With its stunning natural beauty, exciting cities, and unique wildlife, it's no wonder that so many people want to visit Australia. If you're a Filipino national planning a trip to Australia, you must apply for a Australia Visitor Visa.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about applying for this Australian tourist visa, including the requirements, Australian visa application, and visa fees.
Australian Visa system: Australia Visa types for Filipino citizens
As a Filipino citizen, you can apply for various types of visas to visit Australia. Here are the most popular visa categories:
- Australia Visitor Visa: This tourist visa is available to Philippines passport holders wanting to explore Australia as a tourist. It also permits you to study in Australia for less than three months.
You must complete an online application form to apply for this visa and provide your biometric information. There may also be instances where a phone interview is necessary.
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Student Visa: If you plan to study in Australia for over three months, you must apply for a student visa. You must be accepted in an Australian educational institution to apply for this visa.
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Skilled Visa: If you have skills or qualifications in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a skilled visa. It’ll allow you to work legally in the country.
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Australia Working Holiday visa: This is a temporary work visa for passport holders 18 to 30 years old who want to spend an extended holiday in Australia and work during their stay.
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Family Visa: If you have family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you may be able to apply for a family visa to join them in Australia.
Australian Tourist Visa: All about the Australian Visitor Visa for Filipinos
The Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the travel document that allows Filipinos to enter Australia for tourist or business activities. At iVisa, we can help and guide you throughout the application process to ensure you have all the necessary support for a successful visa application.
How long can I stay in Australia with a Visitor Visa?
The Visitor Visa grants a stay for three, six, or twelve months; the consular officer will decide depending on your background. Remember to keep within the allowed stay period.
Eligibility criteria for the Australia Visitor Visa
To be eligible for the Australia Visitor Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid passport from the Philippines
- Undergo a medical examination
- Be of good character
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- Intend to only visit Australia temporarily for tourism or business visitor activities or study for less than three months.
- Meet all other visa conditions and requirements below.
Australia Visitor Visa requirements for children from the Philippines
If you plan to travel to Australia with your child from the Philippines, please note that kids need a visa too. Here are the requirements for your child's visa application:
- Your child's birth certificate must include both parents' names or a family book with both parents' names.
- You will need to provide ID cards of both parents or adoption papers with the ID of the guardians.
- If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent, you must present a Form 1229 along with the application. This form must be completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians and be accompanied by a copy of their driver's license or passport (or other identification with signature and photo).
- If your child is traveling without a parent or guardian and is not staying with a relative or on an organized tour, you must also include Form 1257 - Undertaking Declaration. It must be completed and signed by the person providing accommodation and responsible for your child during their stay in Australia.
Australia Visa Guide: Visa application process
The Visitor Visa comprises the most complex process among Australian tourist visas. You can apply through the government website or through us by following the steps below.
We aim to offer a quicker and simpler process for travelers, cutting down paperwork so you can focus on your trip:
- Step 1: Complete the visa application form on the website or on our app. You must provide personal information, travel history, hotel reservations, and passport details.
- Step 2: Double-check all the information to avoid mistakes. Pay the visa fee using Paypal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, or a credit or debit card.
- Step 3: Upload the required documents and click ‘Submit’. Attend the Australian Visa Application Centre appointment to provide your biometric information and undergo the health exam.
After that, you must wait for the government’s answer. Once approved, you can pack your bags and travel to Australia!
We also recommend downloading the iVisa app to keep track of your documents electronically. You can even track the status of your application and receive real-time alerts.
After applying for an Australia Visitor Visa
After filling out the visitor visa application form, a phone call interview is sometimes required. We’ll let you know if that’s the case. However, usually, you must visit an Australian Visa Application Centre or an Australian Biometrical Collections Centre.
Once this process is complete, you can expect a confirmation email with your application ID and reference number, which you can use to track your application's progress. You should also expect to hear from the Australian Government regarding any additional information or documents they may need from you to process your application.
Australia Visitor Visa processing times
Our service includes two stages. The first is our application processing, where we assist you in completing the visa application, reviewing all the information provided, and scheduling an appointment for biometric information submission at a VAC.
- Our processing time for Filipino citizens is 30 days.
Once you have submitted all required documents, provided biometric information, and passed the medical examination, the Australian government will process your visa application.
On average, the government takes 28 days (90% of applications) to process visa requests from Filipino citizens. It's important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the Embassy's workload.
We advise all travelers from the Philippines to apply well in advance to avoid disappointments.
Additional resources for further information about the Australia Visitor Visa
We know how to have the latest information make a difference in travel planning. Here are some handy websites and communication channels to consult if you need further information:
- Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
- Tourism Australia
- Australian Border Force
- Australian Embassy in the Philippines
Contact us for more info about your Australian Visa application
If you have any questions or concerns about the Australia visa for citizens of the Philippines, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team via online chat or WhatsApp. We're ready to assist!