Australia, also known as the “Land Down Under” is a highly efficient country, so applying for a tourist visa shouldn’t be a problem if you’re coming from the Philippines.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa
With Australia’s lively cities and amazing landscapes, it has become a top destination for Filipinos seeking new horizons as well as new experiences.
Guide to Applying for an Australian Tourist Visa
In this post, we will share with you the step-by-step guide in applying for an Australian tourist visa if you’re coming from the Philippines.
The first thing you should know about applying for an Australian tourist visa is that the entire application process for Filipinos is online, making it very easy, simple, and convenient. It is a task you can certainly do yourself, which is much welcome if you are trying to avoid extra fees from outside facilitators.
Also, the entire process is relatively quick, granted that everything is done online – taking only about a day to lodge a complete application form given you have all the necessary documents on hand.
Compared to other western nations, Australia is very welcoming and allows incredible ease for individuals to get their visa applications in. If you are planning to visit, you can work on your Australian visa application today and you might just be able to go on a trip to the land down under before the year ends. Ready? Let’s dive into it:
1. Determine the kind of visa you will be getting.
The first part is rather the easiest as many people have the purpose of their travel already set in their minds even before they get a visa. However, just to observe proper requirements and to determine the process you need to take, you can use the Visa Finder to see what options are available to you. But for this guide, we are getting the Visitor visa (subclass 600). Be sure to review the eligibility criteria for each type to help you identify which fits your situation best.
2. Register for an ImmiAccount.
To access the online services of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and to facilitate your application, you will first need to set up an ImmiAccount. This will serve as your primary contact point where you will submit, process, and get updates on your application. As you will notice, the interface is user-friendly and you will not have a lot of trouble navigating the platform.
3. Fill out the online application form.
Next, you will need to complete a form provided in your ImmiAccount. Provide all the information needed to complete your Australian visa application. This involves pertinent details like personal information, desired travel dates, financial capabilities, and so on.
Also, if you are visiting a partner, friend, or family, you will be required to put in information about them too, such as their name, address, and other contact details. The form is very thorough so try to answer it to the best of your abilities. Provide all the necessary details and be as specific as you can.
4. Submit all the required documents.
The challenging part of the process is gathering all the necessary documents to support your application. These are mostly concerned with providing evidence on how you are going to fund your travel to Australia. To meet the requirements, you need to scan copies of your bank statements and assets and attach it to your ImmiAccount. If you have separate payroll and savings account, you will need to scan copies of both. Assets include a land or house title, mortgage, or investments that you have.
But even if your trip will be funded in full by another person, there is no harm in showing your assets (if you have any).
Additionally, you will be required to provide a scanned copy of your PSA birth certificate, as well as your current passport along with the pages detailing your travel history.
If you have a new passport and have traveled before, you will also need to provide a copy of your old passport with the stamped pages, too.
5. Pay for your visa.
Once you’ve attached all your documents, be sure to review them carefully before proceeding to payment. As mentioned earlier, everything will be done online including payment.
The cost will vary depending on the visa you’re applying for and the exchange rate for the day. Credit card fees apply, as well.
6. Download and process the health assessment endorsement.
For the final part of the application process, a health exam will be required but only if you plan to stay longer than 3 months and/or depending on your age.
You will notice in the summary of your application a button on health assessment. You can click on it to generate a HAP ID and download your referral letter for a health exam. Hold on to this document until Immigration contacts you via e-mail instructing you to proceed with the medical.
Once immigration has sent out confirmation to proceed with a medical exam, you will need to print out your referral letter and go to an accredited medical institution.
You have two options:
- Nationwide Health Systems Aux, Inc. in Salcedo St. Legaspi Village, Makati; or
- St Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
After your health exam is completed, a decision will be rendered. If successful, your Australian visa grant will be sent to you via e-mail.
Tips:
- Remember to bring your valid passport and referral letter from the Australian Embassy. You need the HAP ID to lodge the results of your health exam.
- You may bring any relevant medical record or certificate, too.
- As for female applicants, you will need to schedule your exam at least a week after menstruation.
- The medical exam costs PhP 6,000. Repeat tests are not covered and additional fees apply.
- A plane ticket is NOT required before applying for an Australian tourist visa. It is recommended that you obtain your visa first before booking any flights. However, to save on expenses through promo fares, you may consider taking a chance and securing cheaper tickets ahead of time. But be sure to allow plenty of time before your departure date to process your Australian visa application.
Disclaimer: This article is for information-sharing purposes only. If you have specific queries and concerns regarding the immigration process in Australia, we recommend you visit the Australian Government’s Immigration and Citizenship page.
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