Translation and Document Standards in Australia: real experience from chats

Ensure the dates mentioned in the letter align with those stated in your visa application. If possible, use an English letterhead; otherwise, a Russian letterhead with English text is acceptable. If specific dates are not required by your employer, it's acceptable not to state them rigidly.

Check the official visa application guidelines for your specific subclass. - Old passports (over 10 years old) and expired visas are typically not required unless they are significant to your travel history. Focus on recent and relevant documents. - Marriage certificates do not require notarization. A translated copy should be submitted along with the scanned original. - For child applicants (6 years old), a sponsorship letter is not required as it is assumed the parents are financially responsible. - Vehicle ownership documents: The Certificate of Registration (STS) is usually sufficient; a Vehicle Passport (PTS) may not be necessary.

While professional translation is ideal, self-translation is often acceptable. If you translate a document yourself, ensure all text, including any on stamps or seals, is translated. It is recommended to indicate that the translation was done by AI and provide your contact details. Combine the translated document with the original. For bank statements, translations are required for the period specified (usually 3 months), and individual transaction translations are necessary.

For group applications, one cover letter signed by both parties is sufficient. Supporting documents for financial status (bank statements, employment proof, sponsor ID, sponsorship letter) can be uploaded to the 'Evidence of financial status' section. Birth certificates or other supplementary docs can be uploaded to the 'Others' section; files should be clearly named.

Machine translation tools like Google Translate or GPT can be used for this purpose.