How Can I Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa?

How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa

Dreaming of hearing an Aussie accent while exploring Sydney or cruising the Great Ocean Road? Time to get an Aussie tourist visa!

With budget flights from Manila to Sydney and Melbourne, exploring Australia is easier than ever.

In this guide, I’ll help you DIY your Australian tourist visa, list needed documents, share group application steps, and give tips based on my two applications. Get set for your Down Under adventure!

Table of Contents

What Kinds of Visas Does Australia Have?

Australia offers various visas for different purposes, like visiting, studying, working, and more. These visas are further divided based on specific reasons for your stay.

For visitor visas, there are six types:

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Transit visa (Subclass 771)
Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462)
Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)

The Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is for tourists, business visitors, or those visiting family for 3, 6, or 12 months. It has three streams:

Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream
Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Sponsored Family Stream
Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Business Visitor Stream

This article focuses on the Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream, ideal for tourism, holidays, or visiting family and friends.

For a complete list of Australian visas, check this link. If you’re unsure, use the visa finder to see options that fit your needs.

What is Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Visa?

This visa lets you visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or see family and friends. You can also study or train for up to 3 months. Just be a genuine tourist and have enough funds for your stay.

What You Need for an Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600 – Tourism Stream)?

Fill out Form 1419 online.
Identity documents:
- Passport copy with photo page.
- Copies of all visas and entry/exit stamps.
Visitor evidence:
- If employed:
  - Employment certificate with salary details.
  - 3-month bank statement.
- If self-employed:
  - Business tax returns for 2 years.
  - Bank deposit slip as tax payment evidence.
- If visiting relatives or friends:
  - Invitation letter.
  - Copy of relative’s/friend’s passport.
  - Proof of relationship.
  - Their financial proof.
Financial capacity documents:
- Bank certificate (average daily balance for 3 months).
- Bank statements (transactions for 3 months).
- Payslips or savings evidence.
- If someone else supports you, submit their financial docs.
For minors:
- Birth certificate from PSA.
- School enrollment evidence.
- If traveling with one parent:
  - Form 1229 from the non-traveling parent.
  - Parent’s contact info and valid ID.
- If with someone else:
  - Form 1229 from both parents.
  - Both parents’ contact info and valid IDs.
  - Form 1257 from the person responsible in Australia.
Additional (optional but beneficial):
- Family register or composition form (e.g., family photo).
- Itinerary of planned activities.
- Cover letter summarizing plans and supporting docs.

Note: Include evidence of financial status even if someone else supports you. A cover letter is optional, and extra documents can be attached in the “other documents” section.

What is the Cost of an Australian Tourist Visa?

It’s 145 AUD, which is about PHP4,909 in today’s exchange rate.

How to Obtain an Australian Tourist Visa in the Philippines: A Simple Guide

Getting an Australian tourist visa in the Philippines is straightforward. You have two options: apply online through ImmiAccount or choose the traditional paper-based application with VFS Global.

For a hassle-free experience, the online method through ImmiAccount is recommended. It’s convenient, requiring only a computer and internet connection. Plus, it allows easy tracking of your application.

According to the Australian Embassy, online applications are processed faster, with over 80% of visitors choosing this route. If you prefer the traditional way, we’ll guide you through both options step by step.

Option 1: Applying for an Australian Tourist Visa Online through ImmiAccount

ImmiAccount serves as the online platform for submitting visa applications to Australia. Whether you, a family member, or a friend intend to apply for a visa, ImmiAccount offers a convenient avenue for the following purposes:

Visa Application
Accessing the My Health Declaration service
Continuing a saved online application
Attaching documents online
Checking the progress of your application
Modifying application details

To apply for an Australian tourist visa online using ImmiAccount, follow these steps:

Account Creation:
- Visit the ImmiAccount login page and select “Create an ImmiAccount.”
- Provide necessary details such as name, contact information, username, and password.
- Click “Submit” and confirm your account through the email sent to you.

Application Submission:
- Log in to ImmiAccount and click “New Application.”
- Choose “Visitor” from the list of visa types and then select “Visitor Visa 600.”

Application Pages Overview:
- Navigate through 19 pages covering various aspects of your application.
  - a. Agree to Terms and Conditions: Click “Agree” on Page 1.
  - b. Current Location and Purpose of Stay: Provide details as requested on Page 2.
  - c. Personal Information: Fill in details, including any previous names, on Page 3.
  - d. Confirmation: Review and confirm the accuracy of entered information on Page 4.
  - e. Travel Companions: Specify whether you are traveling alone on Page 5.
  - f. Contact Details: Provide your contact information on Page 6.
  - g. Authorization: Indicate if someone else is authorized to receive communications on your behalf on Page 7.
  - h. Family Members: Declare family members not traveling with you on Page 8.
  - i. Entry Details: Specify proposed stay details and contacts in Australia on Pages 9-11.
  - j. Employment Information: Provide current employment status and details on Pages 10-11.
  - k. Financial Support: Declare financial support details on Pages 12-14.
  - l. Health and Character Declarations: Answer health and character declaration questions on Pages 15-16.
  - m. Visa History: Disclose visa history on Pages 17-18.
  - n. Declaration: Confirm your responses on Page 19.
Review and Submission:
- Confirm the summary of your answers on the review page and click “Next.”
Document Attachment:
- Attach required and recommended documents, ensuring they meet the specified criteria.

Payment of Visa Fee:
- Proceed to the payment page and pay the visa fee of 145 AUD using a credit card.
Application Tracking:
- Track the progress of your application in ImmiAccount.
- Receive notification upon visa approval.

Note: The granted visa will be communicated through a visa grant letter, which you’ll present during boarding and to Australian Immigration upon arrival. There is no physical visa sticker or label attached to your passport.

Option 2: Applying for an Australian Tourist Visa via Paper-Based Application through VFS Global

VFS Global, an authorized third-party provider, facilitates the manual submission of your visa application for Australia, with offices in Makati and Cebu.

Here’s how to apply for an Australian tourist visa manually through VFS Global:

Obtain the Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream – Subclass 600 Online Application Checklist Philippines. This checklist will guide you in ensuring that all required documents and information supporting your application are included. Print and sign this checklist for submission alongside your application.
Complete Form 1419 (Application for Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream), a 42-question form divided into 11 parts. The questions align with those encountered when completing the online form via ImmiAccount.
Compile all supporting documents as outlined in the checklist and discussed earlier.
Secure a Manager’s Cheque payable to “Australian Embassy” equivalent to AUD145 in Philippine Peso, serving as the visa fee.

Schedule an appointment through the VFS Online Appointment System to submit your application.

Steps for scheduling an appointment with VFS Global:

Access the VFS Global Online Appointment System.
If it’s your first time, click “New User” and fill out the form. Click “Submit.”
After submitting, go to the login page.
Click “Schedule an Appointment” and choose the preferred submission location (Cebu or Makati).
Add applicant details and select a date and time for submission. Click “Submit.”

The appointment letter will be emailed, indicating the submission details. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
If needed, reschedule through the VFS Global Online Appointment System.

Note: Prior appointments are essential, and walk-ins are not permitted.

On the scheduled day, submit the fully completed and signed application form with supporting documents at the specified location mentioned in the appointment letter.
Track your application progress.
Upon approval, collect your Visa Letter at the VFS Global office or opt for delivery to your address through a courier service.

Important Tips and Warnings

Credit Card Payment: If you lack a credit card, it’s permissible to have someone with a credit card make the payment on your behalf.
Flight Booking: No flight ticket booking is required during the visa application. Flight details are unnecessary for the application process. Reserve your ticket only after your visa has been issued.
Hotel Accommodation: Similarly, hotel booking details are not required during the application. Secure hotel reservations after your visa has been granted.
Travel Insurance: While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for the visa application (unlike Schengen visa requirements), it is advisable to obtain it to mitigate potential significant expenses in case of medical emergencies during international travel.
Passport Submission: Your actual passport is not submitted during the application. Only a photocopy is required. You can continue to use your passport for travel while awaiting visa approval.
Visa Scams Warning: The Australian Embassy in the Philippines and VFS Global caution applicants about prevalent visa scams. Protect yourself by applying for the visa independently, as the process is straightforward and manageable.
Truthful Declarations: Always provide truthful responses, ensuring that your statements align with the documents submitted. Making false statements or submitting fraudulent documents may result in the denial of your visa application.
Notarization Requirement: As of the present, documentary requirements for an Australian visa application do not need to be notarized. Verify the latest requirements to ensure compliance with any updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can my family/relatives/friends and I apply for an Australian tourist visa as a group?

Group applications are possible, but each member must submit a separate visa application, including children and family members. Using ImmiAccount allows you to apply for the group without creating multiple accounts.

Australian Tourist Visa Group Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

On Page 2/19, indicate group application.
On Page 5/19, list other persons traveling with you.
Create individual applications for each group member.

For paper-based applications via VFS Global, all group members should apply simultaneously.

2. What is the validity period of the Australian tourist visa?

Visa validity is stated in the grant letter, ranging from 3 to 12 months. The grant specifies single or multiple entries, allowing travel back and forth within the visa validity period.

3. Is it possible to obtain a multiple-entry tourist visa to Australia, and if so, how can I apply for it?

Multiple-entry visas depend on the application review. Indicate intent on the application form, and specify entry dates for subsequent visits after the first entry.

4. Can I designate someone else to apply for my Australian visa on my behalf?

Yes, via ImmiAccount, authorize someone to receive written correspondence on your behalf. For paper applications, tick the “Authorized recipient” box and complete Form 956A.

5. If I plan to travel to Sydney in the summer, when should I initiate the visa application process, and what is the expected processing time?

Processing time is 17 to 28 days. Apply well in advance and consider individual circumstances. Some receive visas in less than 17 days, but allowing sufficient time is advisable.

6. What is the required amount of “show money” that needs to be in my bank account for a trip to Australia?

No specified amount, but keeping funds equivalent to 100-120 Euro per day is a general guideline. Have enough for transportation, food, and accommodation.

7. I’m considering visiting my fiance in Australia, and he has offered to sponsor my trip. What type of visa should I apply for, and what steps should I take when someone else is sponsoring my journey?

Apply for Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream. Indicate support on ImmiAccount, providing documents like an invitation letter, passport copy, relationship evidence, and proof of financial capability.

8. Given my limited travel history, what are the odds of being granted an Australian tourist visa?

No, a strong travel history is not a decisive factor in visa approval. Each application is assessed individually.

9. Are medical examinations necessary for my Australian visa application, and if so, what specific exams/tests are required, and how do I proceed with them?

For Subclass 600, undergo medical exams based on health declarations. Tests vary depending on specific situations. A medical examination is mandatory for visa processing.

The location, operational hours, contact numbers, and email addresses for accredited panel physicians can be found here.

For a comprehensive understanding of the health requirements in your visa application, please visit the following link.

10. If I have been granted a 3-month Australian tourist visa, is it permissible to work during this period, and if so, what types of employment are allowed?

No, working is not allowed under a tourist visa. Volunteer work, online jobs, and short-term domestic activities are exceptions.

11. I’ve just submitted my visa application, but my plans have changed, and I no longer wish to go to Australia. Can I withdraw my application, and if I do, is a refund of the visa fee possible?

Withdraw via Form 1446 in ImmiAccount. The visa fee is non-refundable.

12. What factors may lead to the denial of my visa application for Australia?

Denial may result from identity issues, false documents, insufficient funds, doubts about returning home, or unclear tourism purposes. Examiners consider the Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020.