[UPDATE October 13, 2015] Here’s a guide on how you can easily, quickly, and cheaply apply for an Australian tourist visa online
[Update: September 15, 2014] Philippine passport holders can now apply for an Australian tourist visa online through the IMMI website. Application fee must be paid via credit card. You can still apply in person through VFS.
[UPDATE May 19, 2013: I have an updated Australian tourist visa application guide.
I am not a visa officer, nor am I migration agent. I am in no way affiliated with the Australian Embassy Manila nor with the Australian government. This post comes from my experience with preparing and submitting visa applications for family members and for myself. Also note that this entry pertains to my experience in applying for an Australian tourist visa in October 2006. The Australian immigration update their forms every 3 months. I will try to answer your questions the best way that I can, but bear in mind that a lot has changed since 2006. If you ask a question I’ve already answered in the post, I will ignore you.
One of the questions people ask me when I tell them I’ve been to Australia is if it’s easy to get a tourist visa. Almost everybody in Manila have heard of stories of how hard it is to obtain a US tourist visa: compiling documents like birth certificate, bank statements, even land titles O_O, paying a high application fee, waiting in line for hours for an interview. Is it as hard to get a tourist visa for Australia as it is for the US?
Actually, it’s not whether it’s harder on not, but it really boils down to how complete your documents are. I believe all embassies would be very meticulous about all the applications they receive, and it is really important to send them all the required documents.
Be it the Australian embassy, the US embassy or the Chinese embassy, they all want to know the same thing: that you are who you say you are, that you have the means to fund your trip in their country, and that you will be returning to your home country.
Proof of identity
This of course, is your passport and your birth certificate.
Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements, credit card documents stating your credit limit, payslip
Proof that you’re not going to be an illegal immigrant
Certificate of employment if you’re already working or certificate of enrollment if you’re still studying
If you’re thinking of visiting Australia anytime soon, head on to the Australian Immigration website to learn more about the Australian tourist visa, as well as download the necessary forms. Here are some helpful links to get you started:
Tourist Visa (Subclass 676)
Tourist Visa Charges
Visa application checklist (PDF file)
Application form 48R (PDF file)
[UPDATE April 5, 2013] Please note that as of March 23, 2013, the visa subclass for Australian tourist visa is subclass 600 and the application form is now form 1419.
Coming up next: How I went about applying for my Australian tourist visa
Comments
7,072 responses to “How to apply for an Australian visa”
these are really helpful. Thanks! 🙂 I wish I could visit Australia soon.
Regarding bank statements, credit card documents stating your credit limit, and payslip – should you furnish all those documents? I only have credit card docs and payslip.
Hi Sarj! I think that would be enough, but I think it’d be better if you can provide bank statements. Good luck on your application!
[…] my dad, my borhter, my sisters, my niece…pretty much every one in the family), applied for a tourist visa for Autralia, the only time they grant multiple-entry visas is when we requested for it. I didn’t request […]
hey thanks for this post. i might fly to adelaide by may. how long will it take? i’m thinking of applying on feb.
From the date of the pick up, it can take anytime between 5 days to almost 1 month. But that one month wait was during the holidays, and they had a huge backlog. Good luck on your application!
i wanted to apply for a visit visa to Australia. I’m just wondering, how much money should be in your bank so that you can be approved for a visa. And how much am I going to spend just to apply for a visit visa?
Hi Hans! I don’t think there’s a set amount required for your bank account. I guess you would need enough money deposited there to fund your stay in Australia. Maybe $1,500 would do if you’re going to be in Australia for 3-5 days. The visa application fee is around Php3,500, while the courier fee (to be paid to the FedEx/Air21 guy when he comes to pick up your application) is around Php300. Good luck!
hi! nena,this is my third time in applying,and i want a multiple visa, is it required for me to request for it?thanks..
Hello Thess! In my mother’s case, we requested for a 6-month multiple-entry visa for her. We just included that in her application’s cover letter. Just make sure you can fund for your multiple visits and that you have a reason for applying for one. Though it was weird because they granted me a multiple-entry visa without me asking…
How to apply for australian tourist visa please mail me as soon as possible.
hi..anyone can tell me..or knowledge me hehehe wat is a multiple visa?and how many months dat it takes to process tourist visa in oz.And if ur not currently employed for now,does it affects ur application for da visa?
pls tell me the process on applying tourist visa in oz coz im planning to go der on december ’08(hopefully)
Hi Nina,
I also want to visit australia as my boyfriend have invited me,but i dont have money in the bank (bf will provide me everything like accomodation and financial support) i am working as a Realtor though…what suffice document should i provide?please advice…thank you in advance ..
best regards,
Mj
just what i need, nina!
i have an upcoming trip to Melbourne and i also want to visit Sydney…
wag lang ma-reject ng boss ko
Hello Experts,
Do you think I could easily get Australia Tourist visa if it’s just my first time to go abroad? Meaning hindi pa madumi ang passport ko…… Looking forward on your response and many thanks in advance. : )
Cheers,
shehzeen
hi im from the philippines and i want to apply for an autralian tourist visa.. hmm how much money do i need to have in the bank? well at least how much? thanks
Hello..
Im from the philippines,and i have a friend there in australia,he wants me to visit him there.but he dont know how to bring me there.Is it a big help if he will be the one who will sponsor me even i dont have bank account?If we get a tourist visa how long i could stay there?pls help me…
thanks and God bless you more.
Hi someone can help me i want to get a working holiday in australia
halu gud day/ plz share ur knowledge….is my fiancee aligible 2 be my spnsor if im going 2 aply as a family sponsr tourst visitr in oz?thanx and Godbless/
gud day///thanx to u all 4 sharing ur knowledge frm my 1st cmmnts…this wud be my 2nd time…and i ned ur help once again friends…regarding about the fiancee visa aplicatn,how long does it takes the processing of it?how/when can we follow-up our apllication by the time we aplly on it?THANX a lots…and be STILL… GODBLESS U ALL.
Hi Im from angeles and planning to apply a visa to AUstralia as a tourist,Theres this migration consultant and they offer service to get a visas,The Australian ask me about my situation ( hes the one managing thier office u gotta pay 500php just to ask info) So I said I got a cousin living in australia for 17 years I got a fiancee for 2 and half years I havent got a job but he’s been supporting me ( american ).I been to the UK Asia- Malaysia Singapore thailand Indonesia lots of times,my old passport is filled,and few stampped on my new one.My fiancee is gona be in Australia for 40 days so Im coming there to see him as well as visiting my cousin and she will sponsor me too.He asked how much money I got in the bank I said half a million php I own a car etc.Now he said I should pay 30k Php and the 500 php I paid will be deducted,thats the whole package.I need some lots of views from different folks if I should do this Pay him or go find other agent that specialize Australian Visa that dnt cost as this much.Any possitive or negative comments will be much appreciate.
hi nina,
i’m soooo happy to find your site. like u i also love to travel. i love the beach though i don’t know how to swim ,hehe… been to some asian countries like brunei,singapore,malaysia,bangkok,hk,macau.
i’m also planning to go to sydney, but i’m not sure if i can get a visa coz i can’t show them any payslip.hehe. im selfemployed and no tax declaration…hehe. but i have enough money in my bank account, credit card…hay,,do u have any suggestion on what to do?i’d really love to see sydney.
a warmth hello 2 u ms. nina/ im so thankful that my cousin gaves me ur site/its awesome!and this cud be my chance 2 have a gud advise from an expert like u and know more imprtant info. regarding visa apllication///we just lodged our docs. last wek of february this year{ fiancee visa}……….until now{august} we still dont have any infos bout the status of our apllicatn we lodge b4 /we ned ur advise badly on what to do and how can we know the status of our apllctn….thank u so vry much…till here GODBLESS/
hi
im from the Philippines and i want to apply for an Australian tourist visa..
how much money do i need to have in the bank? well at least how much?
how long process tourist visa?
thanks
Hello
i”m am maria live Laguna Philippines i have fiance live in Australia he is foreign man will plan marry in this 2010 but just civil wedding like hotel or restaurant but mayor or judge or priest marry us
i just ask about that what my fiance live Australia foreign man requitment need for civil wedding or mayor wedding
pls help me and answers me
my_real_maria29@yahoo.com
thank u
Hello
I’m am Maria live laguna Philippines i have fiance live in Australia foreign man will plan marry 2010 in Philippines i love him so much and i want be with him asap but my family want/even me i want marry first before go in Australia live with him
i just ask what visa suit for us and easy process and cheap also so i go in Australia
live with him and how long process and how much and what are requirement i need get visa and bank need leave bank show/proud i have good income not TNT ?
pls email me and help me and advice me
my_real_maria29@yahoo.com
thank u
hello,
My name is erica live in Negros I have fiance live in Australia a foreign man. we have a plan to marry in 2010. we love each other so much since the first time we met here in Negros. He wants me to visit in Australia, he will sponsor me and give all my needs.
I want to apply for an Australian tourist Visa. what are the requirements needed? how much money do i need to have in the bank.? at least how much?.
please help me and advise me
erica.valer@yahoo.com
thank you
hi Ms. Nina,
Im just browsing the web to check what i need to do if i want to come over in australia.My bf wants to visit me here in manila this febuary and after that we will have to process a holiday visa.He will sponsor me for everything for the application and for my stay in austalia.I plan to stay for 2-3 weeks only.i have a bank statement of my payroll,my payslips too and passport.What else are the requirements i need to prepare?btw is there a need to have enough money on bank account?hoping to hear from you.
thank you
hi there, i just want to ask, on how to retrieve my visit visa w/c my aussie bf applies for me, we did not meet yet but he applied visit visa for me,,, he wants to surprise me,, and now were fighting,, pls help me to check my visit visa.. thanks
Valerie: Your boyfriend cannot apply for a tourist visa for you. You should be the one to apply for it.
hi! just like to ask if the medical examination is really required. I’ve read it in their website, but Im not sure if this is also applicable to Filipinos applying for tourist visa. If it is, when will be the examination happen? Is it during the application itself or once the visa is granted? thanks
Hello Nina,
My Autralian boyfriend wants me to apply visa so I can visit him because he is so busy at work and can’t fly here in Philippines. He will be the one to sponsor everything.
It is my first time to go there, i wanna make sure, is it advisable to ask an agent to apply visa for me? Because this is what my boyfriend wants me to do.
Please help me and tell me what to do.
Thanks a lot.
Godbless
im going to visit my friend in australia this year, and he’s the one who’s going to fund my stay there, what should i tell or do when i apply and they’ll ask me about my financial capabilities?.im still a college student..i still dont hold any credit card yet too..any advice??..maybe my stay will be a month long..and is there a need for me to have an agent?…or what??…
=)..need your help..
hi nina.my pinay gf wants to com asap.she has little money i will fund her travel.My ? to u is wat is fastest or best way to achieve this?is it possible to visit on tourist visa then apply 4 spouse visa or is there no fast way?ur help we need:)
i m australia citzen
Hi Peeps,
how to start when applying for a tourist visa with an invitation letter from a relative in Australia?
what are the requirements needed for my relative who will be sending an invitation letter?
please send me the steps on how to apply for a tourist visa with an invitation letter thru this e-mail rlaman04@yahoo.com
thanks,
richard laman
hi nina! i’m new on this site thats why i have a lot of question in my mind.i’m a dentist working in ksa right now and was scheduled to go back to the philippines next month.i’m planning to apply for an australian tourist visa by june.my cousin who is an australian citizen will be in the philippines by next month and he is willing to give me an invitation letter and some supporting documents.can you please tell me what documents do i need from him that can help me in getting my tourist visa.do i still need an employment certificate since i already finished my contract in ksa? please tell me every single details that will help me in getting an australian visa. thanks and more power.
hi nina i have a aussie bf and he thinking the best way to get me there if spouse visa or tourist visa.. and by october 2010 we are getting married (civil wedding) philippines.. if ever tourist visa and then we will get married to australia do u think i automatically recognize ask a citizen?? pls email me anelious2002@yahoo.com.. and how much it cost for tourist visa
hi,
my aunt is inviting me to stay over the summer vacation in australia, im only 17 and no one will be travelling with me. my aunt will finance everything. do you think there’s a chance that i will be granted a visa.
and what else do i need?
how long does visa processing takes?
Hi Nina,
I just have few questions regarding tourist visa in australia. A friend of mine which is an australian, will sponsor me a 3week holiday in australia. All expense paid, including airfare and other expenses related to my visit. We already knew all the requirements needed for me to get there. She is so busy now and her passport is already expired last Jan 2010, and don’t have time to renew it. Her australian passport is one of the requirement, but does she need to renew it? If we submit that expired passport, is my application will be declined? Thanks a lot
Hi Nina good day, my friend in australia inviting me to visit him and he will shoulder all my expenses. May i know how much money do i need in my bank account, right now i am unemployed is it not hard for me to get a visa even if I am unemployed? Please advise.
thanks,
Bay
hi nina i want to ask something i want to apply tourist visa or working visa in australia but i dont have bank account … but my friend there or my partner want me to go there…. they hava another way to get visa? and what else i can bring as a document… tnx nina
plzzzz send me your answer to my email
mg_ice18@yahoo.com
tnx nina… but what if im only 23yrs old and i dont have that statement?? my partner is australian citizen they want me to go there…? there any document that can i show them to get visa?? if i dont have bank statement ?
hi again ms Nina yah im costumer Service Representative here in the philippines i only have ATM ^^ maybe i can show all my document. im only employee here of US busnessman. i want to go in australia a soon as posible i want to care my partner i love him so much… that i want to go there i want to there i want to give all of my attention for him for the rest of his life…
tnx nina for advice your really great adviser…
hi…please i need ur help..my bf will be coming here in philippines, and he said i have to get a tourist visa…whats the first step in processing a tourist visa? what if, we will get married there? possible ba yun?
hello to all
i have fiance live austarlia in queenland is foreign man name gino
i will want apply tourist visa? pls tell me what are requitment i need tourist visa in australia and how long process and how cost also?
email me
my_real_maria29@yahoo.com
maria
Hello to all
I’m am Maria Philippines will plan process and apply tourist visa in june so i will be with him in july in australia tell me this is right will process and apply in June
Hi! Im from Dipolog City. Just want to ask po.I have my friend from Australia and he wants me to visit him. He cant be able to come here since busy sya masyado.What r the necessary requirements and documents kakailanganin namin to apply for the visa? He will shoulder all the expenses po including airline ticket po. Ur response to this matter is highly appreciated. Thank u and God bless.
Hi Nina,
Similar to some questions already asked here, how would it be any possible for my sister to apply for an Australian tourist visa when she is already graduated from univ, but is not yet working. Is it enough to show her bank certificate with sufficient funds? Would you suggest anything regarding this? We don’t have any relatives in Australia who could invite us, except I have a friend who can invite/sponsor her.
Thanks a lot in advance for your response.
pl give me advice about aplaying australian tourist at 3 to 6 month..i aplay visa last september but my visa is refuse and embassy said i need to show my bank account even my b/f support my visit at australia i just want to knw how much money i need to save in my account…….