At ASPA Visa & Migration Advisory, we assist eligible clients in obtaining Evidence of Residency Status (ERS) from the Department of Home Affairs.
This service is particularly relevant for long-term migrants who arrived in Australia before 1990, as many permanent residents from that period may not have an electronic visa record. It is especially common among British migrants and other long-term residents who settled in Australia decades ago and now require official proof of their permanent residency.
Who this service is for
- British, New Zealand, and other migrants who arrived in Australia before 1994
- Permanent residents who require official proof of their residency status
- Individuals who have misplaced their original visa grant documents
- People needing evidence of residency for employment, banking, legal, or administrative purposes
- Long-term residents requiring confirmation of their status before dealing with government agencies or other organisations
Common visa goals
- Obtain official Evidence of Residency Status from the Department of Home Affairs
- Understand eligibility and supporting documentation requirements
- Navigate the process confidently even without original migration documents
- Obtain trusted proof of permanent residency for official purposes
Get guidance before you apply — speak with ASPA about evidence of residency status.
Typical applicant situations
- You arrived in Australia before 1990 and do not have an electronic visa record.
- You are a British, New Zealand, or other long-term migrant needing proof of permanent residency.
- An employer, bank, or government agency requires evidence of your permanent residency.
- You have misplaced or never received your original visa grant documents.
- You need confirmation of your status for legal, administrative, or financial purposes.
How ASPA can help
- We provide guidance on Evidence of Residency Status (ERS) requests.
- We advise long-term permanent residents without electronic visa records.
- We assist with preparing supporting documentation for your ERS request.
- We help clients who have lost or cannot locate their original migration documents.
- We support you in understanding Department of Home Affairs requirements.
- We guide you through the process and help you prepare the necessary documentation with confidence.
Our process
- 01
Consultation
We discuss your circumstances and confirm your eligibility for an ERS document.
- 02
Documentation review
We identify what supporting documents are available and required.
- 03
Application preparation
We assist with preparing your request accurately and completely.
- 04
Lodgement
We help submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- 05
Follow-up
We support you through to receipt of your ERS document.
Documents usually required
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Any available evidence of arrival in Australia
- Previous immigration or visa documents where available
- Purpose documentation (e.g. employer letter, bank or government agency request)
Document requirements vary by individual circumstances and current migration law.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming ERS is not available because original documents are lost.
- Not seeking advice — the process can be more complex for long-term residents without electronic records.
- Submitting incomplete identity documentation with the request.
- Not allowing sufficient time if the document is needed urgently.
Frequently asked questions
Information on this website is general in nature and does not guarantee visa approval. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current migration laws. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.