Applying for a Tourist Visa to Australia has never been easier for Filipinos. It’s all online. It’s so easy, you can handle everything on your own.
Basic steps
- Gather your documents
- Submit your application
- Get your biometrics taken (in Cebu or Manila)
- Wait for the decision
Basic requirements
- Passport
- Itinerary / travel plans
- Proof of employment
- Proof of funds
Cost
- Php6,100 ~ visa application fee
- Php892 ~ biometric collection fee
Create an ImmiAccount
An ImmiAccount is an online platform that allows you to create and submit visa applications for Australia. It is a required step, but the good thing is, creating an ImmiAccount is totally FREE!
You can create multiple applications with one ImmiAccount. This means you can use the same account to create applications for yourself and anyone else part of your trip.
- It is FREE to create an ImmiAccount
- You must have a valid email address
Create a new Visitor Visa (600) application
You need to make a separate application for each person joining your trip. So, if you and your spouse are going together, you have to submit two applications – one for you and one for your spouse.
In later steps, you’ll be given the chance to place both applications in a “Group”. This indicates that you and your spouse will be traveling together.
Select the appropriate visa type, which in this case is “Visitor Visa (600)”.
Fill out the application form
Saving your application
There are 19 pages to fill out. Yes, that’s a lot but you do not have to do them all at once. Whew!
When your head starts spinning from sifting through all the information, take a break and save your progress to get back to it later. It’s just like pausing a video game!
It’s perfectly normal to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to go through everything. I did mine in 2 weeks! Don’t rush it. Take your time. Double check, heck, triple check to make sure all the information you’ve entered is accurate.
Significant dates on which the applicant needs to be in Australia
If you are going to Australia to attend a special event such as a wedding, a convention, or a reunion, enter the dates under “Give details of any significant dates on which the applicant needs to be in Australia“.
If your travel dates are flexible (e.g. doing a DIY trip), then you can leave it blank.
Group processing
If you’re traveling with other people, this section lets you specify the group you’ll be traveling with.
For example, if your family (you, spouse, child) is going on this trip, you can create a group named “dela Cruz family trip”. When your spouse and child fills out their applications, they should select the ‘dela Cruz family trip’ group from the option.
By doing so, you are linking your application with theirs. This will let the Immigration Officer know that you all will be going together.
Furthermore, you will be able to enter the names of the people you are going with in the Traveling Companions step.
Other identity documents
It’s good to upload other IDs you may have, such as the ones listed below. This helps the Immigration Officer verify who you are, where you reside, and that you truly are a citizen of the Philippines.
- Birth certificate (NSO)
- Driver's license
- Marriage certificate
- Social security card (SSS)
You may upload other IDs not listed above, as long as it is government-issued.
Health examination
According to this page from the Australian Embassy of the Philippines’ website, if you are traveling for just a short period, specifically, below 6 months, a health exam is not required. This info can change from time-to-time so be sure to check their website for more up-to-date information.
Non-accompanying members of the family unit
- Partner - married or de facto (same or opposite sex)
- Eligible child
With that said, you do not need to mention your grandmother, your great grandmother, and any other living ancestor who will not be going with you!
Length of stay in Australia
Be truthful with your planned length of stay in Australia. If you are unsure of the exact dates, indicate the dates when you will likely travel.
Funding / financial details
This part lets you to explain how you can afford to travel to Australia.
You do not have to fund the trip yourself! That means, if you wish to treat your retired mommy and daddy to an all-expense-paid trip to Australia, you can do so! As long as you have the financial documents to prove you can afford it, then you’re good!
Declarations
The rest of the application are declarations regarding your health, your criminal records, and your visa history. Be truthful with your answers. For example, if you say you’ve held a visa for the USA, then you must be able to show that with your supporting documents. Don’t fake it!
Upload your supporting documents
Once you’ve filled everything out, you may begin uploading your supporting documents. Read and follow this guide provided by the Home Affairs website. To summarize:
- You can upload up to 60 files - plan wisely!
- Files may be up to 5MB each
- You may scan or take clear photos of your documents
- Ensure that all details are readable
- Upload all required documents
- Upload any other documents you believe will support your application
Now there isn’t much information I can find on what documents you can or cannot upload, but based on our experience, this is how we did it:
Evidence of applicant's previous travel
- Pages from our current and old passports with travel stamps and attached visas
- Visa documents
- Biodata pages of the old passports above
Family register and composition form (Form 54)
- We only filled out the English page, as instructed
- If we had more than 3 siblings, we only included the first 3
- We left Date of Births blank if we didn't know their birthdays
- We wrote 'UKNOWN' for family members whose address we didn't know
- We used digital signatures to sign the declarations at the bottom
I suppose one could print the form, fill it out, sign it and scan it for upload.
Evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia (itinerary)
Here’s an example of an itinerary. This is how we formatted ours:
- We uploaded it in PDF form
- We highlighted the attractions we were planning to visit
- We made sure the activities are doable in the given time
- We kept it simple
Evidence of current employment or self-employment
According to this page on the Department of Home Affairs website,
If you are employed, you may submit:
- Employment contract
- A letter from your employer stating your role in the company
- Payslips
- A confirmation from your employer that you have approved leave
As self-employed, we submitted:
- BIR Certificate of Registration
- Mayor's Business Permit
- DTI Certification
- Contract of Lease for our office space
Evidence of financial status and funding for visit
This is a very important step, and I recommend gathering as many supporting documents you can to prove you have enough funding for the trip.
If someone else, like a friend or spouse, is funding your trip, upload their documents here. However, it’s also crucial to include your own financial documents (yes! even if you’re not funding your trip!). This shows that you have a stable financial situation here in the Philippines – stable enough to actually return home and not illegally overstay in Australia.
These are the documents we submitted and a bit of explanation for each:
Income Tax Return (BIR)
Having a steady income will strengthen your application because it says that you have reason to go back home. An ITR shows just that! It also shows that you pay your taxes and are doing your civic duty as a Filipino.
Bank statements or bank certificates
The most asked question of all is probably how much money you should have in your bank. The truth is, the amount of money in your bank alone isn't the only deciding factor if you'll get a visa. As far as I know, the Australian government doesn't specify this somewhere. Your overall financial status is what's important. So, it's best to be realistic with your travel plans, do your best to prove you can truly afford the trip, and show that it will not put you in a hole when you get back.
- Must cover the last 3 months
- Ensure your name and address are indicated
- Bank statements may be downloaded from your bank's website / app
- If your statements contain many pages, put them in a single PDF file
Credit card statements
We included these to show we have other sources of funds, if needed. Your credit limit also reflects your credit standing and borrowing power - a good sign of financial standing
Other documents showing business transactions / income flow
- PayPal
- Wise
Real property ownership
Ownership of real properties shows strong ties to the Philippines.
- Land titles
- Real property tax declarations
- Mortgage documents
Cover letter
A cover letter is not required by the Home Affairs. But, it will not hurt to provide one if you think it will help explain your situation. We uploaded ours under Other Documents (an option that became available after they requested for our biometrics).
I suppose you could upload it under Evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia if your cover letter explains the intricacies of your trip.
Or, you could probably upload it under Evidence of financial status and funding for visit if it explains further how your trip will be funded.
Pay the visa application fee
The fee is $150AUD, around Php6,100. To get a more accurate estimate, visit the visa pricing estimator. The fee does not include the biometrics collection fee. Payment methods are:
- Credit card
- PayPal
Provide your biometrics
As part of your application, you will be required to provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) to an Australian Biometrics Collection Center. There are 2 collection centers in the Philippines:
- VFS Global - Manila
- VFS Global - Cebu
The biometric collection fee is Php892.
1. Wait for the Home Affiars letter requesting for your biometrics
After paying the visa application fee, you will soon receive a message in a PDF file requesting you to provide biometrics. You may receive the message through email or access it through your ImmiAccount under Messages.
- Take note of the Visa Lodgement Number (VLN)
- Print or save a digital copy of the request letter
2. Book an appointment for biometrics collection
An appointment is needed to enter the VFS Global center – the place where your biometrics will be collected. Go to this page to create an account and then book your appointment.
3. Visit the VFS Global Center on your appointment date
Bring the following
- Appointment letter from VFS Global (printed / digial)
- Biometric request letter from Home Affairs Australia (printed / digital)
- Passport, or other valid ID
4. Upload the biometrics receipt
- After biometrics collection, VFS Global will give you a receipt
- Take a photo of that receipt
- Login to your ImmiAccount and access your application
- Go to View Attachments
- A new option to upload Other Documents is now made available
- Upload the photo of the receipt
The waiting game
If the filling out of the application form is not the most stressful part, then the waiting game probably is. To get an idea of when you might receive feedback, use this tool from the Department of Home Affairs website.
If granted a visa
Well, congratulations! You did it! And I wish you safe travels!
If your visa application is denied
Review everything and examine which factors you think affected the decision. The good news is you can always reapply. But, be sure to do it right the next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get bank statements or bank certificates?
If your bank’s website has the feature, you can download your bank statements online.
Visit your bank to request for a bank certificate. It’ll cost you around Php50 – Php100 per page.
Note that some branches will not issue a bank certificate unless your account was opened within that branch. Check with your bank for more info.
Will I need to appear for an interview?
No, the only appearance you will have to go through is when you are providing your biometrics.
What happens during biometrics collection?
The process is really easy and non-invasive. The collecting agent will take a picture of your face (duh!) and fingerprints. That’s it!
Can I provide my biometrics online?
No, you have to go to an Australian Biometric Collection Centre to have your biometrics collected. There are 2 centres in the Philippines:
- VFS Global - Manila
- VFS Global - Cebu
Will I need to submit a photo? Where can I do this?
Your photo will be taken during the biometrics collection.
I’m unemployed, can I still apply for a visitor visa to Australia?
Certainly, there’s no law stopping you from applying for a visa if you’re unemployed. But, you have to figure out how you’ll pay for your trip. If someone else is willing to pay for you (good for you!), you need to show they have the financial capacity to do so.
Also, you need to prove you’ll come back to the Philippines. You can do this by including supporting documents such as, school enrollment papers, ownership of real estate properties, stuff like that.
