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Aerial Survey Technician 491.
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to prove self employed experience I have gathered a bunch of evidence so far and have reached out to previous contacts at companies I did projects for, they have agreed to give me client testimonials for my work and projects and attest that I was working for myself and info about their role and such. Do you happen to have any recommendations on how to structure a client testimonial letter?
I have also found:
– company registration certs
– tax registration certificate for the company. Including the receipts from the accountants who consulted and got my docs.
– a few project reports and the outputs/data files.
– some correspondence emails between clients and myself (the original email address is shutdown but I had setup a backup Google at some point which received automatic backups).
– invoices for a few projects as well as one or two actual purchase orders
– proposal documents where I worked on city tender proposals and other project proposals.
– website and domain name registration emails and receipts for domain name hosting for.my company website.
– my own self declaration that I was working for myself and doing various projects. (Any recommendations or template to structure this?)
– I can also get supplier testimonials from other 3rd party contractors i used to assist on some projects. I have reached out to them
– I have company documents, brochures with service offerings, business card designs and website imagery etc.
– I have 2 email and documents from the bank where I setup the company accounts. However I do not have access and I do not have bank statements as the account long since closed down.
I’m looking for more info and trying to track down other stuff but for now that’s what I have.
In my own declaration, still working out the format and structure, I plan to explain that the economy and political instability in the country and the region lead me to only work for myself for only those 6months, and when I realised it wasn’t feasible and stable enough that’s when I took the next job overseas.
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Hi Brian,
You’re doing an outstanding job pulling together your documentation mate. You’ve already gathered an impressive body of evidence for your self-employed work, and it sounds like you’re well on track.
Here are a few recommendations to help structure both the client testimonial letters and your personal statutory declaration.
1. Client Testimonial Letter Template
Each testimonial should ideally be written on the client’s official letterhead (if possible), dated, and signed. It should include:
- The client’s full name, position, and organisation
- The nature and duration of the professional relationship
- Description of the services you provided
- Confirmation that you were self-employed
- Project names and any deliverables or outcomes
- A clear statement that the work was carried out independently and not as an employee
- Contact details for verification
Example:
> [Client Name]
[Position]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[Date]
To whom it may concern,
I confirm that I engaged the services of Mr Brian [Surname] as an independent contractor between [start date] and [end date]. Brian provided aerial survey services and project analysis for our organisation on [brief project description].
During this time, Brian demonstrated technical expertise, professionalism, and delivered outputs including [specific deliverables].
I understand Brian operated as a self-employed contractor under his registered business, [Business Name].
Should further verification be needed, I can be contacted on [email address] or [phone number].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full name and position]
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2. Your Personal Statutory Declaration
This should be a detailed and honest account, written clearly and professionally. You can make this a statutory declaration and get it certified by a notary or similar authority depending on your location.
Include:
- Your full name and business name
- Time period you operated
- Types of services offered
- General business operations
- Key clients or contracts (even if you don’t name them, describe the type of work)
- Explanation of political/economic challenges and why you eventually moved on
- Mention supporting documents (invoices, registration, correspondence, etc.)
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Example format:
> Statutory Declaration
I, Brian [Surname], of [Address], declare that between [month/year] and [month/year], I operated a sole proprietorship registered under [Business Name], providing aerial survey and geospatial services.
During this period, I completed projects including [brief summary]. These included [mention types of clients if relevant].
I maintained a business website, issued invoices, submitted project reports, and coordinated subcontractors where required.
Due to regional instability and lack of sustainable income opportunities, I ceased trading after approximately 6 months and accepted a full-time position overseas.
I am submitting this declaration in support of my visa application to confirm my self-employed experience. Supporting documents include business registration, invoices, project reports, and client letters.
I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the applicable laws of [Country].
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You’re taking all the right steps here, and your documentation is already very thorough.
Let me know if you’d like me to help with anything else.
Keep in mind, in the unlikely scenario there are still gaps, you will be contacted by your case worker about any gaps and given the opportunity to explain them or provide additional information to address the gaps.
it would be highly unusual to be rejected at this stage of the process without being given any opportunity to address queries first.
Keep at it mate.
Warm regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark,
So I gathered a lot of evidence and was ready to submit.
First, I contacted an old agent I had consulted and been assessed with last year. I wanted to ask her questions about the deemed skill date and how they deduct years. I found some videos online that seem to point to people being misled by the deemed skilled date but I couldn’t find a clear answer anywhere – hence reached out to the agent.
I couldn’t believe the response I got, it was shocking to be honest. A typical consultation or assessment is about 30 to 45mins long and costs about 250 to 300 aussie dollars.
Well this agent got back and immediately congratulated me on the invitation to apply. Then proceeded to quote me 1700 aussie dollars to look at my documetns and submit. they were not open to a consultation where I could just ask a question for 300 dollars.
Needless to say I didn’t take them up. seemed like daylight robbery. I hope I don’t regret that but I feel I gathered a lot of evidence.
The uploading system was easy. But there were a few things I had to just grab on the fly that I had not prepared.
1. Last six months of bank statements for my current account. Not impossible but a bit stressful – they wanted to see everyday transactions. Well, I use a credit card for everyday things and earn travel points and bonuses – but I read online that credit cards are not your own bank account. Anyway, I gathered my bank account statements and combined them. It showed payments to my other account and credit cards but not much shopping and subscriptions (I don’t really have any to be honest).
2. Driving license – this is apparently to verify my identity. So I quickly scanned that in.
3. Passport.
4. Vetassess skills assessment outcome letter.5. English language exam results
6. Any education degrees or certificates.
7. Work experience and points claims.
– Fill out your points scores. Choosing years of experience claimed and age and so on.Upload documents.
Now I had pains takingly arranged them into periods of work at different companies. The upload system seemed to split the uploads into options.
Payslips,
Bank statements showing salary payments,
Employer references,
Tax documents,
Superannuation docs.
Employment contracts.Some of the documents I did not actually have. I had Employer references, bank statements and salary payments, payslips.
So I uploaded what I had. But I had file size limitations so felt I had to only include 2 or 3 payslips for each job. A handful of bank statements for each year I am claiming. Employment contracts – I only had one, also included a statutory declaration for my self employment year with client references. But couldn’t include all sample data and extras (they actually warn again including extra documents).
I feel like I submitted more documents to vetassess but couldn’t fit them all on here.
I don’t know if I need to contact them and offer more documents. Or if I will be contacted if they need any further information from me.
It was very stressful.
And then the payment – I had 30mins to pay before the link expired. Fair enough – but if the link expired it delays your processing even more.
Here’s hoping I didn’t drop the ball when I didn’t take up that agents 1700 dollar offer to do my application.
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This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by brian.
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This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by
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I should clarify i definitely submitted more docs here than i submitted to vetasses. But in terms of all the docs I had gathered and then the limitations with the system, and how they wanted it structured or uploaded it wasn’t what I had prepared and had to go through everything and rearrange docs.
I walked away feeling like I could have easily uploaded another huge amount of evidence.
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the detailed update and well done on pushing through such a stressful process. What you’ve described is something many applicants go through, and you’ve handled it really well.
Firstly, I think you made the right call in not paying $1700 just to submit documents you had already prepared yourself ( I have to say, even for an assessment, the fees you mention seem a little on the high side – the agent we work with charges under $70 USD for a 30 minute video call)..
You’ve clearly done your research, gathered excellent supporting evidence, and approached the process with real diligence.
Here are a few key points to put your mind at ease:
1. Having a Case Officer Is a Good Thing
Now that your application has been lodged and a case officer assigned, remember this: their job is not to find reasons to refuse your application. Their role is to assess what you have submitted and, if needed, request further information or clarification. This is very common and not a bad sign at all. Many strong applications involve an extra request or two.2. You Are Allowed to Submit More Evidence If Requested
Do not worry that you couldn’t fit every piece of evidence into the upload system. You’ve already provided a solid base, including payslips, bank statements, employment letters, and a thorough statutory declaration for your self-employment period. If something is missing or unclear, they will contact you. At that point, you will be able to respond and upload any additional documentation they need.3. On the Upload System Itself
Yes, it’s a bit clunky and restrictive. Most people have to adapt on the fly, just like you did. The key thing is to ensure each job period is supported by at least one solid piece of evidence in the expected format, which you have done.4. Credit Card vs Bank Statements
Good on you for pivoting and submitting your main bank statements. Using a credit card for everyday spending is common, and as long as you’ve shown regular income into your account, that is really all they are checking for. The goal is to confirm that your declared employment ties in with real-world activity.Final thought:
You’ve done a fantastic job here, especially considering you have managed the entire process yourself.No one walks away from this feeling like it was perfect. It is always a juggle of time, file limits, stress, and uncertainty. But what counts is that you submitted a well-supported application. Now you just give the process time, and if a case officer needs more, you will be ready to respond.
Fingers crossed for you. Honestly, you’ve done everything right so far.
Warm regards,
Mark -
Hey Mark. I submitted my application for the full nomination almost 4 weeks ago now. I know the NSW processing guidelines is about 6weeks but feeling a bit stressed it’s taking so long as I’ve seen numerous posts on FB and other forums where people applied around the same time and have since received full nomination.
Is the end of the financial year likely to influence times?
Also, I have a big camping trip booked in already for end of July through august. South africa, Namibia and botswana.
I’ve read that I will likely need a medical and police clearance for the application and apparently i can do the medical in other countries, only I need to see an approved doctor and have my HAP ID linked with my application in order to schedule the medical, which will then link to my application.
I could do my police clearance now early, but not the medical.
Should I do this?
If they exceed the 6 weeks and I dont receive full invitation before I leave for the trip, if they ask for more information but im innthe bush with no signal or wifi how much time do.they usually give me to respond to their request for info? Obviously dont want to miss any requests or deadlines.
Thanks
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Hi Brian, nice to hear from you again mate.
Thanks for your update. I understand the waiting period can be stressful, especially with your upcoming trip.😬
Regarding your concerns:
Processing Time:
NSW typically advises a processing timeframe of up to 6 weeks for 491 nominations. However, due to high application volumes, especially towards the end of the financial year, processing times can extend beyond this period .
The new Australian migration year commences on 1 July, which often brings fresh allocations and may influence processing times .
Medical Examinations and Police Clearances:
You’re correct that medical examinations can be undertaken overseas, provided they’re conducted by an approved panel physician . To schedule a medical, you’ll need a HAP ID, which is generated after lodging your visa application . Police clearances, on the other hand, can be obtained in advance and are valid for 12 months . It’s advisable to secure these clearances before your trip to avoid potential delays .
Responding to Additional Information Requests:
If the Department of Home Affairs requires further information, they typically allow 28 days for a response . However, this timeframe can vary.
Given your travel plans to areas with limited connectivity, it’s essential to monitor your email and ImmiAccount regularly .
I’d recommend being proactive and consider informing the Department of your travel dates and potential communication limitations. If possible, arrange for someone you trust to monitor your correspondence during your absence .
I hope this information provides some clarity. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Mark
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Hi Mark.
I finally received a request for more information. They have asked if I am currently employed in my field or closely related field.
I am not. I am looking for a new job to gain further experience but I was almost certain I do not need to be employed in that field to qualify for nomination.
Do I just reply via email? Something like:
Thank you for your email.
I would like to confirm that I am not currently employed in my nominated occupation of Aerial Survey Technician.
I understand that employment in the nominated occupation is not a mandatory requirement under the pathway I am applying through.
Please let me know if any further information is required.
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From what i can see on the nsw.gov website under 491 it does not state any requirement to be employed in my occupation under pathway 2.
Be invited to apply by Investment NSW
To be considered for NSW nomination under Pathway 2 you must:
- Be skilled in an occupation that is:
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within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Regional Skills List; and
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is eligible for this visa.
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Be currently residing:
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in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
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offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.
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- Be skilled in an occupation that is:
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Hi Brian,
Great to hear you’ve received a request for further information, that’s a positive step, and it means your application is actively being reviewed. 🙃
You’re absolutely correct in your understanding. For NSW 491 nomination under Pathway 2 (offshore applicants), there is no requirement to be currently employed in your nominated occupation.
The official NSW criteria only require that you reside offshore for at least three months and have an occupation on the NSW Regional Skills List within an eligible ANZSCO unit group.
Your draft reply is excellent. You can send it via email or upload it as a signed statement in your application portal, depending on how the request was made.
A few suggestions with a couple of tweaks to align with some of the Australian Migration language (entirely up to you if you want to proceed with your version however).
Thank you for your email.
I confirm that I am not currently employed in my nominated occupation of Aerial Survey Technician (ANZSCO 312116).
I understand that current employment in the nominated occupation is not a requirement under the NSW 491 nomination Pathway 2 for offshore applicants.
I meet the eligibility criteria, including having resided offshore for more than three months and holding a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.Please let me know if you require any further information.
Perhaps in addition to this draft, you might want to include a short note about your active efforts to re-enter the field (such as job applications or upskilling plans), which could be a helpful addition (but it’s not required under the current rules).
You’re doing everything right, mate!
Warm regards,
Mark -
Hi,
Quick update.
Almost 8 weeks since receiving invitation to apply for nomination to NSW 491.
Just over 6 weeks since applying for full nomination.
2 weeks since receiving a request for more information – current employment status and update. I received the email asking about current employment – I am not currently employed in my chosen occupation. I responded to the email directly and did not amend anything in the EOI because I am currently unemployed and searching for new work. I did not receive any response except the automated email reply from the mailbox.
8 days since I PROACTIVELY sent further documents and complete evidence for self employed period. (50 odd pages as a single pdf of evidence including invoices, bank statements, sample data, emails, company docs etc), this COMPLETE evidence was not previously uploaded into the NSW application portal because the portal is a bit chunky, not user friendly and perhaps I just made a mistake not submitting it all at first because it was a 10mb file and I should have found a way to do so. Either way I felt I should just proactively send it before they possibly request further information about it.
I have only received the automated response on both of the emails I sent.
I have not updated my original EOI which I submitted some 3 months ago. It still shows:
– Relevant employment in the last 10 years. A total of 4 years and 8 months of employment. (This includes the experience before the confusing vetassess ‘deemed skilled date’.)
Points automatically calculated in EOI from my experience was 5 points for 3years of experience.
I gathered extra evidence to support my application – this was self employment evidence. Some 50 pages of emails, invoices, bank statements, letters, sample data etc). This was included after the original submission because I was still gathering data at the time of EOI submission. And purely to ensure if they deduct 2 years of skilled experience (prior to ‘deemed skilled date’), I can prove my self employed period and still achieve over 3 years of skilled, post ‘deemed skilled’ work experience to claim 5 points.
I’m worried about changing my EOI or doing anything further that could jeopardise my application.
Up to now and with my application I have submitted and provided evidence of employment for full history of employment in the occupation. Total of 5 years and 2 months. (Vetasses deemed me skilled after 2 years and deducted those years. ) I am only claiming 3 years of skilled employment but provided all 5 years and 2 months of experience.
Included a statement with my application to state I included my self employed period of employment to add a full history of my employment, not to add or claim further points, because I was unsure if my experience prior to the deemed skilled date by vetassess would be counted or if it would be deducted
Is there anything more i can do? If i should change my EOI should I do it? – remove 2 years of relevant (prior deemed skilled experience), and then add my self employed period?
I check my emails everyday and wake up early anxiously awaiting full invitation so I can submit the visa application next. This is exhausting and I am about to go somewhat off the grid in Africa for about 6 weeks.
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for the detailed update. You’ve done a fantastic job navigating a complex and often frustrating process. I know how mentally draining the waiting can be, especially when you’ve already gone above and beyond in preparing your application.
Based on everything you’ve shared, here’s my advice:
1. You’ve Taken All the Right Steps
You responded promptly to the NSW request for more information, clearly explained your employment status, and then proactively followed up with a complete, well-organised evidence pack. That’s exactly what a case officer would expect from a diligent applicant. The lack of response so far is not unusual — in many cases, officers will not reply directly but will simply assess the information when ready.2. No Need to Update Your EOI at This Stage
There is no benefit to updating your EOI at this point. The invitation you received was based on your EOI at the time of selection. Any edits now would not affect your current nomination process and could create confusion. You’ve already included a clear statement with your nomination application to explain your points, claim, and your understanding of the deemed skilled date. That’s more than sufficient.3. The Additional Evidence Strengthens Your Case
It was a smart move to submit your full self-employment evidence pack. The 50-page PDF clearly reinforces your claim to 3+ years of post-qualification skilled employment and supports the 5 points you claimed in your EOI. You have also made it clear that your total experience is 5 years and 2 months, but that you are only claiming points for the post-deemed skilled portion, which is both transparent and aligned with Home Affairs’ expectations.4. What Happens Next
It’s very common for nomination decisions to take longer than 6 weeks, particularly around the end of the financial year as quotas close and resources shift. You’re well within a reasonable timeframe, and it’s also very likely your additional documents are being reviewed now. If the NSW team needs anything further, they will reach out to you, and you’ll have the opportunity to respond.5. While You’re Travelling
Try to enjoy your trip, you’ve done the hard work. If you’ll be out of signal for long stretches, consider:-
Setting up an auto-forward rule in your email to someone you trust.
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Checking your ImmiAccount and email periodically when possible, even if just once a week.
But most importantly, don’t stress about your EOI or documents now. You’ve submitted a thorough, well-documented application and taken all reasonable steps to support your case. The next move is in their hands.
Let me know if you hear back before your trip or if you have any further questions
All the best
Mark -
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Thanks so much for the reply. Very helpful and reassuring. Will hopefully all work out and get a response soon. 👍
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The wait will be worth it, mate, I promise! 😊
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