Applying for Australian Tourist Visa (Philippine Nationals)

I got my Australian visa in just 2 working days!  I expected a three week turn around time- but what a pleasant surprise!  A few tips for those applying for Australian Visa:

1. Prepare and scan (in jpeg format) the following documents beforehand:

• Current passport
• Passport photo page
• Entry /exit stamps of current passport
• Copy of visas for USA, UK, European Countries, Australia, New Zealand (if available)
• Previous passports
• Entry/exit stamps
• Copy of visas for USA, UK, European Countries, Australia, New Zealand (if available)
• Proof of financial capability (to show how you are going to finance your trip)
• Certificate of Employment which shows the salary received
• Bank certification and copy of bank statements
• Credit card statement showing the credit limit
• Proof of assets, if available
• Car registration
• Title of properties
• Proof of invitation , if applicable
• Invitation letter 
• Copy of passport photo page of the person sending the invite
• Proof of identity
• Birth certificate

2. Apply online. There are 2 ways to file for the visa- through a 3rd party, VFS Global, or through the online channel.  I went for the online channel.  It is faster, more convenient and you save on VFS' service fee and courier cost. 

• Click on this link:

https://online.immi.gov.au/usm/alertPreferences

• Register
• Fill in all the required information 
• Attach the documents mentioned above
• Pay using credit card (I paid approximately Php4,800)

Wait for the visa grant notice which will be sent to your email. 

3. Upon receipt of the visa grant notice, print it. This is what you will show the immigration officer when you travel. 

Hope this helps, and goodluck!