This step-by-step Australian visa guide covers both Tourist and Business streams, the visa requirements, and the entire online application process. Last update: 2019 • 4 • 6.
One sure way to make us smile is to mention Australia. Whenever a friend asks us a simple question about our time there, we can’t seem to stop talking passionately. Australia is incredible. It may be the world’s smallest continent, but it is teeming with adventures.
So far, we have visited seven cities and six national parks (Litchfield, Kakadu, Wattarka, Kata Tjuta-Uluru, Port Campbell, and the Great Barrier Reef). Fortunately, it is easy to get an Australian tourist visa. While you can still apply via VFS Global, a more hassle-free way is to do everything online. I’ve done this three times for myself and several times for my friends and family.
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
AUSTRALIAN TOURIST VISA OR BUSINESS VISA?
This guide is for those applying for an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) online. Under this visa, there are two main streams: Tourist and Business.
- Tourist Stream. According to VFS, a tourist is a person visiting Australia temporarily “for a holiday, for a visit to relatives or friends, or for other short-term non-work purposes, including study for less than three months.” This stream applies to people who will be shouldering their own expenses and have no sponsors.
- Business Stream. This type is for those who are flying to Australia for a business-related activity like attending a conference or meeting a client. This is different from a Work Visa, which we know nothing about.
If you’re eyeing another type (long-term study, work, residency visas), I’m afraid we can’t help you because we haven’t experienced it.
To clarify: If you’re visiting a relative or friend but you will shoulder your travel expenses, you will still fall under the Tourist Stream. But if you’re sponsored by someone in Australia, there is a separate category for that: Sponsored Family Stream. We haven’t tried this stream yet, so we’re not covering that in this post.
AUSTRALIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
- Accomplished online application form. No need to print anything. You will be filling this out after creating an account. The form has 20 pages, so completing it can take a while, but it’s easy.
- Passport-size photo. Soft copy.
- Copy of passport info page. Scanned. Must be clear.
- Evidence of financial status and funding for visit. Any or all of the following:
– Personal bank statement
– ITR or tax document
– Payslips
– Title deed
– Retirement pension book - Evidence of Applicant’s Previous Travel. You may be asked to provide scanned copies of the pages of your OLD and CURRENT passports that have entry and exit stamps and visas. Not all applicants are required to submit this.
- Evidence of current employment or self-employment. For employees, it can be any or all of the following:
– Certificate of employment, explaining your role in the company
– Evidence of leave
For self-employed individuals or business-owners, any or all of the following will be accepted:
– Business registration documents
– Finance sheets (profits and losses)
For students
– Certificate of enrolment - Family Register and Composition Form.
– Form 54 (Family Composition)
– PSA Birth Certificate
– Marriage Certificate. If your current last name is different from your last name in your birth certificate. - Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities in Australia. (For Tourist Stream ONLY)
– Day-to-day itinerary (daily schedule showing the places you will visit and things you will do). Sample itinerary here. - Evidence of Business-Related Reason for Travel. (For Business Stream ONLY.) It can be any or all of the following:
– Conference registration
– Details of previous contacts with Australian company or organization
– Letter from employer explaining the reason for traveling - Group Tour Details. If you’re visiting Australia as part of a group tour, submit any or all of the following:
– Group Itinerary
– Letter from company or institution organizing the tour
– Group tour participants list - Visa Fee. As of July 2019, the fee is AUD 145. Credit card, debit card, PayPal, and UnionPay are accepted.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- NOT ALL of the above are required. Some are labeled REQUIRED while others are tagged RECOMMENDED. So technically, not all of these are required. But I still strongly encourage you to submit as many listed documents as you can.
- On the list above, I keep on writing “ANY or ALL of these documents” under some categories. Why? Because in theory, you can submit just one item per document type. But of course, the more relevant documents you upload, the higher your chances of your application being approved.
- Some documents don’t apply to everyone. I tried changing some answers to check if it would affect the list of requirements and I found that it did. Therefore: The list of requirements vary depending on your answers to the questions in the form. For example, when I applied for myself and my mom, I wasn’t required to submit proof of travel history but my mom was.
- The following file types are accepted: jpg, bmp, png, pdf. PDF files must NOT be encrypted. Zip files are not allowed.
- The size of each file must not exceed 5MB. If it’s bigger than that, you will need to reduce the size. If your PDF files are still over, recreate your files with Adobe Distiller and set to “lowest file size.” Jpeg files can be set to only 96 DPI (dots per inch).
Here are additional documents that are not required but I believe can help your application go smoothly. (I submitted the following for my first application.)
- Cover Letter. This isn’t required, but it would help you a lot if you upload a letter explaining why you want to visit. Make sure that the letter summarizes and supports everything else you’re submitting. Remember, there will be no interview so it is best to let them know what you plan to do in Oz. We have a sample here: AUSTRALIAN VISA COVER LETTER.
- Roundtrip flight and hotel booking. You are actually discouraged to book flights and hotels before you’re granted a visa (so your money won’t go to waste should your application be denied), but in our case, we already had confirmed bookings so we thought we might as well submit them. This might be helpful if you snagged low fares via seat sale. But if you don’t have tickets yet, don’t book. Wait for your visa before making flight arrangements.
I know friends who also submitted their latest credit card statement. This is to show them that you have additional source of travel funds. I have a credit card but didn’t submit mine.
Again, if your trip is sponsored by a family member, apply for a visa under Sponsored Family Stream. Unfortunately, we haven’t experienced it so we don’t know the details. But from what I know, you will need to have the following on top of the other requirements.
- Letter of invitation. Only if you’re visiting a friend or relative. Best if you have photos with that friend and relative showing that you really know each other.
- Identification Documents of Sponsor. If you declare that your trip will be paid for by someone other than yourself.
- Evidence that your sponsor in Australia can financially support your trip. If you declare that your trip will be paid for by someone other than yourself.
Your sponsor might also be required to pay a bond.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN AUSTRALIAN VISA ONLINE
1. Sign up for an ImmiAccount.
ImmiAccount means an account with Immi.gov.au, the Australian government’s official Immigration website. It is important to create an ImmiAccount because the whole process will be done on this website.
Important: Make sure you use a working email address. Any update about your application will be sent to this email (including the acknowledgment of receipt of your application and the actual visa grant). You will also get notified every time you log into your account.
To register, go to this site.
2. Accomplish the Application Form.
Once you have an account, you’ll receive a confirmation link via email. Check your inbox and follow the link.
Once confirmed, do the following:
- Click on NEW APPLICATION. Here, you’ll be asked what type of visa you want.
- Click on VISITOR. Then choose Visitor Visa (subclass 600). For tourists, this is the equivalent of Form 1419, except you don’t need to print this out.
- Continue filling out all 20 pages of the form.
What if you start accomplishing the form but can’t complete right then? It’s okay. You can SAVE the changes and continue editing in the future. As long as you SAVE it (and NOT SUBMIT), you can keep on editing the form.
DO NOT SUBMIT THE FORM if you’re not done yet.
3. Submit Supporting Documents.
On your application dashboard, you will find a field where you can upload the required and recommended documents. The key is to submit as many types as you can. Better safe than sorry.
You can see the list of requirements above.
This is what the UPLOAD DOCUMENTS page looks like when applying for a TOURIST STREAM visa.
Some applicants will see an additional EVIDENCE OF THE APPLICANT’S PREVIOUS TRAVEL field.
And this is for BUSINESS STREAM.
That’s it! Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an Acknowledgment of Application Receipt in your email. I got mine on the same day of submission.
From here, it’s gonna be a nerve-racking waiting game.
Update: You may now be requested to visit the VFS office to provide biometrics/fingerprints.
4. Pay the Application Fee.
Online payments are done via credit card only.
The fee is now AUD 145 (PHP 5194). A credit card surcharge was also collected. (In my case, it was AUD 1.37.)
If you don’t have a credit card, you can ask a family member or a friend who has one. You can also use PayPal and UnionPay.
AUSTRALIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is the processing time for Australian Visa (Tourist or Business)?
The processing can take as short as 24 hours to as long as a month, depending on your case. The first time I applied, the process took almost a month. I submitted my application on May 9 and received my visa on June 5. This was in 2015.
The second time, it took 7 days. Submitted the application June 21 and got my visa on June 28. My teammates had it shorter. They got theirs in 5 days. Some of my friends got theirs in less than 24 hours. It’s pretty hard to predict.
The third time, it took 8 days. My mom, who was applying for the first time, had hers in 8 days too.
How long is the validity of the Australian visa?
In my case, even though I applied for a 3-week stay, I was granted a visa valid for 3 months. I think that’s the standard length for non-working visas.
How early should I apply for an Australian visa?
Not earlier than 6 months before your trip. In the visa, the last day I can enter Australia was clearly specified: 6 months after the visa was granted. Again, I’m not sure if this is the case for everyone, but that’s what was indicated on mine.
How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?
No one knows exactly. They don’t explicitly say. But to give you an idea for a ballpark figure, the Embassy of France now requires from Schengen visa applicants EUR 120 per day of stay.
My personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + airfare + cost of accommodations.
What is the Grant Number in the application form?
On Page 3 of the Application Form, you will be asked, “Does this applicant have an Australian Visa Grant Number?”
If it’s your first time applying for an Australian visa, choose NO.
If you’ve been granted a visa before, choose yes and enter the number. You’ll find the Grant Number in the Grant Notification for your previous visa. Here’s where I found the visa number on my previous grant notification.
In the application form, what should I answer to the “Any Significant Date” field?
If there are specific dates when you need to be in Australia, write them down. For example, if you’re attending a wedding, enter the wedding date so they can consider it for the validity of your visa. Same with attending a conference/seminar. Enter the conference date. Likewise, if the main purpose of your trip is to be at a concert, enter the concert date.
If you have no significant date in particular — say, you’re simply sightseeing or touring — you can skip this part.
I’ve done Australian visa application three times now. In my first and third application, I answered NO because I will be sightseeing and my dates were flexible. In my second application, I was flying to Australia to attend a conference, so I entered the date of the event.
Is Australian visa GROUP APPLICATION possible?
Yes. You can create a group on the dashboard (just click on “new group” and then take note of the group code) and then when filling out the application form, at one point you will be asked if it’s part of a group, click YES and choose the group you created or enter the group code.
However, please note that even though you’re part of a group, your application will still be assessed individually. The decision will not be collective. Some of you may be approved, some denied.
I’m traveling with family. Do all of us need to sign up for an Immi account?
NO. One member can apply for the whole family.
I’ve recently done this. I only used my ImmiAccount but created multiple applications using only one Immi account.
Also, according to the Immi website: “Yes. ImmiAccount will let you submit multiple online applications and pay for these applications at the same time. For example, if you and your family are applying for visitor visa applications, one member of the family can create and manage all the applications through their ImmiAccount, and pay for all these applications at once. Payment can be made by credit card in Australian Dollars (AUD) for all online applications submitted through ImmiAccount.”
What to answer to ‘Other Passports or Documents for Travel’ and ‘Other Identity Documents’?
For OTHER PASSPORTS OR DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVEL: If you’re like me who doesn’t own any other passport or travel document, then tick NO.
For OTHER IDENTITY DOCUMENTS: I entered my UMID Number. I also entered my Birth Certificate and used the Registry Number. Not sure if it’s okay to use the registry number but that’s what I did. Haha.
I don’t see any section for TRAVEL HISTORY in my UPLOAD DOCUMENTS page. What should I do?
In my first two times applying for myself, the TRAVEL HISTORY or EVIDENCE OF APPLICANT’S PREVIOUS TRAVEL section was there. When I applied for my mom, who was traveling to Australia for the first time, it was there too. But when I applied for myself for the third time, that section is nowhere in my Upload page.
I’m not sure when or in what instance does this section appear. But when I couldn’t find it when I recently applied, I uploaded the scans of my passport stamps it under the EVIDENCE OF THE FINANCIAL STATUS AND FUNDING FOR VISIT.
I decided to still upload my passport stamps even though they weren’t asking for it this time because I believed this would strengthen my case. I decided to upload it under EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL STATUS because to me it looked the most appropriate as it also shows that I can afford to travel in general, even in other countries.
I’m being asked to submit Form 956A. What is it?
Form 956A is a document that grants someone else authorization to receive files from the Australian Government. In the Application Form, you will be asked if you have an Authorized Representative who would be receiving documents on your behalf. If you answer YES to this, you will be required to complete and submit Form 956A.
I encountered this form when I was applying for my mother. My mom doesn’t speak or understand English. And being a senior citizen, she doesn’t have an email address and isn’t interested in getting one. Because of this, we decided to have me as the Authorized Representative and receive the documents on her behalf.
Be careful when accomplishing Form 956A. This form is also used to withdraw authorization, so make sure you’re filling out the right sections and skip the withdrawal parts.
Download a copy of Form 956A here!
(Updated: 2019)
I can’t type properly on Form 54 (Family Composition). What to do?
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The form has Chinese and English pages. Don’t worry about the Chinese page. It will mirror everything you write on the English page.
I can’t sign Form 54 (Family Composition). How do I add my signature?
If you’re using Mac, add your signature using the Annotate feature on the PREVIEW app.
If you’re using Windows, use Adobe Acrobat Reader. It also has the same Add Signature function.
I didn’t have to print it and scan it. I just affixed my electronic signature. I’m not sure if this is the right way to do it, but that’s what I did for my application, my mother’s, and my friends’. All of our applications were approved.
What should I upload in the section called ‘Exceptional Reasons for Extended Stay in Australia as a Visitor (Beyond 12 months)?’
This didn’t apply to me so I skipped this. I didn’t upload anything.
If you’re visiting Australia for only a few days, I think this part is not applicable.
Can I apply for a multiple entry Australian visa?
Yes. On the application form, you will be asked whether you need to enter Australia more than once for that trip. If you want a multiple entry visa, declare it, but make sure you can justify and prove it.
Can I be granted a multiple entry visa even if I only applied for single entry?
YES. In my most recent application, I applied for single entry but was granted a multiple entry visa. I also have friends who had the same experience.
Can I be granted a multiple entry visa even if I’m applying for the first time?
YES. I took care of the applications of my friends and my mother, who were all first-timers. They were all granted multiple entry visas even though they had never been to Australia before.
My second time applying was funny. That time, I applied with friends who were all first timers. I was the only one in our group who had been to Australia before. When the results were released, I was the only one who had a single entry visa. Everyone else was a first timer but was granted a multiple entry visa. Sometimes, it’s really hard to predict.
What are the reasons why my application would be denied?
- You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines. You probably don’t have a stable job at this point or are newly employed or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
- You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in good financial standing.
- You seem to not know the details of your trip. You may have appeared as though you’re not really doing what you declared you would be doing, which may raise some red flags.
- Your purpose in Australia is unclear. This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.
More information here: REASONS FOR VISA REJECTION
What to answer to the part of the form about NON-ACCOMPANYING MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY UNIT?
On page 9 of the application form, you’ll be asked: “Does the applicant have family members of their family unit not travelling to Australia who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents?”
According to the Australian Immigration website, a family unit is defined as a partner (married or de facto) and a dependent child below 23 years old.
If you’re single with no kids, just tick NO.
If you have a spouse or de facto partner or child, then choose YES and fill out the form that appears.
Siblings (brother, sister), parents (mother, father) and in-laws are not covered by this.
This is different from Form 54 (Family Composition). On Form 54, you need to include your parents and siblings. But on the the Page 9 of Application Form, the family unit refers to only the partner and dependent children.
Do the documents have to be notarized?
When I applied in 2018, nothing in the list of requirements indicated that the documents have to be notarized. I didn’t have ours notarized. But our application still got approved.
You’ll know when you begin your application. It’s usually indicated on the application dashboard.
Does Australian Immigration still stamp passports? Can I request for an entry stamp?
By default, Australia no longer stamps passports. But according to some of our readers, you can request for it and they will give your passport a precious stamp. All you need to do is ask.
However, on my recent trip to Melbourne, I tried asking but the officer said they really don’t stamp passports anymore and that it’s not possible.
Where do I attach or upload the cover letter?
In my case, I uploaded it under Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities > Others.
To whom should I address the bank certificate, cover letter, and employment certificate?
I addressed it to:
Australian Embassy Manila
Level 23-Tower 2 RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue 1200
Not sure if that’s right, but that’s what I did.
What does an Australian Visa look like?
Here’s what the Australian Visa looks like when you receive it online. It doesn’t get attached to the passport. Just bring a copy and show the Immigration Officer when you arrive:
Are medical or health exams required when applying for an Australian visa?
There is no clear-cut answer to that, as it depends on a lot of factors. But you can easily find out if you need to undergo health examinations. Here’s how:
- Log in to your ImmiAccount.
- Go to your application. Find the Applications Status section.
- Tap on the ‘View health assessment’ link.
If you need to undergo medical or health examinations, you will see a link called ‘Organise health examinations‘. If there is no link, no need to have health exam.
If I submit this, this and this, what are the chances of approval?
It’s pretty hard to tell even if you send me a list of all the documents you plan to submit. There are way too many factors at play. Nothing and no one can guarantee approval. It depends on how strict or how lenient the visa office evaluating your application is. So yep, luck plays a part too.
There are cases wherein even when the applicant has great travel history, employment status and finances, they still come out of the process visa-less. It’s really impossible to say.
If you have questions or something to add to this post, holler in the comments section below! :)
Last update: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣•4️⃣•6️⃣
First up: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣6️⃣•7️⃣•1️⃣3️⃣
*Featured image purchased from Shutterstock
Is this post helpful to you?
This is going to help us so much with sorting out our Aussie visas! Thanks for the informative post guys, much appreciated.
Kyle :)
Good day to u!
May i know how to do the visa payment via credit card? Is eastwest credit card acceptable? Is there an account where we can do the payment? Shall we go to nearest bank and pay directly? I hope you can guide me on this. We are all set with our documents, payment is next. Thanks in advance.
Hi Yoshke,
Nag apply ako tourist visa and used a travel agency to help my documments but sad as if daming mali.May friend ako na nag sponsor and he also submit documents but na denied pa rin pero accept ko na may marsming nali sa documents.Now balak ko mag apply ulit and seguraduhing tama na ang mga submit ko documents.But still need somebody to assist me.Maari mo ba ako matulungan o may marekomenda ka ba to assist my papers.Pls.help
Hi Trinidad, di po kasi kami nagpoprovide ng visa assistance outside this blog post. Lahat po ng alam namin, andito na sa blog post na ito. Try contacting Gazelle Travel and Tours or Constellation Travel po.
Hello po ok lng po ba kung ung fiance ko ang ialagay ko as sponsor of funds at attached mga docs at statement of account nya? Kasama ko po xa ppnta ng australia para bisitahin ung kapatid nya.
Hi Yoshk, Ok lang ba na kahit first name and last name lang yung nilagay mo sa visa application mo? Hindi ba yun affected pag ma grant na yung visa at ma check sa immigration?
Hello po, need pa po ba ng bank statement if may mag fully sponsor sayo and will provide the proof of funds, accomodation and assets for you?
Hi Ching, yung tanda ko, di ko rin nilagay yung middle name kasi first and last lang naman yung hiningi.
Hello po, I’m planning to apply for a tourist visa but I only have an online home-based teaching job. I can’t provide an ITR because I wasn’t registered. Will that be okay?
Hi Mj,
It’s a risk but if you can provide other proof of income and supporting docs, pwede pa rin naman.
Hello po, ask ko lang po..what If unemployed ka then may small business ka nmn, pwede po ba isubmit ang business permit kung wlang coe?
Pwede naman po pero best po if meron din po kayong BIR registration and ITR.
Hi, thankful ako nun nakita ko itong informations na na ishare mo sa pagkuha nang tourists visa as au .. ask ko Lang kailan pwede na mag apply nang visa uli mag eexpire na tourist visa this November 2,2019, bago ba mag expire or after ? Thank you ..
Hi po. Nakagawa na po ako ng Immi account (incomplete since hinihintay ko pa yung COE fr employer), tanong ko lang if gagawa ba ako ng another account for my daughter (12 yrs old)? Or kasama na sya sa application ko? Please help. Appreciate it if you can reply to my inquiry. Thank you in advance.
You can use the same IMMI account but start a separate application.
Nasa FAQs din po ito sa article. Number 8.
Hi Yoshke, invite kami ng mga kapatid ko na Aus Citizen na, last remaining kaming magkapatid at nanay namin dito sa Pinas, My sister and I are unemployed in our 30’s never had a job and mother is 75 na. ano chances namin to get a tourist visa?
Naku, di ko po alam. Mahirap po for me to assess kung ano yung chances. :S
Saan ko po dapat i upload ang invitation letter? Thanks for the answer.
Hi po.. ask ko lang if need ang medical/health examination? May portion po kasi sa immi acct asking for health exam for australia visa?
HI ANO PO NILAGAY NYO? YES OR NO? CURRENLTY APPLYING THE VISA RIGHT NOW PO
Hi Sir, ask ko lang po dun sa other identity documents kasi need po ng identification number if birth certificate po ung pipiliin. Saan po ba hahanapin ung Identifacation number dito sa psa ko? Thanks po.
Hi, what do i put on the itinerary if I plan to apply for multiple entry? Kasi my only purpose is to visit fiance as many times as possible. Thanks.
Hi Mariyah, yung nilagay ko is ung Registry Number. Di ko alam kung tama pero yun ung nilagay ko, na-approve naman ako.
Hi po! Nag-aapply po ako as Tourist and first time ko po ‘to at wala po talaga akong Idea and your blog really helps po, pero ask ko lang po for the Itinerary since wala po pong approval sa visa ko pano po ako makakapag gawa ng itinerary if hindi pa po ako nakakapag book ng flight and accommodation kasi I saw yours po and meron na po kayo agad like Arrival and so on.
Hi! I am a freelancer, you think it will affect para ma grant ng visa? I have travelled a lot naman na pero same countries lang had 3 expired passport most are full of stamps. Wala ako ITR and certifcate, anu pwede gawin? I am in the middle of my application kung san ia-attached ang mga kelangan na docs. I was following your step by step. Planning to go there this July. I will be staying with my Australian friend. Dunno what to put in my iti. Hope you could help. Thanks!
Try submitting other proof of employment like copy of contract, etc. Pwede ka ring humingi ng letter from your clients certifying na meron kang engagement with them.
Hi Kathleen,
Itinerary means your travel plan. You don’t need flight and hotel bookings to have a plan. Plano mo pa lang. Parang schedule na balak mo.
Hi good evening.
What kind requaments for australian visa?
Hi! Im applying now and i cant find the proof of travel history part. My page isnt d same as the screenshot u provided. Do u know where should i add proof of my travel history? Thanks!
Hi! I would like to know about Australian Form 1229 and the documentation needed to request a tourist VISA for minors of 18 when the other parent is not traveling. Is it enough to present the other parent’s form signed or is it required to have and affidavit or a court order ? Thanks
Same as mine….I didn”t find the proof of travel history part which I think can help also for the granting of VISA
Same as mine, wala din dashboard or options to upload documents. Please help. Thanks.
Hi Yoshke,
What is a notarized NSO birth certificae? Is it the yellow green document?
Also, what is a notarized passport info page? Is it a certified true copy that should be requested from the DFA?
Thanks,
RC
Hello! :)
Yep, but I remember, we didn’t have ours notarized but they accepted it. (Updating the post now. Sorry for the trouble.)
The passport info page is the first page of the passport. The one with your picture. :)
Hello po, I just want to ask if they are asking you biometrics finger scan if you applied immi online for filipino passport holder, after you submmitted po your requirements online?
Hi Joana, ako, never nila hiningan ng biometrics. Pero may mga alam akong applicants na hiningan. You’ll know if need mo pag nagstart ka ng application.
Hi Yoshke,
Do I need Show money even if I Have invitation letter from my Fiance?
Hi! I need your help i was refused by the Australian embassy and they told me not enough pero i forgot na may mag sponsor sakin all the expenses and accommodation are free. So i re apply again but the thing i cannot proceed again my application kasi may choices don regarding sa relationship with the person who will support while staying in Australia , walang friend choices ang better way ba na ilagay don defacto partner. Please help naman. Thank you so much
Hello Maricel boyfriend ko ang nagsponsor sa akin,ang nilagay ko sa relationship is FIANCE na approve naman tourist Visa ko.
Hi Estella, we are the same case my fiance is inviting me pero need ko ba ng show money or bank statement account kahit sya mag sponsor saken lahat?
Hi Maricel, I haven’t tried applying as an invited visitor so I don’t know how I could help. :S
Saan ko po dapat i upload ang invitation letter? Thanks for the answer. Do I need to submit a copy of my birth certificate or UMID if I put in Other indentity documents
1. Pag invited, usually may field sa Upload Documents page na “Invitation from family, friends, or organization.”
2. Hindi naman sa pagkakaalala ko.
Your blog is very helpful and easy to follow,lahat ng tips nyo sinunod ko,and I am so happy I’m granted a tourist visa
Congratulations, Estella! And thanks for taking the time to return to this blog and share your experience. :)
Hello sir, how can I pay po thru credit card? almost done na po kasi ako and yung payment di ko po alam kung paano isettle. Thank you po!
Yep, credit card din po ako nagbayad.
how po? Sorry po have no Idea talaga.
After isubmit, automatically ireredirect ka nung website. if di automatic, may link din sa Immi dashboard.
Hi yoshke,
May I ask po saan po dapat i attach yung birth certificate dun sa immi account.Thank you.
Yung saken, sa Evidence of Family Composition ko nilagay.
Good Day po.
need pa po ba ng bank statement if may mag fully sponsor sayo and will provide the proof of funds, accomodation and assets for you? At panu din po pag walang maipakita po na certificate of employee kaka resign ko lang po kasi.. Salamat po
Di po ako ganun kafamiliar sa requirements kapag sponsored ung trip. :S
Hi! Ive read through your article on AU visa and was wondering if having a Japan visa (recently expired) would be a plus?
Yes, it can help you get better chances, but no guarantee.
hi there, is it mandatory to notarized bio page and travel docs for australian visa?
No.
Hi!
Just a follow-up question, do you mean that this is just a photocopy of the first page of the passport and then notarized and scanned?
Thanks!
Scanned copy of your passport will do. That’s what I did in my application and they accepted it.
HI how much is the minimum funds for the bank statement? Do you have any idea? Cheers.
Depends on your situation: if you are self-funded or sponsored. Assuming that you are funding the trip, there’s no definite $$$ for as long as you can prove that you are financially capable and you have a good financial standing (bank acct should be atleast 3months old, stable source of income etc.). What I did was, I created an itinerary and estimated the cost of the entire trip. That should give you an idea of what amount should you have in your bank. :)
If aussie citizen will sponsored my whole trip do i still a bank account??please need help..thanks
Yep.
Pani po if you will provide bank statement but not enough fund?
Hi, how about if someone’s going to sponsor you, with all yhe expenses such as tickets, accommodation and cost of living during visit period do you still need to show a bank statement? Or just the letter of invitation from your sponsor? Thanks!
Hi, Do you know the minimum or ideal amount of funds needed in the bank for the ‘show money’? Cheers.
hi, im over 18 and my dad is my primary source of income. ive never had a job before. how can i present that on the application. also, the website advises the documents added to the app must be in .bmp format, what kind of format were your documents (birthcertificate, passport)? thank you.
You can state that your trip is funded by your dad. He needs to provide proof of income, etc. They allow pdf and jpeg as well.
hi, i m a foreigner taking my masters degree in phillipines. i want to apply for australian tourist visa to visit my sister in australia during summer break. what additional documents do i need to submit? thank u po.
If she is sponsoring you, she has to write an invitation letter, copy of her passport, proof of assets (title of house and bank statements). Given that you are a student, I would suggest asking your sister to sponsor the whole trip or make it appear on your visa application.
how did you receive the visa? Are they gonna mail it to you? Or just email and you can print it? Thanks
Email then print. :)
Hi. Is there a chance that I will be given a visa if my reason is to only travel for a couple of days in aussie but will be flying to another country with a multiple entry? My proof of evidence will only be the visa of that country and PH employment certificate (given that I recently resigned)?
There is. Just make sure to create a comprehensive cover letter and include the details of your flights.
Hello can I already book a ticket even without the Visa. I enrolled in a short class that will last for 1wk only. Should I also present the invoice ?
Hello. I just want to confirm that the tourist visa is valid for 1 year upon approval. Thank you.
Depends on the visa granted to you. I think, the minimum is 3 months validity (single or multiple entry). If you will apply for a 12 month visa, I think you have to undergo medical exam.
Hi! Can i get a clarification… so the visa does not have a definite period, like from June 20,2017-August 20,2017? It will just say that the visa is good for so and so number of months? I am planning to apply for one soon, but would like to travel in December pa. Thanks!
Thanks!
Hello! My passport expires on December 2019, can I still apply for a visa to Australia for a conference in December but before the exact date of expiration.
Hello. Is it okay to not present ITR since I’ve just resigned from my job. And AU will just be a stopover since Im going to another country..
Hi, did they get your biometrics or something?
hello! should i just scan my passport including my past travels or do i have to photocopy it, notarized and then scan and upload on their website? thanks in advance.
I have the same question, is it necessary for the documents to be notarized? Or are colored scans good enough? thank you!
Hi Angela, when we applied, the list of requirements indicated that the passport has to be notarized. We didn’t have ours notarized, though. But our application still got approved. :)
hi, is it necessary for the documents to be notarized as of this year, 2019?
No.
hello….do we need to get a travel insurance as well? is it a must/requirement?
for the bank statement, how far historically should you show? 6 months? 1 year?
The one I submitted showed 6 months. :)
Hi po! I’m a Grade 12 student. And I do have relatives in Australia. Ano po ba ang ibang evidence that can make sure na ma grant ang tourist visa? By the way, sila po mag sponsor sa akin. Thank you☺
Hi Chabelita. I’m not that familiar with the requirements for visiting a resident in Australia as my experience is restricted to tourist and business.
Hi Sir Yoshke,
My brother is applying for a tourist visa to join a competition in Aus. He is going to use my bank statement since he has no existing bank acct as of the moment. I was just wondering if you would know what other supporting documents do we need to submit just to be sure it gets accepted?
Hi Camille, how old is your brother? Is he still a student?
Hi! Your blog post is very helpful, though I have few more questions! Haha When should one apply for a tourist visa? Can I apply 6 mos in advance or they have a rule that the earliest is 3 mos before like Schengen visa? I’ll be flying on Oct 28th this year, and I’m not really sure if I should book now or wait in August. I’m scared If I apply now valid pa din kaya visa ko sa october. Thank you so much :)
Hi Eleni! The visa we received must be used within 6 months of issuance. We applied in June and we needed to enter Australia before December.
Hi! If I’ll apply for a family visa (group of 5), should I create an ImmiAccount individually? Also, I’ll be flying on Nov this year and my passport will expire Feb 2018, can I apply for a visa now kahit sa September 2017 pa yung schedule for renewal ko?
Hi Yosh, can I use a bank certificate instead of a bank statement? Thank you :)
Yep, you can.
Hi! I will be applying for an Australian visa next week. I am a student and okay lang ba if I show my bank certificate instead of bank statements as proof on how I can fund for my trip?
Hi! I will be applying for an Australian visa next week. I am a student and okay lang ba if I show my bank certificate instead of bank statements as proof of how I can fund for my trip? Also, how much should I show if I will be staying for 1 week?
I guess this comment is a week late, sorry. If you’re a student, how can you afford to go on a trip? Technically, you have no source of income. I would suggest asking your parents to declare sponsorship. Bank statement or certificate will do. As for the money, consider which state are you visiting. Some costs higher than the others. Check the hotel rates, activities you want to try and transportation. Make sure you have an extra money in case of emergencies.
Hi,
About the bank statement, did you just took a photo of your hard copy bank statement? Or is it okay to just take a screenshot of my online banking account?
You can request this one from your bank.
Hello!
Thank you for the helpful blog! One question, though. The documents need to be scanned or can we just take photos of those and submit?
Thanks and appreciate your response!
For as long as you can take a clear photo of the document, that should be alright. I would recommend scanning tho.
With regards to required documents to be attached, there’s no limit per file?.. or is it required to have a minimum 500kb per file?..
5MB
thanks for the info, but can i apply tourist visa without the bank statement? my aunt will shoulder all the expenses? thanks and I didn’t have a job can it be possible?
That is possible. If your aunt will cover all your expenses, your bank statement is not a problem. But if you have any amount in the bank, I would suggest that you include it no matter how little it is. As for the job, well, some people get their visa application denied because they have weak PH ties or not enough reason that you’ll go back to the PH.
Hi, I am planning to apply for tourist visa. I am currently staying in Singapore. Do I need to go for biometrics collection even though I would apply online? Thanks
Hello…..i just want to ask if same on mine ..i dont have any property or own a Business like having business permit…..i have only friend there in australia and hes the one paying for all ….what should i do…hope theres someone give some advice on me.
Hi hope u cud help me…. i am applying online and i am in the portion of attaching the files…. i scanned the documents using adobe and saved it in the icloud drive of my ipad…. however, i could not access or click on the files in my icloud drive to attach these… what could be the reason?…. i used the same procedure and files for my new zealand visa application and it was fine…. thank you in advance!
This blog really helped us alot. Thanks and
Just want to share my sisters experience with the Australian Tourist Visa in case someone has the same situation as hers.
Profile : 50 years old, employed, married with 2 kids, NO OUT OF THE COUNTRY TRAVEL experience, w/ invitation letter from an australian citizen sister in law, all travel expenses sponsored by our family business.
Docs submitted
1) invitation letter w/ passport of sister in law, brother and marriage certificate
2) bank statement and certificate (personal and payroll)
3) coe and approved leave
4) marriage and birth certificate
5) notarized secretary certificate by our family business stating all travel expenses will be covered
6) dti, mayors permit, financial statement, sec registration of the family business
7) passport biopage
8) form 54
9) cover letter and itinerary
10) uploaded also under evidence of travel a letter explaining why my sister has not been out of the country (application will not proceed to the next step without any file on this portion)
Submitted and paid online last Saturday – Jul 20 2019 and got the visa grant today, Jul 26. Single entry – one year.
Hi, can you send me a sample letter you sent explaining sister does not have travel history? thanks
Thanks for sharing, Lester!
Hi!
Can i ask you a favor to please send me an example of cover letter and itinerary you submit when you applied. Here is my email syrhene1109@gmail.com thank you in advanced and thanx for this wonderful blog you help so much specially for the first time traveller. Have a nice weekend and God Bless
I will wait for ur reply.. thanx again
good evening, can i ask po kung paano process po ng pag bayad ng visa fee for tourist visa sub 600.. i am planning to apply my visa by next week.. thank you.
by the way you can email me your answer:
kristian.david22@yahoo.com
thank you in advance
Hello, I just want to ask because I don’t have any bank statements or any account is it okay because all my expenses will be shoulder to my Aussie boyfriend and his family, what should I do? Thanks
or you can email me at @annscottarmasa@gmail.com
Hi! Thanks for the useful info. Anyway, I’d like to ask if having a medical examination is strictly required in all cases? Will my application be denied if I didn’t take a medical examination? I’m just staying there for 6 days, yet the examination will cost me 6000 bucks. Thanks!
Hi there! I’m applying for tourist visa online. Where do I attach my passport size picture? Thanks
Hi . ask lang ako if makakakuha ba akong ng visa sa Australia ? Unemployed po kasi akong as in sa bahay lang ? E yung friend ko sa Australia yinayaya akong magbaskyon ng 10days? Pero diko Alan paano ako makakakuha ng visa? Wala din akong pera sa bank account na malaki? Maibibigay ko lang is I.d and birth certificate … Pero yung nag invite sken na friends ko sagot nya lahat expenses ko dun roundtrip ticket ko as in lahat. Paano po ba ?? Help naman po…. Reply pls.
Hi Sir!
I need your advice po Im planning to lodge my tourist visa to Oz soon. I’m self-employed ngayon, but i have yet to complete my business registration papers. Wala naman po kayang problem if ever newly-issued lang yung isa-submit kong documents? Also, aside from DTI and Mayor’s Permit, what other documents ang pwede pa po iattach? Thanks!!
Hi Fhemie, I think it would raise questions. But if you have other ways to prove that you’re earning (invoices, ITR, etc.), those would help.
Hi. I’m pretty much ok with my application. But they’re requiring past travel documents to be attached. The last time i travelled out of the country was back in 2010 to HK. Do you think it’s really required? Also I was declined for a US visa in 2010 as well. Should I declare that in my application?
Hi Chris! You can submit your HK trip even if it was in 2010.
Regarding the US visa refusal, if they ask, you should tell the truth. (Not sure if they ask in the form.)
HI! applying visa next week, i would like to ask if you could help me or can i use your submitted cover letter as a pattern? And can u share your itinerary and hotel?
Thanks alot!
Hii…..i would to know how to apply the visa… I born and lived in Malaysia but I am a Philippines pasport holder… how can i fill the visa requirement if i dont have Philippines birth certificate..Nso…bank statement and so so on
Is this process applicable to all filipinos regardless where are you working right now (curretly working in mid east)??? Thank you
Hi Qirk. I think so. But not sure. If I remember correctly, they will be asking questions about your location on the IMMI website. (It’s been a while so I’m not sure I’m remembering it right.)
Hi just want to ask if ok ba na isubmit ko yung 2 nso cert. Of my 2 kids just to make sure na i’ll come back? Wala kc akong work but i have credit cards extention of my mother in law in the states?
Hi! I honestly don’t know the answer to this. :(
Hi, how long did you wait for your visa to get approved?
Hi Yoshke! I hope you can help me. I have a question kasi. I’m filling out an online application form and I’m being asked what is the relationship between me and the one who will support my travel. Since my boyfriend is the one sponsoring my trip I was hoping I could choose “friend” to best describe the relationship. I could’t find friend on the drop down list. Do you know what could be the problem? Did I miss anything? This is page 13/20 on the form. Thank you!
Hi Koleen, I honestly don’t know the answer to this. :(
It’s okay. Another question, is it okay if I submit 3 recent payslips instead of ITR and one bank certificate to establish that I am working and have a personal savings? Pang additional evidence lang. Thank you!
Hi po! May I ask ano po inilagay nyo sa sponsor part? I also have the same case. My bf will be sponsoring me. But there’s no bf on the lists. Thanks po sa reply :)
Hi koleen…where u able to get australian visa? Hows the process going? I want to ask what relationship did u put on ur application? Thanks.
You Should specify as “boyfriend” dear.
Hi yoshke,
Thank u for this useful blog…I want to ask if how much the minimum amount of money to show in the bank statement? How long u’ve got ur approval letter? And lastly, is it okay to put there 2weeks planning to stay in australia but my real intention is to stay for 2months? Would it matter? Since i didn’t saw ur visa letter the valid date
Pls reply….thanks!
Cheers!
Hi Julie! Here are my answers.
how much the minimum amount of money to show in the bank statement?
—- I dunno. They don’t explicitly say. But to give you an idea, the embassy of France requires 120 euro per day from Schengen applicants. Maybe you can use that as basis to get a ballpark figure?
How long u’ve got ur approval letter?
— Almost a month. But this was in 2015. It’s much shorter these days. Some get theirs in 1-2 days.
Is it okay to put there 2weeks planning to stay in australia but my real intention is t stay for 2months?
—- We always encourage being truthful in visa applications. But we applied for a 3-week stay and were granted a visa valid for 3 months.
I got mine in 7 days. Quite fast (for me). Thank for the tips. :)
Is biometrics needed?
Thank u
Hi there! Would like to ask if screenshots ng credit card and bank statements pwede as attachments? Thank you
Screenshots? I dunno…. Parang hindi since it can be easily altered.
can…basta clear and shots
Hi! Is it necessary to have all documents notarized?
Hi, perhaps someone may be able to help me with this, I am an Australian, previously working and living in Malaysia and still currently residing , or staying there, (in Malaysia) for an extended holiday on a tourist visa. I wish to take my girlfriend, who is a Filipina and who is currently working in Malaysia (as a maid) though, not my maid, on a trip down to Australia. Obviously I will be financing the trip and all her expenses will be covered by me. Does anyone know from perhaps a similar situation whether there maybe difficulties in securing the visa.
Peter, better inquire or ask for assistance with your embassy or consular office in Malaysia.
Hi! I would be applying for tourist visa this month. I’m planning to lodge my application online without going thru an agency. I’ve scanned all the requirements. May i know what specific documents need to be notarized? Thanks!
Hi Rus! There was a note that the passport copy had to be notarized when we applied. Not sure if that’s still true now. You’ll know when you begin your application. It’s usually indicated on the application dashboard.
What if I have Australian sponson who is not living im Australia?
I have Australian bf who wants me to travel with him to Australia for a holiday.
Hi Aileen. Naku, we can only speak from experience so hindi namin alam pag ganyan ung case. :(
Hi.
Can i apply from UK? (im a tourist here)
Thanks!
Hi Gie. Yes you can. The application is 100% done online (unless you’re summoned).
Hello, ask ko lang po kung paano ma.affix yong signature ng applicant through online application. Do they ask for medical if 3 or 6 months holiday only?
May I ask if to whom should I address the cover letter if I’ll be applying online?
I addressed it to:
Australian Embassy Manila
Level 23-Tower 2 RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue 1200
Not sure if that’s right, but that’s what I submitted. :)
Hi Yoshke, this article is very helpful! Thank you for writing this.
Anyway, I have a few questions. I’m planning to visit my aunt in Australia in 2019 with my husband and baby (less than 2 years old). I’m working online as a freelancer and my only proof of income is my PayPal account – I get paid weekly via PayPal. Do you think I can I use that as my proof of income? I don’t have BIR yet. Just a note, my husband has a stable office job with good salary and I have a bank account with quite a good amount of savings, almost 1M. Do you think there’s a chance that we will be approved?
Hi Liza, since your trip won’t be until 2019, you still have plenty of time to work on your BIR documents. This will make your chances better. :)
Liza, your hubby should be the Primary Applicant.
Yoshke,
1) will it be individual application in cases for family with kids? or husband and wife? or there is group application?
2) if individual, there is a chance that one gets approved and other/s not.
One member can apply for the whole family.
According to the Immi website: Yes. ImmiAccount will let you submit multiple online applications and pay for these applications at the same time. For example, if you and your family are applying for visitor visa applications, one member of the family can create and manage all the applications through their ImmiAccount, and pay for all these applications at once. Payment can be made by credit card in Australian Dollars (AUD) for all online applications submitted through ImmiAccount.
Question po regarding this…kasama ko po kasi i-apply ang 2kids ko.may immi accnt npo ako…pero parang wla pong group application sa mga option.kaya nag individual po ako.pede po ba new application para sa 2kids ko..using my same immi accnt.naguguluhan po kasi ako.tnx po.truely appreciated po sa reply
Hi Liza, as far as I know, you can make multiple applications using one Immi account. You can also create a group on the dashboard (just click on “new group” and then take note of the group code) and then when filling out the application form, at one point you will be asked if it’s part of a group, click yes and enter the group code.
Hi. Just want to ask po if ok lng ba ilagay names ng friends to visit/contact in australia? Should i still ask for a letter of invitation from them or any proof that i know them? This is a self funded trip po pero pano po kung nag offer din po ng accomodation sa place nila what document po ang ibbgay sa embassy? I hope you can help me po. Thank you so much!
Hi Lei, if you’ll be staying at a friend’s house, it would be best to submit a letter of invitation talaga. Best if in the letter, maexplain ung details ng trip and how you know each other. And yes, you can also submit proof of your relationship.
Hi,
Hi! Ive read through your article on AU visa and was wondering if having a Japan visa (recently expired) would be a plus? Coz I’m planning to reapply for a Japan visa as well, for the multiple entry.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Yes, it can help you get better chances, but no guarantee. :)
Hi Yosh,
Planning to take my parents to Oz. Never been there but I want to go with them. Problem is, they don’t have any proof of income, not even bank accounts. I am working abroad and of course would sponsor them as we travel. How do I apply for them?
Also, is medical exam required upon application?
Hope to hear from you! Thanks.
No, medical exam isn’t required.
How old are your parents? Are they senior citizens na?
Hi Po, been following your posts at dami ko nakukuha tips sa travels ko and thank you so much for that.
We have plan to visit Australia come July 2018 with my husband, our 2 yo son and 2 of my friends.
I am currently working overseas at yung husband ko nasa Pinas ngbusiness. May business permit naman. yung questions ko po;
1. Separate immigaccount po ba yung sa husband ko? Di ba kami pwede magfamily application? At paano yung sa anak ko.
2. Kaka-start lng kasi nung business last year, so it will appear sa ITR nya na masyadong mababa lang binayaran nya. Makakaapekto po ba ito sa application nya? Meron naman syang DTI, Mayor’s Permit, Business Permit, sufficient naba ito or need pa talaga ITR?
3. May invitation kami from an Australian friend (former workmate -Pinay wife and also a good friend of ours) and we will be staying in their house in Perth, but after Perth mag-Sydney kami before going back home sa Philippines. Wala ba maging problema if ang invitation sa Perth lang?
5. What about my 2 other friends, separate po ba application nila?
6. Mga magkano po dapat nasa saving account for sure approval for 1 week trip to Australia?
1. Group applications are allowed under 1 ImmiAccount lang.
2. Hindi naman required ang ITR. It will be helpful kung meron pero di sya required-required. Since married kayo, I think okay lang, explain mo na lang in a letter na you’re working abroad and your husband stays at home to take care of your son and a business, and that this is a family trip.
3. Up to you if you want to mention the Sydney part. Ideally, you have to declare that, but if you do, it would be great if you can also submit your day-to-day itinerary and hotel booking in Sydney.
5. Not sure if okay lang isama sa group application pag hindi relatives. I haven’t tried.
6. No one knows. They don’t say that explicitly.
Hi. Thank you po sa response. Follow-up question lang po. In the online form meron po question about National Identity Card.
“Does this applicant have a national identity card?”
Ano po ba ibig sabihin nito? Ibang country po na na identiry card?
Thanks.
I don’t remember na pero I think NA lang nilagay ko dun kasi wala naman tayong national ID.
Yung Form 54 – Family Composition ay required din po ba?
Thank you again. One last question po. What about this question po?
Does the applicant have any members of their family unit not travelling to Australia who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents?
Thank you po. What about this question?
Non-accompanying members of the family unit
Does the applicant have any members of their family unit not travelling to Australia who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents?
Pasensya na pero hind ko kasi macomprehend yung question.
May I ask where can I reserve my flight?
Thanks.
You can try this: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/
Hi Sir,
Your blog is very helpful. I used your guides sa mga trips ko abroad. Question ko lang po about Australian Visa through online application. Since walang visa stamp/sticker na bibigay ang embassy, what if let say mag apply ako ng VISA for Schengen, how will they know na nakarating na ako sa Australia? Confused lang ako. Thanks in advance po sa pagsagot.
They will stamp your passport upon entering Australia naman. :)
And you can also submit a copy of the visa (the letter stating you’ve been granted a visa) when you apply for Schengen visa. :)
Pls update this post, as Australia no longer stamp passport upon entry nor exit . The only evidence of your Oz travel is copy of your boarding pass and ofcourse photos.
Hi! Yup, thanks for bringing this up. I just arrived from Australia last weekend and yeah, they don’t stamp entry or exit anymore.
I yoshke! Thank you for the blog. The family and i are planning on a trip to melbourne for my cousin’s wedding this october. May question lang po ako, invitations are already in order with my name as part of the entourage. In my passport meron akong “Ma. Elizabethl.” Pero sa NSO brth cert ko wala yung “Ma.”. ok la g ba if i submit along with my NSO birth cert yung baptismal cert and a notarized document of one and the same person? Thnak you for your reply.
Naku, di ko po alam kapag ganyan. :(
Hi everyone
Does anyone here have applied AU Tourist visa through VFS?
Hi po, My first travel was in Macau and HK. I am planning to travel again internationally in Australia using itinerary MNL-SIN-AU and going back to Manila to celebrate my birthday. But I don’t have any relative there in AU, can I ask what is second option in supporting documents for LOI? Please reply. Ty!
If you don’t know anyone in Australia and you’re going there as a tourist, you don’t need to submit an LOI. If it doesn’t apply to you, don’t provide that doc.