Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Australia PR from UAE

Many skilled workers in the UAE underestimate the complexities of the Australia PR process, including eligibility, documentation, and points calculation. Making errors can result in:

● Delayed processing

● Refusal or withdrawal of application

● Wasted fees for assessments, tests, or translation

By understanding these mistakes, UAE residents can save time, money, and stress while improving their chances of a smooth application.

1. Inaccurate Skill Assessment Documentation

A positive skills assessment is mandatory before submitting your EOI. UAE applicants often make these mistakes:

● Submitting incomplete or inconsistent employment letters

● Incorrectly mapping job duties to ANZSCO codes

● Missing certified translations for Arabic or non-English documents

● Using short-term contracts instead of full-time experience

How to avoid:

• ● Use company letterhead with stamps and signatures
• ● Match your role exactly to ANZSCO duties
• ● Include start and end dates, positions held, and employment scope

Tip: Many Dubai-based companies are familiar with notarisation for overseas processes — leverage this for authenticity.

2. Low English Test Scores or Retaking Tests

English proficiency is essential for PR eligibility. Mistakes UAE applicants make:

• ● Submitting low IELTS or PTE scores for points claims
• ● Waiting until the EOI submission to book tests, causing delays
• ● Retaking exams multiple times unnecessarily

How to avoid:

• ● Prepare thoroughly and aim for Proficient (IELTS 7 / PTE 65) or Superior (IELTS 8 / PTE 79)
• ● Book your English test in advance to meet EOI deadlines

3. Misunderstanding Points Calculation

Australia PR requires a minimum of 65 points, but many UAE applicants miscalculate:

• ● Counting experience that does not meet ANZSCO requirements
• ● Not including overseas work experience correctly
• ● Ignoring partner skills or NAATI credentials that could boost points

How to avoid:

• ● Use a verified points calculator
• ● Check every factor: age, education, work experience, English, and partner skills
• ● Consult experts if needed to maximise score

4. Submitting an Incorrect EOI (Expression of Interest)

Errors in SkillSelect EOI submission can delay invitations:

• ● Selecting wrong occupation codes
• ● Listing incorrect work experience dates or employers
• ● Failing to update EOI with new qualifications, promotions, or test results

How to avoid:

• ● Double-check every entry against your skills assessment and official documents
• ● Keep EOI current and accurate

5. Not Choosing the Right Visa Subclass

UAE residents sometimes apply for the wrong visa subclass:

• ● Applying for Subclass 189 without sufficient points or occupation demand
• ● Not exploring 190 or 491 state-nominated options which may be faster
• ● Ignoring regional visa opportunities

How to avoid:

• ● Research eligibility for all subclasses
• ● Consider state-nominated or regional visas for extra points or quicker processing

6. Delayed Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)

Police clearance from the UAE and other countries is required for all adults. Mistakes include:

• ● Delaying application for PCC until after visa submission
• ● Forgetting PCCs from other countries lived in for 12+ months
• ● Submitting expired or incorrect certificates

How to avoid:

• ● Apply early to avoid delays
• ● Ensure PCCs are valid and correctly certified

7. Missing or Incorrect Medicals

Medical examinations are mandatory. Common mistakes:

• ● Visiting non-panel doctors
• ● Submitting incomplete or outdated tests
• ● Ignoring follow-up requirements for pre-existing conditions

How to avoid:

• ● Book panel physician approved by Australian Home Affairs in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• ● Complete all recommended tests before submission

8. Incomplete or Incorrect Financial Proof (If Required)

While most skilled visas don’t require proof of funds, some regional visas (491) do. Mistakes include:

• ● Submitting insufficient funds
• ● Not including official bank statements or translations

How to avoid:

• ● Confirm visa subclass requirements
• ● Keep clear records of available funds, salaries, and savings

9. Ignoring Eligibility for Partner and Dependents

Many UAE applicants forget to include:

• ● Spouse’s skills and English points
• ● Dependent children’s documentation
• ● Health checks and police clearances for family

How to avoid:

• ● Include spouse qualifications and English test results
• ● Plan dependent documents ahead of visa lodgement

10. Not Responding Promptly to Case Officer Requests

After lodging your visa, case officers may request additional documents. Common errors:

• ● Delayed responses leading to application expiry
• ● Providing partial or incorrect evidence
• ● Ignoring communications from immigration portals or emails

How to avoid:

• ● Monitor email and ImmiAccount daily
• ● Submit complete responses quickly
• ● Keep digital copies ready for all documents

11. Underestimating Processing Times

UAE residents often expect fast approvals. Mistakes include:

• ● Assuming all visas process in 6 months
• ● Planning relocation before visa grant
• ● Ignoring skill assessment or ITA waiting periods

How to avoid:

• ● Check current processing times from Home Affairs
• ● Plan relocation after visa grant only
• ● Use this waiting period to prepare documentation, English upgrades, and finances

12. Overpaying or Choosing Unregistered Migration Agents

Many applicants in Dubai pay high fees to unregistered agents. Mistakes include:

• ● Choosing consultants without MARA registration
• ● Paying for unnecessary document preparation
• ● Being misled about visa guarantees

How to avoid:

• ● Check MARA registration
• ● Compare packages, and understand what is included
• ● Use reputable agencies like Abroad Routes for transparent pricing

13. Failing to Plan for COVID / Health-related Changes

Although most COVID restrictions have eased, UAE applicants sometimes:

• ● Miss updated panel doctor instructions
• ● Ignore vaccination or health requirements that affect medicals

How to avoid:

• ● Stay informed on Home Affairs medical updates
• ● Follow UAE panel doctor guidance closely