Tax Documents
To verify that the employment was genuine and remunerated, the Department may request:
- Recent and historical payslips (monthly or fortnightly).
- Income tax returns or Notice of Assessment from the tax office.
- Group certificates / Payment summaries (for Australian employment).
- Superannuation contribution records (for Australian employees).
- Bank statements showing regular salary deposits from the employer.
These help the Department confirm that the claimed employment was paid, ongoing, and consistent with the claimed duration.
3. Employment Contracts or Offer Letters
A signed employment contract or offer of employment helps demonstrate the terms and legitimacy of your position. It typically includes:
- Start date and job title.
- Employer's name and contact details.
- Salary or wage details.
- Hours of work (full-time/part-time).
- Employment terms and conditions.
In some cases, a case officer may request a copy of your promotion letters, renewal contracts, or confirmation of permanent employment to verify the continuity of your role.
4. Business Registration and Ownership Documents (if Self-Employed)
If you are self-employed, you must provide alternative evidence to demonstrate genuine business activity. This may include:
- Business registration certificates or ABN/ACN registration.
- Business tax returns or profit and loss statements.
- Invoices and payment receipts from clients.
- Client contracts or service agreements.
- Bank statements showing regular business income.
- Letters from clients confirming the nature and duration of work performed.
These documents collectively show that your work experience was legitimate and relevant to your nominated occupation.
5. Organizational or Internal Evidence
For applicants unable to provide tax or salary records (e.g., due to company closure, informal employment, or overseas work), additional internal documents can strengthen your case:
- Company ID card or staff profile.
- Performance appraisals or HR reports.
- Official company emails showing work correspondence.
- Timesheets or attendance records.
- Training or certification records from the employer.
While these documents alone may not be sufficient, they can support your employment history when combined with reference letters.
6. Supporting Declarations or Statutory Declarations
If some evidence cannot be obtained (e.g., company no longer exists, records lost, or employer unreachable), you may submit:
- A statutory declaration from yourself explaining the situation and confirming your employment details.
- Supporting declarations from former colleagues or supervisors who worked with you and can attest to your role, duties, and employment period.
- These declarations must include:
- Full name, contact details, and occupation of the declarant.
- A detailed description of their relationship to you and how they know about your employment.
- A signature and date.
Note that declarations are supporting documents and are generally accepted only when primary evidence is not available.
7. Evidence of Professional or Industry Registration (if applicable)
If your occupation requires a professional license or registration (e.g., nurses, engineers, tradespersons), the Department may also request:
- Copies of professional registration certificates or licensing documents.
- Proof of membership in professional associations.
- Renewal receipts or regulatory authority letters.
- Such evidence adds credibility to your professional employment claim.
8. Skills Assessment Consistency Check
The Department may cross-verify that your employment evidence is consistent with your skills assessment outcome. In such cases, you may be asked to:
- Provide the same documents you submitted to your assessing authority.
- Submit additional references if new employment has occurred since the assessment.
- Clarify any discrepancies in job titles, dates, or duties.
- Consistency between your visa application and skills assessment evidence is essential to avoid integrity concerns.
Conclusion
A Section 56 Request for Further Information is not necessarily a negative sign-it simply indicates that the Department requires additional proof to finalize their decision. The best approach is to respond comprehensively, clearly, and promptly, attaching certified copies of all relevant documents and ensuring all evidence aligns with your declared employment history and points claimed.
Providing complete, consistent, and verifiable documentation will help ensure your skilled visa application (whether subclass 189, 190, or 491) proceeds smoothly toward a successful outcome.
← Back to Frequently Asked Questions
