ACS says original documents not in English must be translated, and both the original and translation must be uploaded.
Payment evidence may include payslips, bank statements, tax records, employment-linked insurance or superannuation documents.
Choose the evidence ACS requires first, then translate every required non-English page without omitting context.
If you are preparing non-English employment or payment evidence for an ACS Migration Skills Assessment, translate the originals selected for your application and upload the originals with their English translations. ACS’s Document translation guidance sets that rule.
This article explains how to prepare documents for translation. It does not assess your skills-assessment eligibility, choose an ACS pathway, give migration advice or decide which evidence you should submit.
What payment evidence does ACS ask for?
ACS’s Payment Evidence guidance says that, for each employment period, applicants need at least two different evidence types from the beginning and at least two from the end. For continuing employment, recent evidence may be used instead. At least one of the two evidence types must come from a source other than the employer.
The ACS categories include payslips, bank statements, official government tax records, employment-linked insurance, and superannuation or provident-fund documents. ACS also says cash payments alone are not sufficient payment evidence. Once you have identified the evidence required for your application, translate each selected non-English document page in full.
What should each translated document show?
Before arranging translation, check that the source documents contain the details ACS describes. The table below summarises the current ACS points for payment evidence and employment references.
| Document | ACS details to check before translation | Translation-preparation note |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statement | Official bank letterhead or stamp, bank location/address, applicant name, payment dates matching the employment reference, and employer-named deposits | Supply complete relevant pages. Preserve headers, dates, employer names, page numbers and transaction context. |
| Payslip | Employer name/address/logo, payment period, salary/wages, tax, applicant name, job title and work address | Supply every selected payslip in full; do not crop employer or period details. |
| Employment letter/reference | Company letterhead; employer name, address and website; applicant name; letter date; employment dates/status; hours; salary/benefits; work location; role; duties; authorised signature and business contact details | A translation reproduces the source document. It cannot add missing duties, dates, hours, salary, signatures or contact details. |
For an employment reference, ACS distinguishes a reference from an employment contract, offer letter, appointment letter or position description. ACS’s Employment References guidance says those other documents are not assessable and may delay processing. A translator can accurately translate what your source document says; they cannot supply details that are absent from it.
Are “template” and “full” translations ACS categories?
No. “Template translation” and “full translation” are provider labels, not ACS categories. Ask what the completed English deliverable contains and who certifies it, rather than relying on a product name.
Before ordering, confirm these points in writing:
- Is the final document a complete English translation rather than a summary or extract?
- Does it cover every submitted page selected for the application?
- Who completes and certifies the translation?
- Are the translator details required by ACS present?
- What correction process applies if ACS questions the translation’s format or completeness?
These questions help you compare the proposed deliverable with the documents you have selected. They do not let a provider choose your ACS evidence or replace ACS guidance.
Two recent Taiwanese-client translation matters
In two recent translation matters for Taiwanese clients preparing ACS Migration Skills Assessment evidence, each document set included bank statements, payslips and an employment letter. The translation task was to present the selected non-English source documents accurately in English, including names, dates, employer details, payment periods and visible document structure.
These are anonymous service examples, not evidence that every ACS applicant needs the same documents. They do not establish that ACS accepted either document set or that an assessment or visa application succeeded.
For Taiwanese readers who need a Traditional Chinese-language resource focused specifically on bank statements, see Taiwan bank statement NAATI translation. It is an optional related resource, not the commercial owner of this ACS requirements Post.
How should I prepare source files for translation and upload?
ACS’s Payment Evidence guidance says paper originals should be high-quality colour scans of at least 300 dpi, with consistent resolution and all document edges visible. For electronic originals, upload the original files; do not merge a digitally signed file with another document. Follow ACS’s current grouping and password instructions where they apply.
These are ACS upload-formatting requirements. A translation provider’s intake process is separate: sending a scan for a written quote or translation does not prove that the scan will meet ACS upload requirements.
Translation routes in Australia and overseas
ACS’s Document translation guidance says acceptable translations obtained in Australia may be from NAATI-accredited translators. For translations completed outside Australia, ACS identifies other routes and says the translating organisation must show its letterhead and official stamp, plus the translator’s name, signature and legibly printed contact telephone number so ACS can verify the translator.
NAATI is therefore an Australian translation route described by ACS, not the only possible route worldwide. The translation route and the selected evidence are separate decisions: ACS guidance determines the evidence requirements, while the translation must accurately present the non-English source documents.
Get a written translation quote
Need a written quote for bank statements, payslips or employment letters being prepared for an ACS skills assessment? Send the document type, source language, number of pages and required date to ABC Translation Australia. We can confirm the translation scope, price and delivery before work starts.
NAATI-certified document translation for an ACS skills assessment is provided through our NAATI-certified translators. Fiona He is the owner and content author; she is not presented as the credential holder.
Frequently asked questions
Do all non-English ACS documents need to be translated?
ACS says original documents not in English need translation. Select the evidence required for your application first; a translation provider can translate the selected non-English documents but does not choose the evidence for you.
Do I upload both the original document and the English translation?
Yes. ACS’s Document translation guidance says to upload both the original document and its English translation.
Can I translate only the salary deposits on a bank statement?
Do not remove the statement context that ACS needs to see. ACS lists bank-statement details including the bank’s official letterhead or stamp, location/address, applicant name, relevant payment dates and employer-named deposits. Choose the evidence pages under ACS guidance, then arrange a complete translation of the selected non-English pages.
Does ACS require a NAATI-certified translator?
For translations obtained in Australia, ACS says acceptable translations may be obtained from NAATI-accredited translators. ACS also describes overseas translation routes and the organisation and translator details it requires for verification, so NAATI is not the only worldwide route.
Can a translation provider decide which months of payment evidence I need?
No. ACS’s payment-evidence requirements determine the evidence pattern for an employment period. A translation provider can confirm the scope of translating the documents you select, but cannot choose the months or evidence type for your ACS assessment.
Author: Fiona He
Owner and content lead, ABC Translation Australia
Last reviewed: 12 August 2026