Hi, there! Paolo here, Maye's boyfriend. I rarely blog but I'd like to share my experience on how to apply for an Australian tourist visa online. The first thing that needs to be done is to create an account with the Australian Government Department of Immigration (IMMI). Be sure that you write correct and accurate details as you may not be able to edit this anymore.
After creating an account, a confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided. Just click on the link found on the email and your account will be confirmed.
Now, proceed to website’s dashboard and select “New Application”.
Select “Visitor Visa (600)”- assuming that you are visiting Australia for recreation or tour purposes, otherwise, select the option that best applies to you.
This is basically an online version of the subclass 600 (form 1419) tourist visa application form. Make sure to fill up all spaces. If the question is not applicable to you just type in NA.
Now, proceed to website’s dashboard and select “New Application”.
Select “Visitor Visa (600)”- assuming that you are visiting Australia for recreation or tour purposes, otherwise, select the option that best applies to you.
This is basically an online version of the subclass 600 (form 1419) tourist visa application form. Make sure to fill up all spaces. If the question is not applicable to you just type in NA.
Since this is an online application, you now have the option to pay via credit/debit card as long as it’s Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, or Diners Club International. Please be reminded that there are additional charges for online payments. It ranges from 1.08% to 2.91%, depending on the card that you will use. That’s an additional AUD1.40 to AUD3.78, to the original application fee of AUD130 for the Visitor Visa 600. With my application back in July 2015, I got charged a total of PHP 4,715.54. That's obviously cheaper than applying with VFS Global.
After paying, you now have to submit scanned copies of the required documents. If you are unsure of what is being required or if you just want to double check, just click on the question mark (?) on the right side. You don’t want your visa application to be denied because you submitted a wrong document, right?
Here are the documents I uploaded online. You don't necessarily need to provide everything since these are basically the same docs that you submit when applying with VFS Global.
After paying, you now have to submit scanned copies of the required documents. If you are unsure of what is being required or if you just want to double check, just click on the question mark (?) on the right side. You don’t want your visa application to be denied because you submitted a wrong document, right?
Here are the documents I uploaded online. You don't necessarily need to provide everything since these are basically the same docs that you submit when applying with VFS Global.
The online visa application took approximately a month, more or less, for processing. In my case, I started my application on June 23, 2015, and completed all the requirements on June 29, 2015. I got my visa grant notice via email on July 29, 2015.
I remember one of our blog readers mentioned that his online application took only a day of processing. I guess he applied back when this online service was introduced to the Filipino market. Sabayan mo na rin ng swerte! ;)
So will I recommend applying for an Australian Visa online? Definitely! I just love the convenience of doing everything online and being able to save a small amount of money for mailing the physical documents to the Australian Embassy. If you want to submit the traditional way then you may view that post here. I hope that you learned something from this blog and I wish you good luck in your visa application!
P.S. This application is for Philippine passport holders only. If you have any questions, just 'LIKE' my Facebook page and you may send me a PM there. Thanks! :)
I remember one of our blog readers mentioned that his online application took only a day of processing. I guess he applied back when this online service was introduced to the Filipino market. Sabayan mo na rin ng swerte! ;)
So will I recommend applying for an Australian Visa online? Definitely! I just love the convenience of doing everything online and being able to save a small amount of money for mailing the physical documents to the Australian Embassy. If you want to submit the traditional way then you may view that post here. I hope that you learned something from this blog and I wish you good luck in your visa application!
P.S. This application is for Philippine passport holders only. If you have any questions, just 'LIKE' my Facebook page and you may send me a PM there. Thanks! :)
