How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos

During an airfare promo from AirAsia a few months back, we frantically booked seats to wherever the promo applied. When the dust settled, we were able to book multiple flights to 7 countries, all Asian countries, except one, the Land Down Under, Australia.

We were thrilled, but in the back of our minds, we were wary of the Visa application process, but armed with Visas from South Korea and Japan, both OECD countries like Australia, we were much more confident of the application process.

Good news to us Filipinos, the Philippines is now one of the chosen countries who can apply for an Australian Visa online through the official website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). For the past years, Filipinos had to apply for an Australian Visa through a third-party service provider,  VFS Global. Filipinos can still apply through them though however, there will be an additional service fee on top of the visa fee plus you are obliged to pay the courier fees for document collection and return.

The advantage of applying online aside from it’s cheaper and more convenient, is that you do not have to submit your passport to the embassy which means, you can still travel abroad while waiting for your visa approval.

The biggest disadvantage of the online application? You’re only sent an email that serves as the e-Visa and you’re not going to have some fancy copy of the Visa on your passport that you can brag to your friends. We know, it’s really disheartening.

Here’s a copy of our e-Visa:

Read on as we will be sharing tips, guide and visa requirements based on our experience in applying for an Australian Tourist Visa. If you are looking for other requirements depending on your status, you can directly visit their official website.

Australian Visitor Visa (600) Requirements for Unemployed/Businessman

1. Scanned Passport Bio-Page
2. Scanned Passport-size Photo (You also have to write down your complete name at the back of your photo and scan it as well)
3. Scanned Entry/Exit Immigration Stamps on your passport
4. Scanned NSO Birth Certificate
5. Scanned of Invitation Letter from Sponsor
6. Scanned ITR, Property documents
7. Scanned Bank Certificate and Bank Statement

Helpful tip 1: If you think that above requirements are not enough then you can add more documents. Anyhow, you can attach files up to 60 per applicant.

Helpful tip 2: We’re not sure as to what the minimum amount you should have on your Bank Certificate because the Embassy of Australia nor any of the travel agencies never disclosed this information. Just make sure your bank account is opened for at least 6 months from the date you applied for a visa.

Helpful tip 3: If you are applying with your baby, attach all your documents to your baby’s application.

Helpful tip 4: In case you want to submit a cover letter, whatever reasons you indicate in your letter, make sure you submit proofs/documents as backup. Like for example, in our case, we mentioned on our cover letter that the reason why we should be going back to Philippines is to attend Sheena’s mother’s 1st death anniversary. As backup to this, we scanned a copy of her mother’s death certificate and attached it our applications.

Steps on applying for an Australian Visitor Visa (600) online

1. Create an ImmiAccount
   ImmiAccount is the DIBP’s front door to their online services. You need to use ImmiAccount if you want to apply for a visa and a lot more.
2. Fill up the application online form
   Once you have registered an ImmiAccount and login, you can now start creating a new application. Make sure you choose Visitor Visa (600) for tourist visa. The application form is pretty much straightforward. You can save it and log back in to finish the application.
3. Attach the required documents
   Once you are done filling out the online application form, you will be routed to a page that lists all major documents required. You are given 1 month to complete the documents.
4. Submit and Pay the visa fee
   You will receive an IMMI Acknowledgement of Application Received email.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check the progress of my visa application?
You can check the progress of your online application through your ImmiAccount.

How much is the visa fee?
For subclass 600 Vistor Visa, the fee is AUD 135 plus a minimal surcharge for card payment used.

What are the payment methods?
The online application only accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club International.

How long will it take to process the Visitor Visa?
Normally, it takes 3-4 weeks but there are some who experienced longer than 4 weeks. That is why, it is advisable to submit the application 3 months before your intended departure date.

Do we have to submit our plane ticket and accommodation?
No. It is not required.

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