Receiving an Invitation To Apply (ITA)

What Happens After You Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a major milestone in the skilled migration process but it’s not the finish line. Whether your ITA was issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs directly or a state government, what comes next is critical.

VISA OPTIONS

This guide outlines the steps that follow and why getting professional support at this stage and perhaps sooner can make all the difference.

Step 1: Understand Who Issued the ITA

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

If you’ve been invited for a 189 visa, the ITA comes directly from the Department of Home Affairs. You will now have 60 days to submit a complete visa application through your ImmiAccount.

Subclass 190 or 491 (State Nominated Visas)

For state-nominated pathways:

• The ITA is issued by the relevant state or territory, based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) and state application in some instances.
• This, in turn, triggers your ability to apply for the visa via the Australian Department of Home Affairs and lodge your full application through SkillSelect.

In all cases, the 60-day deadline from invitation to visa lodgement applies. This is a strict cut-off with no extensions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Visa Application

Once invited, you are required to submit a full visa application, which includes:

• A valid skills assessment (in most instances)
• Qualification evidence
• English language test results
• Identity and relationship documents
• Employment references
• Police clearance certificates
• Health exams (usually requested after lodgement)
• Form 80 (character and background information)

All supporting documents must be accurate, up to date, and uploaded clearly through your ImmiAccount.

Step 3: Accuracy is Critical

Even small inconsistencies or missing details can result in processing delays or visa refusal.

Common mistakes include:

• Mismatched employment dates
• Missing documents or translations
• Incomplete relationship evidence
• Conflicts between the EOI and visa application

This is where working with a professional becomes essential. We ensure every detail is correct and nothing is overlooked.

Step 4: After Lodging Your Visa

Once you’ve submitted the application:

• You’ll receive an acknowledgment notice from the Department
• You may be asked to provide additional evidence or updated documentation
• Health and character checks will be arranged if not already submitted

Visa processing times vary, typically ranging from 4 to 12 months depending on the visa subclass and case complexity.

How Australian Shores Can Help

Our role doesn’t end with your invitation.

We support you by:

• Preparing and reviewing every document required
• Ensuring alignment between your Skills Assessment, EOI, nomination, and visa application
• Managing communications with the Department
• Tracking deadlines and managing requests for further information

Many applicants underestimate the importance of the final application stage. Our team helps reduce your risk and gives your visa the best chance of approval.

Need Help Submitting Your Visa?

If you’ve received an ITA and want support lodging your visa correctly and confidently, contact us for tailored assistance.

Let’s take the guesswork out of the process.

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