Subclass 988 evidence checklist: identity, employment and qualification documents in 2026

For a Subclass 988 Maritime Crew visa application in 2026, the evidence you lodge falls into three groups: identity, employment and education/qualification documents. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs Maritime Crew visa (Subclass 988) official page, as of August 2026, the core employment evidence is documentary proof that you are employed, or will be employed, on a non-military ship that will be in Australia, together with a statement from the vessel’s local shipping/handling agent; that statement must state your name, the name of the company employing you, the name of the ship you will join, the date you arrive in Australia, and the port and date you expect to join the ship. A seafarer's identity document is generally not acceptable for identity purposes, with the exception of Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese seafarer passports; if you hold both a seafarer's passport and a national passport, you should apply using your national passport.

This checklist is general information only and does not constitute personalised professional advice, so confirm every item against the official latest publication or seek a professional opinion for your own situation.

Which identity documents does the Subclass 988 visa require?

The Department asks for colour copies of the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates. If you have a National Identity Card, provide a copy of both sides, and if you have changed your name, provide proof of the change. Your visa is linked to the passport number you use, so if you plan to get a new passport, do so before applying.

Is a seafarer's identity document enough to prove identity?

No. A seafarer's identity document is not acceptable, except for Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese seafarer passports. If you hold both a seafarer's passport and a national passport, you should apply and provide evidence of your national passport. This is why the identity evidence requested is passport-based rather than based on a general seafarer's identity document.

What counts as proof of a change of name?

Documents that prove a change of name include a marriage or divorce certificate, change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or the relevant overseas authority, and documents that show other names you have been known by. Provide any of these only if you have had a change of name.

Do you need police or military records?

The Department will tell you if and when you need to get police certificates. You should provide any military service record or discharge papers, if applicable. Character documents are therefore partly demand-driven rather than automatically required with the application.

What employment documents prove you are a genuine crew member?

You need documentary proof that you are employed on, or will be employed on, a non-military ship that will be in Australia. In addition, you need a statement from the vessel’s local shipping/handling agent. Both items belong to the employment evidence group and should be submitted with the application in ImmiAccount; if you do not provide the required documents at the time of application, the decision may be delayed.

What details must the shipping/handling agent statement contain?

The statement must state:

your name
the name of the company employing you
the name of the ship you will join
the date you arrive in Australia
the port and date you expect to join the ship

Because the statement fixes your identity, employer, ship and joining arrangements, it is the document that connects you to the specific vessel and voyage rather than to crewing in general.

Does the ship have to be a Maritime Crew visa eligible ship?

Yes, the visa allows arrival and departure by sea as a crew member of a Maritime Crew visa eligible ship. Eligible ships include cargo ships carrying goods between Australia and overseas ports, international cruise ships with paying passengers, foreign government owned and operated research ships, ships granted Public Vessel Status by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and ships entered for home consumption or imported under specific sections of Australia’s Customs Act 1901 and registered on the Australian International Shipping Register. Examples of ships that are not eligible are small marine craft, private yachts or superyachts, petroleum export tankers that go to both an offshore resource platform and an Australian port on the same international journey, fishing vessels and trawlers operating in Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and research vessels that are not owned and operated by a foreign government.

What education or qualification documents are required?

You must provide evidence of your highest recognised qualification that relates to your employment as a crew member. The official page describes this as a copy of an educational certificate such as a Degree or Diploma. You will be able to check ImmiAccount for what documents the Department needs from you before you submit your application, because the required document list can be presented there.

Do family members need employment or qualification documents?

No. If a partner applies with you, the Department asks for identity documents, character documents and documents about other relationships, plus either a current marriage certificate or enough documents to prove a de facto relationship of at least 12 months before you apply, such as joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, joint leases or mortgages, or documents showing a shared address. For a dependent child under 18, provide identity documents, proof of your relationship such as a birth or marriage certificate, adoption papers if applicable, and character documents if applicable.

To include a child aged 18 or over, they must be over 18 but not yet turned 23 and dependent on you or your partner, or over 23 and unable to earn a living due to physical or cognitive limitations and dependent on you or your partner. You then provide identity documents, documents about their other relationships, character documents, proof of the relationship such as a birth certificate or adoption papers, a completed Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over, and proof of financial dependency such as bank statements, money transfers and rent receipts; if the child is 23 or turns 23 while the application is processed, also provide a report from a qualified medical practitioner.

Who can give immigration assistance on a Subclass 988 application?

Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance, they must be a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person. You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.

To nominate someone to provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person. To nominate someone to receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient. Upload the forms to ImmiAccount if you applied online, or send them with your paper application.

How do you lodge the evidence, and does location matter?

You should submit the required identity, employment and education/qualification documentation with your application in ImmiAccount. You must be outside Australia when you apply, and you can be inside or outside Australia when your visa is decided. Apply online in ImmiAccount, attach documents, and submit family applications together; each person travelling to Australia, including children, needs their own application and holds their own visa.

If you cannot apply online, complete Form 1273 Application for a Maritime Crew (Temporary) visa and send the completed form by post or courier to the address specified on the form, marking the envelope 'Attention: Maritime Global Processing Centre'. The Department will let you know when it has received your application, and if it needs more information it will contact you through ImmiAccount.

What happens if you cannot prove your identity or give incorrect information?

Provide accurate information; the official page refers to what happens if you cannot prove your identity or do not provide true information. After applying, if you need to correct a mistake, complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers and attach it in ImmiAccount. The Department also asks you to tell it about changes such as a new passport, a change in marital or de facto status, the birth of a child, or if you want to withdraw the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a seafarer's identity document accepted for a Subclass 988 application?

No, a seafarer's identity document is generally not acceptable, with the exception of Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese seafarer passports. If you hold both a seafarer's passport and a national passport, you should apply using your national passport and provide evidence of that national passport. This rule is stated on the official Maritime Crew visa page under both the before-you-apply and identity-document steps.

What must the local shipping/handling agent statement say?

The statement must state your name, the name of the company employing you, the name of the ship you will join, the date you arrive in Australia, and the port and date you expect to join the ship. It is required in addition to documentary proof that you are employed, or will be employed, on a non-military ship that will be in Australia.

Which qualification document do I need for the crew member role?

You need evidence of your highest recognised qualification that relates to your employment as a crew member. The official page describes this as a copy of an educational certificate such as a Degree or Diploma.

Is there a government charge for the Subclass 988 visa?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs lists the cost of this visa as Free on the official page. This refers to the government visa charge shown there and does not describe any other expense you may choose to incur.

Can my family members work in Australia on a Maritime Crew visa?

No, family members are not permitted to work in Australia on a Maritime Crew visa. Partners and dependants lodge separate application forms and provide identity, character and relationship documents rather than employment or qualification evidence.

Who can help me with my Subclass 988 application?

If someone gives you immigration assistance, they must be a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person. Anyone can be appointed to receive documents on your behalf; use Form 956 to appoint an assistant and Form 956A to appoint or withdraw an authorised recipient.