The Need of the Nominee Report is a critical document in employer-sponsored visa applications. Its purpose is to demonstrate the genuine need for a foreign worker and ensure the nominee’s qualifications, skills, and experience match the nominated role.
However, employers often make mistakes while preparing the report, which can delay visa processing or lead to rejection. This guide highlights the most common errors and provides tips on how to avoid them.
1. Vague or Generic Job Descriptions
Error:
Using generic statements like “perform general IT tasks” or “assist staff”
Failing to outline specific duties and responsibilities
Impact:
DHA may not recognize the position as genuine or necessary, which can jeopardize the visa application.
How to Avoid:
Clearly describe duties, tasks, and responsibilities
Align them with industry standards and qualifications
Example: “Develop and maintain cloud-based web applications using PHP and JavaScript”
2. Insufficient Labour Market Testing (LMT) Evidence
Error:
Not providing proof of efforts to hire local candidates
Missing job advertisements, URLs, screenshots, or applicant assessments
Impact:
DHA may assume the employer did not attempt to hire locally, which violates compliance requirements.
How to Avoid:
Advertise the position on multiple platforms (job boards, company website, newspapers)
Maintain records of applications, interviews, and reasons for rejection
Include all screenshots, URLs, and PDFs as evidence
3. Weak Justification for Hiring the Nominee
Error:
Stating “we need extra staff” without context
Not explaining why the nominee is essential for business operations
Impact:
Visa officers may question the necessity of the foreign hire, delaying or rejecting the application.
How to Avoid:
Provide clear explanation of the business need
Include specific examples like expansion projects, workload increase, or specialized skills shortage
Link justification to nominee’s skills and experience
4. Salary and Employment Conditions Below Market Standards
Error:
Offering salary below legal minimum or industry standard
Not clearly specifying superannuation, leave entitlements, and working hours
Impact:
DHA may question the fairness and legality of employment, affecting visa approval.
How to Avoid:
Refer to industry awards, salary surveys, and legal minimums
Document salary, benefits, and conditions clearly in the report
5. Missing or Incomplete Supporting Documents
Error:
Not including financial statements, organizational charts, contracts, or LMT evidence
Submitting incomplete documentation
Impact:
Application may be audited or delayed, increasing risk of rejection.
How to Avoid:
Attach all required supporting documents
Organize them clearly with labels and references
Keep copies for records
6. Not Aligning With Genuine Position Report (GPR)
Error:
Nominee Report conflicts with GPR in terms of job duties, salary, or business need
Impact:
DHA may see inconsistencies as a red flag, causing visa delays.
How to Avoid:
Ensure alignment between Nominee Report and GPR
Check that position details, justification, and nominee qualifications match
7. Unsigned or Unauthorized Report
Error:
Failing to have the report signed by an authorized employer representative
Impact:
DHA considers unsigned or unauthorized reports invalid, leading to rejection.
How to Avoid:
Ensure the report is signed and dated by a CEO, HR manager, or authorized representative
Include designation and contact details
Best Practices to Avoid Errors
Be specific in job description and nominee qualifications
Conduct thorough LMT and document evidence
Clearly justify why the nominee is essential
Ensure salary and employment conditions meet legal and market standards
Attach all supporting documents
Align Nominee Report with GPR and employment contracts
Have the report signed and authorized
Conclusion
Errors in the Need of the Nominee Report are one of the main reasons for delays or rejections in employer-sponsored visa applications.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices, employers can:
Demonstrate the genuine need for the nominee
Ensure compliance with DHA regulations
Strengthen their visa application and approval chances
Pro Tip: Always double-check all details, align the Nominee Report with supporting documents, and maintain a clear, organized record for DHA verification.
