Preliminary note
Document requirements for a “work visa” are jurisdiction- and category-specific. The lists below set out (1) a core, cross‑jurisdiction checklist that is nearly always required, and (2) concise, jurisdiction‑specific addenda for common regimes. For a definitive, file‑ready checklist, the visa category (e.g., H‑1B vs. L‑1; Skilled Worker vs. Global Talent; LMIA‑based vs. LMIA‑exempt; TSS 482 vs. Subclass 186) and filing posture (consular processing vs. in‑country) must be confirmed.
A. Core applicant-side documents (generally required)
- Valid passport: Generally with at least 6–12 months’ remaining validity and sufficient blank pages.
- Completed application forms: Jurisdiction-specific (e.g., DS‑160/DS‑260 for U.S. consular processing; UK online application; IMM 1295 for Canada; Australia ImmiAccount; national forms for EU Member States; Singapore EP application).
- Biometric enrollment confirmation and compliant photographs.
- Employment offer and/or executed contract: Detailing title, duties, location(s), salary, hours, start date, and duration.
- Evidence of qualifications: Degree certificates, transcripts, professional licenses/registrations; where applicable, third‑party credential evaluations or recognition decisions.
- Evidence of relevant experience: Detailed employer reference letters (on letterhead, signed) stating titles, dates, duties, and hours; CV/resumé.
- Police clearance(s): From each jurisdiction of residence as required by the program and duration thresholds.
- Medical examination results: Panel physician or approved provider where mandated.
- Proof of compliance with ancillary eligibility: Language proficiency, professional registration, health insurance, maintenance funds, tuberculosis screening (as applicable by nationality and category).
- Civil status and dependent documentation: Marriage and birth certificates; evidence of genuine relationship; custody/consent for minor children.
- Travel history: Copies of current/expired visas, entry/exit stamps, prior immigration decisions.
- Translations and legalization: Certified translations; legalization or apostille per the Hague Convention, where required.
- Fee payments: Official fee receipts (application, biometrics, issuance, reciprocity, and any program-specific levies).
- For in‑country filings: Evidence of lawful status and I‑94/equivalent entry records; complete immigration history.
- For consular processing: Appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt, and any country‑specific visa center cover sheets.
B. Core employer-side documents (generally required)
- Sponsorship/registration status: Evidence of authorized sponsor/licence/registration where applicable (e.g., UK Sponsor Licence; Australia SBS approval).
- Corporate documents: Certificate of incorporation/formation, business registrations, tax IDs, organizational chart, proof of active trading (bank statements, contracts, payroll summaries).
- Job description and classification: SOC/ONET/ANZSCO/ESCO code matching; detailed duties and required skills.
- Wage compliance evidence: Salary meets prevailing/going rate and statutory minima; wage source documentation (surveys, internal pay scales).
- Labor market test or exemption: Where required (e.g., recruitment evidence, LMIA, LMT records, or statutory exemption basis).
- Intra‑company transfer relationship: Proof of qualifying relationship (parent/subsidiary/affiliate), shareholding, and common control.
- Compliance attestations and records: As mandated by statute/regulations (e.g., public access files, record‑keeping undertakings, training/levy payments).
C. United States (nonimmigrant employment classifications)
- H‑1B/H‑1B1/E‑3 (INA § 101(a)(15)(H); 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h); 20 C.F.R. pt. 655, subpt. H)
- Form I‑129 with H supplement; certified LCA (ETA‑9035/9035E).
- Employer support letter detailing specialty occupation and beneficiary’s qualifications.
- Degree(s) and transcripts; credential evaluation if foreign; professional license if required.
- Evidence of maintenance of status for in‑country filings (I‑94, prior I‑797s).
- Required fees: base, ACWIA, fraud prevention, public law fee if applicable; optional I‑907 for premium.
- For consular issuance: I‑797 approval notice; DS‑160, visa fee receipt, photo, interview confirmation.
- L‑1A/L‑1B (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(l))
- Form I‑129 with L supplement (or I‑129S for Blanket L).
- Proof of qualifying corporate relationship; organizational charts; business operations evidence.
- Evidence of one continuous year of qualifying employment abroad within the lookback period; detailed duties.
- O‑1 (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(o))
- Form I‑129 with O supplement; advisory opinion/peer consultation.
- Contracts/itineraries and evidence meeting the regulatory criteria; expert letters.
D. United Kingdom (Immigration Rules, including Appendix Skilled Worker; Part 9)
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed sponsor.
- Passport; compliant photo; biometrics.
- English language evidence (where required).
- Salary meeting general threshold and “going rate.”
- Tuberculosis test (if nationalities/locations require).
- Criminal record certificate for specified occupations.
- Maintenance: Employer certification on CoS or personal funds.
- Relationship/identity documents for dependants.
- Immigration health surcharge payment and application fee receipt.
E. Canada (IRPA/IRPR; Temporary Foreign Worker Program/International Mobility Program)
- Application forms (e.g., IMM 1295, IMM 5645, IMM 5409 as applicable); biometrics.
- Passport; photos; medical exam (if required).
- For LMIA‑based permits: Positive LMIA and Annexes; signed job offer/contract; recruitment records (employer).
- For LMIA‑exempt permits: Employer Portal “A‑number” confirmation of offer and fee receipt; exemption code basis.
- Proof of qualifications/experience; professional licensing where regulated.
- Police certificates as required; proof of funds if applicable.
- If applying at a visa office: Upfront documentation per country‑specific checklist.
F. Australia (Migration Act 1958; Migration Regulations 1994) — TSS (Subclass 482)
- Three linked stages:
1) Standard Business Sponsorship (employer): corporate documents; compliance history.
2) Nomination: occupation (ANZSCO), market salary, Skilling Australia Fund levy, Labour Market Testing (or exemption), position description.
3) Visa application: passport; skills/experience evidence; positive skills assessment where mandated; English test (if applicable); health insurance; health and police checks.
- Dependants: identity and relationship evidence; health and character.
G. European Union and selected Member States
- EU Blue Card (Directive (EU) 2021/1883; implemented nationally)
- Higher‑education qualification (or equivalent professional expertise if transposed); binding job offer/contract meeting national salary threshold; passport; photos; health insurance; accommodation evidence; clean criminal record where required.
- Intra‑Corporate Transferee (Directive 2014/66/EU)
- Intra‑group assignment letter; proof of group relationship; qualifications; salary/host‑state terms; health insurance; passport; police/medical as required.
- Example: Germany national work visa
- Recognition of qualification (Anerkennung) or comparability confirmation; Federal Employment Agency (BA) pre‑approval if applicable; concrete job offer with salary at local rate; passport; photos; housing/registration plan; health insurance; police and medical checks.
H. Singapore (Ministry of Manpower — Employment Pass and related passes)
- Application: Company ACRA business profile; completed EP application; passport biodata page; educational certificates and transcripts; detailed CV and work history; supporting letters/references if requested; salary details.
- Post‑approval issuance: In‑Principle Approval (IPA); medical exam (if required); passport; completed declaration forms; biometrics appointment for card issuance.
I. Gulf states (illustrative — verify locally)
- Ministry‑issued offer/approval; employer trade licence; quota approval.
- Attested academic/professional certificates (with embassy/MFA attestations).
- Medical fitness test; police clearance; passport; photos; employment contract; entry permit/sponsorship documents.
Compliance notes
- Translations/legalization: Where documents are not in the official language, certified translations are required; many authorities require apostille or consular legalization.
- Digital filings: Many systems require native PDFs, set document naming conventions, and size limits; noncompliance can cause auto‑rejection.
- Timing dependencies: Some documents (police, medicals, LCAs/LMIA/LMT, advisory opinions) have strict validity periods; file within those windows.
- Record‑keeping: Employers often have statutory retention and audit duties (e.g., U.S. Public Access File; UK sponsor compliance; Australia sponsor obligations).
Action request
Please specify the jurisdiction(s) and the precise visa subcategory so I can furnish a jurisdiction‑specific, exhaustive checklist with the correct forms, fees, and evidentiary standards.
