The short answer. AgentDS keeps a document checklist on each application: what you have asked the client for, who it concerns, and where each item stands. Start from a starter checklist for the visa subclass or build your own, attach files to each document record, and keep case notes alongside the client's work. Files are stored privately in Sydney and checked for malware before anyone can open them.
What it does today
- Starter checklists by visa. Add a checklist to an application, and AgentDS suggests the starter list for the subclass you recorded. Starter lists cover student (500), temporary graduate (485), Skills in Demand (482), employer nomination (186), skilled points-tested (189, 190 and 491), partner (820/801 and 309/100), visitor (600), contributory parent (143 and 864) and protection (866) visas, citizenship by conferral, and merits and judicial review matters.
- Preview before you add. See every item before it is added. AgentDS adds just the items missing from the application, so you can apply a list to a matter that is under way.
- Who each item concerns. Each item says whether it applies to the primary applicant, secondary applicants, all applicants, or the sponsor or nominator, with a note on how long it usually takes to obtain.
- Your own templates. Build reusable task and document-checklist templates for the matters you handle, and assign one to an application after reviewing the dates.
- Status for every item. Record each requested document and its checklist status, with a due date where it matters. Deadline reminder emails go to the owner and the responsible person when a recorded document date reaches 90, 60, 30 or 7 days, or falls due.
- Secure file uploads. Attach PDFs, Word and Excel files, CSV, text files and phone photos to document records. Files are stored privately in Sydney and checked for malware before anyone can open them, and only staff who can see that record can open its files.
- Case notes with the work. Record case notes alongside the client's applications, documents and fees. The activity timeline shows calls, emails, follow-ups and notes, and carries over when a lead becomes a client.
Starter checklists are internal document requests. The practitioner confirms each requirement against current Home Affairs policy before relying on a list.
How a practice uses it
- Put the agreement first. Make "Signed service agreement" and "Consumer guide given" the first items on every template, so no matter moves on without them.
- Add the starter list at engagement. Open the application, add the suggested checklist, remove anything that doesn't apply to this client and save.
- Request documents in one message. Prepare the client's document request from AgentDS and send it, then mark items as they arrive.
- Attach each file to its record. Upload the file to the matching document record, so the checklist and the evidence stay together.
- Note every conversation. Write a file note of each call or meeting on the client's record, and give next steps an owner and a due date.
Keeping the client file complete
The Code of Conduct sets out what a registered migration agent must keep on each client file, including client documents and evidence that originals were returned. Our record keeping checklist lists each record with its section, and our guide to file notes for migration agents includes a free template. A document checklist template can include every record the checklist names, so each new matter starts complete.
For visa-specific lists in practice, see the partner visa workflow, and for the stages each checklist belongs to, see visa application tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Which visas have starter checklists?
Student (500), temporary graduate (485), Skills in Demand (482), employer nomination (186), skilled points-tested (189, 190 and 491), partner (820/801 and 309/100), visitor (600), contributory parent (143 and 864) and protection (866), plus citizenship by conferral and review matters. You can also build your own.
Which file types can I upload?
PDFs, Word and Excel files, CSV, text files and phone photos. Each file is checked for malware before anyone can open it.
Where are uploaded files stored?
Privately in Sydney, Australia. The security page lists every service that processes data and how backups work.
Can I change a starter checklist?
Yes. Preview the list, keep the items that apply and add your own. Your reusable templates hold the lists you use most.