Is It Normal for Employers to Request Passport and Visa before a Job Interview?

CharityCase on 11/11/2021 - 20:26
Last edited 11/11/2021 - 20:40 by 1 other user

Hi guys I've been applying for jobs recently, have already done some phone interviews and video interviews.

Yesterday I was contacted by a company (a legitimate international company with Australian offices), had a short chat with this HR lady and she's happy to set up an Team interview with the managers next week, however she told me to send her my passport and visa along with the employment application prior to interview.

I understand the employers are obligated to make sure the employees they hire have the rights to work in Australia, and I'm completely comfortable to provide them when they decide to hire me or when my application can progress to next stage however request of identity documentations before an interview seems bit odd to me.

I've never experienced this before, is it normal/reasonable for employers to do so?

Education & Work

Comments

  • Gervais fanboy on 11/11/2021 - 20:31
    +1

    I am an international myself… have had to share my visa details at almost every place that I have worked at.
    But never my passport, that ones a bit strange.

  • Soluble on 11/11/2021 - 20:33
    +8

    They're confirming your right to work in Australia before moving forward. I wouldn't want to waste time interviewing someone that doesn't have the right to work in Australia

    • Hybroid on 11/11/2021 - 20:36

      Pretty much this. Yes it's normal practise to confirm you're eligible to work and not waste both your time if not.

  • mickyb80 on 11/11/2021 - 20:36

    Yes, they want to confirm that you are an AU res and/or your res status.

  • CrispyChrispy on 11/11/2021 - 21:03

    Yes, when I was employed at my current workplace they asked for both. It's normal.

  • nofcksgvn on 11/11/2021 - 22:06

    Yah, It was the same for me as well had to share both at my current workplace

  • niffy on 11/11/2021 - 23:05

    I had to scan my passport before an internship interview once

  • USER DC on 11/11/2021 - 23:11

    Ofcourse employer need to ensure
    1. they aren't paying/overpaying to someone who's illegal/limited work rights in Australia. (at very least has legal work rights otherwise if AFP knocks them down employers face big fines)
    2. they aren't hiring someone with bad and dodgy past history (e.g. multiple name changes or something else)

    If someone who's not asking for your Work right documents that person or company is probably
    1. not going to be big or popular
    2. not going to be staying in business (if in legit business at first place) for long time

  • Quantumcat on 12/11/2021 - 06:56
    +2

    If you are worried they are not genuine, get some glad wrap and write "passport provided for the purposes of a job application at X company on X date, not for any other use" on it and put that over your passport before you take a picture.

  • HardQuiz on 12/11/2021 - 06:59

    Provide VEVO printout.

  • freefall101 on 14/11/2021 - 10:04

    I used to work with a large recruitment team and regularly people would lie about their passport status in order to get an interview, then try get sponsored for the job. It’s an annoying waste of time.

    Or people who swear black and blue that they’re eligible to work but when you look at their visa they aren’t.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join