[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”
thank you for the advice…how if my boyfriend provide php 150,000 for my sufficient fund is there a posibilities that embassy can sey yes to my visa….i really want to meet him in person after 2 years that we been in these realtionship me and my boyfriend wishing that embassy give me a visa thanks i hope you can give more advice
hi maryann
based on my experienced wala pow akong pinasang any financial documents from my side only my aussie bf lang ang nagpasa ng finacial docs nya like bank statement, tax account, house details/rites, if nakapunta na bf mo d2 to visit you; mga philippine stamped passport nya, hotel details etc… then pictures ninyong dalawa with ur family as well to prove ur relationships, then invitation letter ng from your bf…. as in wala pow talaga akong pinasang financial documents ko…. pero na approved ung visa ko. sa dec pow ang alis namin ng son ko going to sydney…
gud luck girl!
thank you so much to ans all my concern here just hoping that australian embassy give me chance to meet my fience and start new life together,,,, god bleeessss ty for the good service
can i ask more question what is the requirment of tourist visa atleast 3 month…
hi just want to ask,my friend in australia want me to visit him,how could i get a tourist visa?what are the requiremnts?he will shoulder all my xpenses,what are some documents do i need to prepare except for tourist visa?if they required a bank account,how much it will be?want to apply 3 to 6 month,how long a take?
need your advice…thanks
please send to email
quiriadojessica@yahoo.com
Hi Jessica,
I already wrote about the requirements and procedures. Please take time to read them:
https://justwandering.org/2007/10/australia-tourist-visa/
https://justwandering.org/2008/11/australian-tourist-visa-guide/
As for the bank statement, it would be best if you have more than Php150,000 in the bank, even if your friend is going to sponsor you.
I tried e-mailing you in that address, but the e-mail bounces back.
thanks for the info nina..
hi nina,
just want to ask how much should i need…i mean do you have any have idea how much sufficient funds i need.
Hi Nina,
Just wanna ask, what requirements do i need to provide for a tourist visa if i’m self-employed? And my australian boyfriend, cause he will be the one to sponsor my travel?
Thanks in advance, you’re a big help.
God bless.
good day
amys here ,im looking for someone who can help me to get a australian vessa for quicker
thanxxxxxxx
hi nina, i already have a tourist visa which is good for a year, i just wanna ask if its there’s any way i could apply for a working visa when i get there and how’s the process… thanks so much, would appreciate your response. thanks again.
Before anything else i would like to say have a wonderful day..i want to know more about on how to apply for tourist visa for 3 months because i want to visit my friend and meet his family but i dont know what are the steps to do.what are the requirement?way back 2 years i work in vehicle dealer and now im 2 years in business but i did not have permit before i only now secure that permit.I have already my certificate of employement and business permit to prove that i have business handle but the problem is do i need to support income tax return?because i dont have that documents coz im jst now have permit.and i have only 20,000 pesos in my bank account is it possible that the visa will be grant?I have letter of invitation and statutory declaration from my friend stating that he will be the one to shoulder all my financial and accomodation do i need much money in the bank?How can i verify my passport?can i used the form 48R that i print in the internet or i will get the original copy from the embassy?when i have all the requirements needed can i mail it thru registered mail to australian embassy?Hope i can here from u soon…Thanks in advance
God Bless and more power..
Please read the entry carefully, as well as the other blog entry linked. It has the answers to your questions regarding the requirements and how to submit your application. You need to show proof that you have a legitimate business in the Philippines and that you have enough money to pay for your trip, even if your friend is sponsoring all your expenses.
hello…i have a boyfriend in australia,a foriegner. he wants me to visit there even for 1 week to see what austrli is.i will just be back after 1 week because i have to continue my studies on second semester.i want to apply for tourist visa..what should i do?where should i apply?what are the requirements?pls answer me..i really need your help..thank u and god bless just email me in my email adress: joveyawitin@yahoo.com
hello nina,
praise be jesus and mary!!
in my case, my boyfriend will handle all of my expenses..he will look after me with all my needs when im there..and now just want to know what should i do to get tourist visa just for 1 week.and where should i apply….and the requirements i needed
thanks nina…bu what if i dont have bank statements or even pay slip? because i am still a student..what should i do??pls help..
but my boyfriend said that he will send me a letter with his bank statements to show that thy can afford to give me what i needed there…is that enough?or do i need to make mine???i will b waiting for ur precious responce
and how much probably i put to my bank account for them to give me visa?
so u mean the bank statement of my boyfriend is no enough?even if he will b the 1 to buy my roundtrip ticket and for all expenses?
if i will have my bnk account..do i still need to show them payslip?
what will i need more if i have bank account already??certificate of enrollment?that 2 only??i am very happy that u intertain me..thnk u..i just really need ur help
does the australian embassy located only in manila??does it have interview??how many days to pocess tourist visa?
hello…still there ninA? thank u for ur time…i will wait for ur responce..good night and god bless
thank u so much nina…and am so sorry..good luck in your work//hav a nice day take care nd god bless u
hello nina..good day to u…can my boyfriend can process for my visa there in australia?/and if i will aplly on internet,how they will see my requirements?/god bless
hi mam.. i just want to ask something. here is the situation: my mom and I planned to go to Australia because my godmother is there, we want to visit her there. We want to acquire a tourist visa. But I have a problem about the requirement of a certificate of enrollment because i am a fresh grad and I also cant show them a certificate of employment since I still don’t have a job. What if i can’t show them those requirements? Is there a possibility I would be denied? Lastly, will there be a an interview? Hoping to hear from you. Please email me to such email ad.Thank you very much mam.
It seems as if very few people commenting have actually read what you have written Nina , lol . As an Australian I want your readers to know that its hard to get a visa without the required paperwork . It doesn’t matter what letters of promised support you have , the Australians don’t care . The paperwork required is listed .
Next , Australia is EXPENSIVE , so you must show you have ample funds to support yourself REGARDLESS of if your boyfriend/ fiance/family /etc will support you while in Australia .Those funds need to be in YOUR bank account and be enough to cover your stay . That would be AUS$12,000 for a year long stay . See?It’s expensive . And finally Australia is aware of people going TNT , so don’t think they are naive . sadly pinoys have a bad reputation for overstaying making it difficult for others .
Good luck .
Hi Nina,
thank you for helping Filipinos, and i felt what they feel because im experiencing it now, my tourist visa was denied because lack of evidence since im unemployed, they want some proof that im going back to Philippines after 3 to 6 months. i have 2,000 AUS in my account, is that enough?and do they need at least 3 months of bank statement? please email me, thank you so much
i am planning to visit in australia maybe next years all expenses who wants to handle my boyfriend in australia he is support me and sponsored with me to visit in australia so i just to know only if how much the amount needed in my account in the bank thats y i can get tourist visitor visa and wat is the other requirements.?hows much the amount of visitor visa???????needed ur advice soon pls email me aquinosheila30@yahoo.com
Hi Nina,
I am so grateful that i found your site thru google.
My sister and I applied for a visit visa for Australia with an invitation for an all-paid holiday from our cousin but unfortunately it was denied. As per Australian Embassy’s reply, we missed to establish in our supporting documents that visiting Australia is our only purpose.
What documents do we need to submit to prove them that visit is our only purpose? How much money do we need to show that we have enough to support our visit. Lastly, is hiring an agency helpful? Can you suggest one?
Please do email me your answers to my queries @ sparkling_shimmering_sparrow@yahoo.com
Thanks and God bless you!
Dear Nina,
My son has a friend in the Phillipines who would like to come and visit him in Australia. She has a regular job but doesn’t have a lot of money in the bank. We would pay for all her accommodation and expenses while she is staying here with us. Would supplying a statement to the Australian Embassy from us but helpful to support her case? Do you know if money in the bank is mandatory?
Thank you for your help
Helen
hi.i am from cebu and i am going to manila to apply a tourist visa in australia. can u give me a tips on how to make it easier for me to be there!thanks!
hi im applying tourist visa sponsored by friend i have lots of requirements from my sponsor e.g (bank cert last 6 months $2,000 savings house land title passport and visa copy of my sponsor and statutory declarations it is enough money for my financial fund when i travel to australia. can u give me some information for the requirements please…
hello nina,
you think a 700aud income monthly of a australian citizen is allowed to invite a friend to live in his home? because i got a friend in australia and trying to invite me to visit him.he will look after me and pay everything i need. please reply thanks
Hi Niña.
Jeffrey here. May I ask what is the fastest way of getting an australian Visa. what type of visa should I acquire? I wanted to stay there and work moreover, I have relatives working in sydney.
Thanks!
pls email me at meir_link19@yahoo.com
Godspeed.
Hi Niña.
Good afternoon.
Jeffrey here. May I ask what is the fastest way of getting an australian Visa. what type of visa should I acquire? I wanted to stay there and work moreover, I have relatives working in sydney.
Thanks!
pls email me at meir_link19@yahoo.com
Godspeed.
Just want to know about visa application.
My boyfriend will sponsor my visit in Australia on December and spend my holidays there for one month. I am jobless here in Philippines but he supported me every month. Is it possible to have a visit visa? What other supporting documents do I need? And do I need to go to Manila Embassy for a personal interview?
Hope I can have feedback ffrom you asap.
Thank you.
Venus
Hi Nina,
I just like to ask if Tourist visa (subclass 676) is fit for me. my friend was going to sponsor me, to visit her.
what shes going to do to sponsor me?
And what should I going to do for this application.
Hi. Am going to Australia next September. Please advise me on how to get tourist visa cheaply. When is the time to get it for Sept 2011 travel? Thanks.
The visa application fee is fixed. Currently it’s at AU$105.
Pls send your reply via email . Thanks.
If you want me to reply to you via e-mail, next time leave a valid e-mail address.
Hi Nina! I am married to an Australian for years now and we are planning to go and visit his parents (who are ill). I have applied for a tourist visa before (before we were married to visit him) but it was not approved. Can you give me some advice on what I can do to get approved this time? Since I got married, I have been unemployed and we don’t own any properties. No kids yet.
Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much
Ask your husband’s family to write you an invitation letter that states you’re needed in Australia. You would also need to provide documents that show you are capable of paying for your trip to Australia (bank statement under your name, credit card statements, employment certificate, payslip) and that you have solid reasons to go back to the Philippines (business registration, stamps in your passport that shows you always go back to the Philippines when you travel overseas).
I hope this helps.
Hi Nina, thank you so much for the reply. I really appreciate the great advice. I have sent a reply through email as well with some personal details so I did not post it here 😉
Best regards,
Helena
hi miss Nina,thanks that i found your blog..i have a problem,i have a bf from Australia for 10m0nths now and he want me to go there to visit him..he cant come here because of his job.He provides me all the Expences that i need and in my case Miss Nina i don’t have a job but i have a business here..i just want to ask what documents or requirements do i need and my bf too.i want to apply my tourist visa for 3 to 6months..how long it takes po ba if i will apply it??..
thanks miss nina and godbless..!!!
Hello!
I am a 28 year old single working in a big company here in the Philippines. I have traveled to some Asian Countries and now I want to visit Australia and my plans is just for a week or two. I have researched enough about how to get a Travel Visa there but I wanted to make sure that what I have are enough documents to get an approval. I have a bank account under my name contains Php 150,000, I am a regular employee and I earned Php 60,000 net a month, however I don’t have credit card statement. Do I need to present plane tickets or booking itinerary as part of my documents to get the visa? I hope I can an answer from you.
Hi Anne,
If you have a stable job (and have been employed for several years) and have traveled extensively around Asia, I think getting an Australian tourist visa would be a cinch for you.
You don’t need to provide airline tickets with your application.
hi nina. i would like to ask what are the docs needed aside from passport and birth certificate. do i need certificate of singleness as well? TIA.. more power to you 🙂
Please read the entry again, the documents needed for the visa application were already stated there.
RE: Certificate of Singleness or Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) can be acquired from the National Statistics Office. I didn’t include one in my Australian tourist visa application.
thanks 🙂
hi miss Nina..thanks for the reply of my 1st question to u…miss Nina i don’t have a job so i don’t have ITR. is it really needed..what should i do po..???
You need to show proof to the embassy that you have the ability to pay for your trip to Australia and that you will come back to the Philippines. You can send them your bank statement to show your financial capability.
miss nina,all my expenses will shoulder of my bf and my ticket and he also send me to my bank account the money that i need to my bank statement cost of 150k is that enough to the immigration to approved it… give me idea nman po for what the things that i need to show or proved to the immigration that i will come back to PI.
thanks miss nina i am so grateful that ur here to help us and give info and advices..
As I’ve written in my post, some of the proof you can show the embassy that you have every intention of coming back to the Philippines is your employment certificate or enrollment certificate if you are still studying. You can also show your business registration if you are running a business in the Philippines.
Other proof, I guess, would be the immigration stamps in your passport that shows you always come back to the Philippines when you travel overseas.
Hi Miss Nina
Regarding about the tourist visa. Just want to ask if where i can see the Immigration to put a stamp on my passport just to prove that i will be back here in phil?I want to visit australia for 3months. I am from Cebu.
Can you email me through
immaculate652004@yahoo.com
Thank you Nina your blog really help us…
More powers…
thanks po miss nina sa mga advices…godbless..!!!
hi mam can i ask some ? how much money should i had in my savings to approve to go australia for 3months? i travel many country already before coz im working as a band singer but now i stop n my fiancee invite me to visit n australia to meet he”s family,i got some couple of hose n lot n trycicle n some money n my savings shoul be enough to prove that one….thanks n may godbless uuuuu……….asset
hi mam can i ask some ? how much money should i had in my savings to approve to go australia for 3months? i travel many country already before coz im working as a band singer but now i stop n my fiancee invite me to visit n australia to meet he”s family,i got some couple of house n lot n trycicle n some money n my savings should be enough to prove that one….thanks n may godbless uuuuu……….asset
Hi, there’s no set amount that you need to have in your bank account, but it has to be sufficient to fund your trip to Australia. If you have traveled extensively in the past, that’s an advantage for you.
Hi Nina,
I have a question. How long is the processing time for the tourist visa? I was informed only today that I have to be in Australia in the first week of December for a business meeting. Thanks!
Hi!
I am planning to go to Australia next year April 2010. I am married but separated. I am not legally separated. I am planning to apply for an annulment to marry my Australian Bf. But our plan is for me and my only child to visit Australia next summer. I have a 1 year bank account . Not big money but enough to travel. I have no properties no job and no business. But I am planning to open a small business like a an internet cafe or a small franchise business. My bf will sponsor my stay in Australia. do I have chance to get an approve tourist visa or should I wait for an annulment first. Please advice me. I’ll appreciate your reply.
Sincerely,
Cherry
I honestly do not know the answer to your question, as my situation is very different from yours. Best to inquire at travel agencies who offer visa assistance services.
Hi Ms. Nina!
I’m planning to attend my brother’s wedding in melbourne two months from now. I have a concern regarding employment certificate. I am a nurse and worked for 3 years in a hospital. However, I resigned last June 2010. So I cannot provide an employment certificate stating an approved leave. Moreover, I don’t have a business. I am simply unemployed as of now. Do you have any idea what other documents should I submit to prove that I will return in the Phil.? However, I have applied for a canadian immigrant visa and still waiting for the canadian embassy’s reply. Should I inform them of my pending application to another country? Please help.. more power to you and God bless.
As Above
Please advice me to what to do..just email me msright_1978@yahoo.com
thanks