The Need of the Nominee Report is a crucial document in employer-sponsored visa applications. It demonstrates to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that the nominee (foreign worker) is genuinely required for the role, and that the employer has made all efforts to hire locally before offering the role overseas.
Preparing a DHA-compliant report ensures your visa application is strong, transparent, and meets compliance requirements.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Report
Before you start, know why DHA requires this report:
Demonstrates genuine need for the nominee in the business
Confirms skills, experience, and qualifications match the nominated role
Supports Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence
Ensures compliance with Australian immigration laws
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Report
Step 1: Collect Employer Information
Include full details of the business:
Company name, ABN/ACN
Business type, industry, and location
Number of employees
Business operations and history
Tip: DHA checks if the business is active, financially stable, and capable of employing the nominee.
Step 2: Provide Nominee Information
Include details of the nominee:
Full name, date of birth, nationality
Current visa status (if any)
Contact details
Educational qualifications
Relevant professional experience
Tip: Only include verified qualifications and experience to avoid discrepancies.
Step 3: Describe the Position
Provide detailed information about the role:
Job title
Duties and responsibilities (be specific)
Required skills and experience
Employment type (full-time/part-time) and salary
Reporting lines and team structure
Tip: Avoid vague statements like “perform general IT tasks”; specify responsibilities that match industry standards.
Step 4: Justify the Need for the Nominee
Explain why the nominee is essential to the business:
Reason the role cannot be filled by a local candidate
Demonstrate Labour Market Testing (LMT) outcomes
Mention any skills shortage or specialized knowledge required
Explain business projects or expansion that require the nominee
Example:
“The nominee’s expertise in cloud-based network security is critical to completing ongoing client projects. No suitable local candidate was found during advertising conducted on Seek.com.au and LinkedIn for 4 weeks.”
Step 5: Align with DHA Guidelines
Ensure compliance with DHA requirements:
Salary meets market standards and legal minimums
Include superannuation, leave entitlements, and working hours
Position aligns with the nominated occupation list
Tip: DHA looks for fair employment conditions and adherence to standard employment practices.
Step 6: Attach Supporting Documents
Include evidence to support your claims:
Labour Market Testing evidence (job ads, screenshots, applicant assessments)
Business documents (profit & loss statements, contracts, organizational charts)
Nominee qualifications and references
Tip: Organize documents clearly and label them for DHA review.
Step 7: Draft and Review the Report
Write clearly and concisely, in formal language
Ensure consistency with Genuine Position Report (GPR) and employment contracts
Check for accuracy of all details
Tip: Have an authorized representative sign and date the report.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Generic or vague job descriptions
Insufficient Labour Market Testing evidence
Salary below industry standards
Weak justification for hiring the nominee
Missing signatures or incomplete supporting documents
Avoiding these mistakes ensures smoother visa processing.
4. Best Practices
Use DHA templates or official guidelines when available
Keep all documentation organized and verifiable
Be transparent about the nominee’s role and business need
Ensure the nominee’s qualifications and experience directly match the position
5. Conclusion
A DHA-compliant Need of the Nominee Report is critical for employer-sponsored visa success.
By preparing a detailed, transparent, and well-documented report, employers can:
Demonstrate the genuine need for the nominee
Strengthen GPR and visa application
Minimize the risk of delays, audits, or rejections