Visa Application: Australian Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders

This article is how I went about getting an Australian Tourist visa.  Note that there are several ways to apply for a visa, and this enumerates the steps I took to acquire a Visitor Subclass 600 using an ImmiAccount.  I went through the process online, without going to the Australian embassy or seeking the assistance of an agency.  

Once I had my support documents ready, the entire process took about a week to complete.  From lodging my application to getting my visa grant notice.  I cannot guarantee that the timeline will be the same for everyone.  As a general rule, if you're traveling to a country that requires visa, you might want to process your application three months before your intended departure.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also going to share reference sites I used that helped me with the process.

Below is the summary of steps I took to go through the application.  

Step 1. Create an ImmiAccount

Step 2. Prepare your documents

Step 3. Complete online application form 

Step 4. Upload all needed documents online

Step 5. Pay the visa application fee

Step 6. Wait for you grant notice

The steps are almost similar to the steps outlined in this Pinoy Australia Information Forum shared to me by a friend.  The only difference is I added Step 2, because I needed that much organization in my life.  That link is super helpful in getting my brain straight in this visa processing, so you might want to check it out.

STEP 1: Create an ImmiAccount

Creating your ImmiAccount is an essential first step.  I simply went to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.  The website is pretty easy to navigate and will give you instructions on how to process your application, as well.  If you are unsure what visa you should apply for, you're encouraged to go through the Visa Finder.  Note that not all visas can be processed through an ImmiAccount.  So, it's best to check.

I applied for a Visa Subclass 600, which is their basic tourist visa.  If you're on the webpage, select Individuals and Travellers tab, then select Visa support, then ImmiAccount.  Or you can just click on that last link to get there.  

On that page you will find a link that says Create an Individual ImmiAccount.  Select that and click on the link that says Create an ImmiAccount.

It will take you to a pop-up window where you can fill in the information to register.

You will need to fill in your name as it appears on your passport, your email address, create a password and select the corresponding visa subclass.  All correspondence will be sent through the email you provide, including your visa grant notice.

This will also generate a reference number, which you might want to take note of.

You do not need to complete the application form when you register for an ImmiAccount.  Just make sure you remember your password and to save the page in your bookmarks.  Once you have all of your documents prepared, you can come back to your ImmiAccount to complete the form and upload all your documents.

STEP 2: Prepare your documents

After registering to an ImmiAccount, I went to work on the documents I needed to apply for the visa.  Below is the list of documents I prepared and the corresponding category they fell under when I uploaded them.

The Birth Certificate from NSO took less than a week.  I made the request through their e-Census website and paid through BDO.  It was delivered to me on the same week and cost PHP350 per copy.

My bank statement was given on the same day I requested it.  I requested for the last six months' transaction. The process is similar with most banks, which you can request from your branch.  Some banks allow you to request it over the phone and you can go to your branch to just pick it up.   

A common question is how much money should you have in your account.  I have no answer for that.  But if you planned your trip, you should know how much you're going to need as a tourist to survive in the duration of time you intend to visit.

I created my own cover letter and included my planned itinerary.  I was pretty upfront with indicating I intended to visit and get touristy.  

I scanned all of the documents when they were ready and saved them as PDF files.  When you scan them, you might want to separate them per type of document.  This will make it easier when you upload them in your ImmiAccount.

Note that the above is not a prescribed list.  They are the documents that applied to me.  I would suggest basing your document list on the category as they pretty much tell you what you need to provide.

Surprisingly, I did not need to provide a photo.  I think that you may be required to provide one if you use other channels, though.  

STEP 3: Complete online application form

Once I had all of my documents ready, it's now time to complete the online application form.  There are several pages of the online version, and there are questions that provide drop down options for the answers.  

The best tip I can provide you when answering the form is to be honest.  It's the same when applying for visa from any country.  A basic principle of life, really.  Any inconsistency in your application may cost you a denied visa, and visa payments are non-refundable.  Be prepared to provide proof for any of the answers you give.  Like if you're visiting family, you may want to ask them to provide you an invitation letter.  If your parents are funding your trip, you need to show proof they can fund it.

Some things that may be confusing while you answer the lengthy questionnaire are references to an identity document.  This refers to a birth certificate for Filipinos.  

I was a little confused when I got across the question "Non-accompanying members of the family unit."  If you are single, just indicate the names, relation, and date of birth of your parents and siblings who are not going with you to Australia.  I don't know why it was worded that way.

Some of the confusing questions are noted in the Pinoy Australia Information Forum, go visit the page so it can clarify how to answer them.

Again, this document doesn't have to be answered in one sitting.  You can go back to it as long as you have not yet submitted your application.

STEP 4: Upload all needed documents online

When I was done completing the form, the next step was to upload my supporting documents.  Remember the list on Step 2 for my sanity?  Yeah.  Time to upload those scanned babies.

Each document would have a corresponding category, and the list I made on Step 2 includes the categories I uploaded them as.  The page would also indicate what file types can be uploaded and the limit on uploads.  You can upload using most common file types like .pdf, .png, .jpg, etc.  I saved all of my documents in PDF and did not encounter any problem.  Although, If I remember correctly, they do not allow zip files.

I've read some blogs that say they provided an Evidence of Temporary Stay, but I didn't see this category when I applied.  This refers to documents that show you have reason to come back to the Philippines, like property, rental contract, etc.  My landlady wasn't able to notarize my rental contract on time, so I didn't include it.  They didn't seem to need it either.  

One more document that some people provide are copies of their credit card statements, which I didn't use.  This can be added as Evidence of Financial Capacity.

Another thing to note is if your online application has incomplete documents, you may be sent an email to upload them in your ImmiAccount promptly.  Provide them immediately to avoid delays.  The consul may also require you to go through an interview, so you may be asked to go to the Australian Embassy in the Philippines which is located at Level 23-Tower 2 RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati.

STEP 5: Pay the visa application fee

The next step is to complete the payment.  I paid AUD140  for my application in September 2017.  The rate may change, so check for the amount in the Fees and charges for visa page.  It also includes a conversion calculator, which can be useful for budgeting your visa payment.

They accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Paypal.  There's a surcharge for paying using credit cards, so check for your card on the How to Pay page to find out how much is the surcharge.

Remember that regardless of the result, the amount is non-refundable.

Once the payment was made, I got a confirmation that the application had been submitted.  So, making the payment is basically your point of no return.

STEP 6: Wait for your grant notice

After completing all the steps above, the only thing left to do was wait.  I lodged my application on a Monday and received my IMMI Grant Notice on Saturday of the same week.  It was so much faster than I expected.  I thought the process was going to take about two weeks, and I didn't even have to go to the embassy.

The Global visa processing times table will give you an idea how long your visa may be processed.  From what I've read, the ideal timeframe to expect a response is 30 days.  If you do not receive any notice after 30 days from your application, you can follow up with the Australian embassy through this page and include your full name, date of birth, visa type, and reference number.  You can also check the status of your application through your ImmiAccount.  

The notice will be sent to the email address you used to register your ImmiAccount.  It's an electronic paper visa that you need to print and present when you go on your trip.  They only asked for it during check-in and at the Philippine Immigration. I wasn't asked to present it upon arrival in Australia.  

While I love the fact that they're minimizing their carbon footprint, I was a little sad that there was nothing on my passport to show proof that I traveled to Australia.  It's one of the novelties of travelers.  To see that new stamp on a passport.  Nevertheless, I'm glad the country is progressive enough to think about the environment like that.

I hope this was helpful.  This process was the easiest visa application I've gone through.  I thought the easiest was getting my visa for Japan, but Australia wins this by not requiring me to go to an embassy or agency.  I hope you will also enjoy your trip to the Land Down Under as much as I did.

Happy travels!