employer sponsored visa application

Do they need your original passport at
all for this visa application? Do you
have to send a photocopy of that as
well? I'm just asking because I plan
to travel to southeast asia before I
arrive there on a series of one way
tickets, and I have to send my passport
in to get a bunch of holiday Visa's.
Thanks a bunch

Not sure. I don't recall ever having to send my passport away, but you may need it at your X-ray to prove you're you or to help them with their paperwork. If you're getting your visa affixed into your passport here before leaving, then you'd need it, but you may be able to have the visa pasted in in Sydney after you've arrived.

Ya, I'll have to get it affixed once I arrive there. I plan on taking a 2 months holiday to southeast asia first before I arrive in Melbourne to start work.so I hope I won't have any problems getting it once I get there. I'm guessing an employment letter for the company won't hurt either. Thanks G'bye rain

If you are doing your visa online and you already have your employers nomination you just have to read all the information over and over to make sure you have everything. There is a booklet you can download from the DIAC website that is really helpful for applying for this visa. It has a check list in it. I found that certified/notarized is different here than in Canada. In Canada I had to take all these documents to a notary and it cost heaps, but over here you just go to a JP (there are 4 at my work) and they just view the original and the copy and have their official stamp and it costs nothing. Just be sure you have ALL the documents they ask for and that they are all notarized.
I recently reapplied for my Canadian passport and I think that is the only application where I have ever had to send original documents.
Also with the visa online, you just scan the notarized documents and attach them to your application. The xray and medical stuff is all that needs to actually be sent to DIAC (dept of immigration and citizenship) Hope this helps, Jo
To Gravity Orange, I just re read your posts and I wonder if you have started the process for the 457 visa, or are you just going on a working holiday visa? Do you realize that it is a long process and can take several months? I think if you are on a working holiday you have to have a return ticket of some sort. Also the employer knows what he has to submit to the DIAC you just have to have all the other documents.
Oh, FYI did you know it can take up to 120 days for an RCMP criminal records check. Mine took 65 days. It says 120 on their website.

Ya my Visa process has been Started, I am going for the Chest x-rays this week. Its not a holiday working Visa that I am getting, but the 457 company sponsored Visa. Its ok because I am going to travel Asia for 2 months before I get there anyways, so I really don't need the Visa to be granted until mid March. If it is not granted by then, then I just stay in Asia awhile longer until it is granted.

The chest x-rays must be done only if you have been asked to provide these. My contract states not to begin this process until specifically asked to do so.
I was asked for letters of referral from previous employers as well as proof of de-facto relationshhip with my girlfriend. This includes any receipts of major purchases, insurance together, clubs or sports in which you have bee enrolled together. The proof should date back at least 6 months prior to applying for visa. Of course, if you're married, then the marriage contract should suffice.In terms of education documentation, I was asked to provide evidence of my highest level of education, and scanned or photocopied passports for all involved in the moving. Birth certificates for children.