By Dan Forteza
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Visiting Australia is one of the most memorable trips of my life. The Bondi beach, the Opera House, the scenic Harbor bridge area, the 12 Apostles, etc. Without a doubt, Australia is definitely worth visiting! If you’re here looking for a guide on how to apply for your Australian Tourist Visa or what commonly known as the ‘Visitor Visa’ (subclass 600), then you’re in the right place.
Read also: My 7-Day Itinerary in Australia with Cost Breakdown.
But before I give you the details, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Australian visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.
As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Australian tourist visa. =)
WAYS TO GET YOUR AUSTRALIAN TOURIST VISA
Now, there are two ways to get your Australian tourist visa:
- via VFS Global
- via ImmiAccount (Australia’s Department of Home Affairs’s online services).
VFS Global is a third party agency that handles visa application for Australia and other countries. However, I do not find applying to VFS Global convenient as you will be paying their Service Fee on top of the actual visa fee. You also need to submit printed copies of your documents.
In this blog, I will only be particular on applying directly ONLINE via ImmiAccount. If your visa is approved, your visa will be sent to you via email as a letter-sized paper. It can either be 3-month or 1-year valid. I got mine with 1-year validity and with multiple entry as well.
Anyway, enough of that and let’s get started!
WHEN TO APPLY via IMMIACCOUNT
I suggest you apply at least 6 weeks before your intended flight. The processing time could be up to 4 weeks after submittal! Some have gotten their results as early as 2 days (wow!). I got mine 16 days after submitting my application.
GET YOUR AUSTRALIAN TOURIST VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: CREATE AN IMMIACCOUNT
Go to this link . Click the ‘Create ImmiAccount’ button at the left bottom corner to start creating your account.
STEP 2: CREATE NEW APPLICATION
Once you have created your account and you’re logged in, simply click NEW APPLICATION, and then look for VISITOR VISA (600).
It will direct you to the online form application. You need answer it truthfully. Put N/A if the item is NOT applicable to you.
STEP 3: UPLOAD THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Next stage of the application is attaching and uploading the documents. There are two sections – REQUIRED and RECOMMENDED. Sometimes, the required and recommended documents can vary from one applicant to another. So you gotta really pay attention to what is required and recommended for you.
REQUIRED:
1. Photo – A passport size photo, save it as jpg format.
2. Travel Document – This is basically just a scanned page of your passport’s bio page. Save it as pdf format.
3. Evidence of applicant’s previous travels – scanned pages of your passport with stamps to show your travel history; include also your old passport if you have one. Save it as pdf format.
RECOMMENDED:
4. Family register and composition form – We Filipinos do not have this one but it is recommended to attach the NSO birth certificate.
You can request an original copy of this through online via PSA website. I got mine home-delivered after three (3) working days. Click HERE for the link.
5. Evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia – I included my day-to-day itinerary, confirmed flight tickets, and hostel bookings.
I can also share my day-to-day itinerary template, just leave a comment below and I can send it via email.
TIP: I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com .
Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.
Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms!
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD off your first stay. Click this link .
NOTE: I also included travel insurance.
Go to this link to get your World Nomads travel insurance.
6. Evidence of financial status and funding for visit – attach Bank Certificates, passbooks, ITR, insurances, investments, etc.
7. Evidence of current employment or self employment – attach your COE, payslips, ID, business permit, SEC or DTI registration.
8. Exceptional reasons for extended stay in Australia – ignore this if you’re not staying more than 12 months.
TIP: Use CAMSCANNER app if you don’t own a scanner.
STEP 4: PAY THE VISA FEE
Review your application form and attached documents thoroughly. Then pay the visa fee of AUD 140 via Credit Card or Paypal.
STEP 5: WAIT AND PRAY!
Once you’re done with uploading and payment, it is time for the waiting game. Result of your visa application will be emailed to you.
MY EXPERIENCE:
Waiting for my visa got me so frustrated. Imagine I have to wait up to a month without certainty whether it is approved or not.
On the 16th day from the day I submitted my application online, I finally received an email visa notification.
My application status is GRANTED!
SUMMARY:
Visa Type: Visitor Visa (600)
Visa Validity: 1 Year
Entry Type: Multiple Entry
Visa Fee: 140 AUD
RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS
In case you’re also looking for package tours in Australia, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator .
- Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour
- Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
- Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com – cheap hostels to luxury hotels. booking.com
Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% cashback after your stay. Click here .
- Flights
- KAYAK – one of the world’s leading travel search engines.
I suggest you check KAYAK ( HERE ) for cheap fares.
- Travel Insurance
- World Nomads – highly recommended for travelers.
Go to this link to get your World Nomads travel insurance.
Dan Travels 