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How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Travel Tuesdays with me and my favorite Aunt Lulu in Sydney back in March 2014.

Hi everyone! I am updating this post on a regular basis to update all of you on how to apply for Australian tourist visa in the Philippines. :) I submitted my application through VFS Global and here are the steps I followed:
  1. Prepare AUD130.00 (or ₱5,700 as of August 2014) application fee by requesting for a local bank managers check payable to the Australian Embassy. Please do not forgot to call the VFS toll-free hotline for the latest rate at telephone no: +632 790 4900
  2. Prepare 2 pcs of recent passport size photograph, must have collar and white background. One will be attached to the application form while the other will be attached to the check-list form.
  3. Download and fill-up the subclass 600 (form 1419) visa application and checklist forms. Make sure to fill-up all spaces. If not applicable, just write NA. Printed mine in A4 sized paper.
  4. Gather supporting documents:
    - Certified copy (notarized by a lawyer) of the biographical pages of the current passport. Yes, you don't need to include/submit your passport to the embassy. -- Just photocopy the "profile page" of your passport (the page where you have your complete details as well as passport photo) and have it notarized as certified copy.
    - Photocopy of latest birth certificate issued by NSO.
    - Latest copy of bank certificate.
    - Employment certificate issued by your employer.
    - Latest Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316).
    - Sample itinerary of your trip to Australia.
  5. If you're unemployed/self-employed and haven't filed your ITR, I also presented the following documents:
    - Affidavit of Support, Income Tax Return, Business Certificates and Bank Certificates from parents or guardian.
  6. Additional documents:
    - Attach photocopies of old Australian visas.
    - Attach any existing visas from OECD countries.
    - Attach copies of your round-trip tickets. (Optional)
FOR DETAILED CHECKLIST, CLICK HERE. If you have questions, you may call the toll-free VFS hotline at (632) 790 4900.

Please take note that VIA (Visa Information and Application Center) is no longer the service delivery partner of the Australian Embassy here in the Philippines. VFS Global recently started processing visa application forms this June 2014. There are two (2) options to submit your application, through walk-in (₱620) and lodging (₱1,220).

Since I'm from Taguig, I decided to just submit my application by walking-in the VFS Global office at Ecoplaza building, Pasong Tamo Extn, Makati City. Please take note that there's VFS Global in Cebu.

  1. Bags/cellphones are not allowed inside (they do have an area where you can deposit items for safety keeping) so I suggest you just bring all documents needed in a long brown envelope plus the ₱620 handling fee. 
  2. Once inside, you'll be given a number and form that you need to fill up and submit to counter number 3. Counter numbers 4-8 will be the one to check your documents so you need to wait for your name to be called.
  3. Agents will double check your forms and documents so make sure they're complete. You'll be given options on how you'd like to know the result of your application. Mine was to be sent via email (it's free, no extra charge) so that I no longer need to come back the VFS Global office.
  4. For those who have extra and don't have time to pick-up, you have the option of courier service that costs ₱380.
If you prefer to save time then I suggest you lodge your application. Once you've gathered all supporting documents, place them inside a long brown envelope and seal with your signature. You need to call for schedule of pick-up. Couriers do not accept cash, you need to prepare another manager's check worth ₱1,220 (₱620 for handling and ₱600 for two-way courier fee) payable to VFS Services Philippines Private Inc.

UPDATE as of Sept. 10, 2014: After almost one month, I finally got the result of my visa application. Processing took longer compared to my first application back in January 2014 but I'm so happy that I got a multiple-entry visa valid for one year. The result was sent via email which is the cheapest option (free) compared to going back to VFS.

Here's a copy of my old and new Australian visa. If you want an actual visa label on your passport, you need to add AUD70.00.

No visa label required when approved. But for safety, I recommend to get a photocopy/re-print of your grant notice. Goodluck! :)

P.S. This application is for Filipinos currently based in the Philippines only. If you have any questions, just 'LIKE' my Facebook page and you may send me a PM there. Thanks! :)

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How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos
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