Australia visa requirements and application for Filipinos: Travel guide
With its famously laid back lifestyle, and great opportunities for both travel and work, Australia is a popular destination for people the world over. If you’re thinking of a visit - or want to go to Australia to further your career - you’ll need to understand the Australia visa requirements based on your plans.
This guide covers the Australian visa application requirements and processes for Filipinos. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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Do Filipinos need a visa to Australia?
Yes. Australian visa requirements apply to tourist visits, and you’ll also need a working visa in Australia if you plan to work or start a business there.
The good news is that you can usually make your Australia visa application online, which can be more convenient than needing to travel to an in person interview. You can use the Australian visa finder tool¹ provided by the Australian government to look at the visa types which might be useful for you, and to get details of the Australia visa requirements which are likely to apply.
Types of Australian visas available for Philippine citizens
You can visit Australia as a tourist, or apply for a visa to work, do business, study or immigrate permanently. While Australia has working holiday arrangements with many countries, you can not get a working holiday visa with a Filipino passport.
We’ll cover some of the most common visa types and how to apply in this guide. Bear in mind that the tourist visa Australia requirements are quite different to the requirements for a working visa, so you’ll have to be prepared to check the rules carefully before you apply.
Australia visa requirements for Filipinos
Let’s walk through the Australia tourist visa requirements and what’s needed to apply for a working visa. We’ll look at the step by step process a little later so you can get prepared.
Australia tourist visa requirements
You can apply for an Australian tourist visa from the Philippines or from within Australia. The visa may be offered for 3, 6 or 12 months, or you can ask for a multi-entry visa which can last up to 10 years if you are a frequent visitor². With the tourist visa you can visit friends and family, cruise or have a holiday.
To apply for your Australia tourist visa you must have your valid ID, and documents to show you’re able to pay for your trip. You’ll need to show evidence that you intend to return to the Philippines after your visit, such as proof of your employment in the Philippines, or your family ties. The requirements for a tourist visa in Australia with a sponsor may also require you to have a letter of invitation from a friend or family member - this is used as evidence of your plans during your visit.
The application is usually submitted online, although the Australian Embassy also provides a checklist for in person applications should you need it³.
Australia work visa requirements
There are many different work visa options depending on the job you have. In many cases you must meet some very strict criteria, and be offered a position which has been approved by the government. You might find it easier to get a visa if you work in a skilled role which is on the shortage occupation list, and if you’re happy to live in a more rural area of the country⁴.
If you work in a shortage occupation you may want to apply for a visa like the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. These both allow you to stay in the country for up to 5 years. In some cases you may be able to apply after this visa for a more permanent visa or permit. There are skilled and shortage occupation lists which change from time to time so you’ll need to look at the latest information based on your own profession.
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How to apply for an Australian visa as a Filipino
The process to apply for a visa for Australia is usually completed online and is fairly simple to follow. You are guided through the application by on screen instructions, and there are easy to follow guides available.
Here’s how to apply for an Australian visa as a Filipino, assuming you need a tourist visa as an example:
Step 1 - Gather your documents
The documents you need will vary depending on the visa type, but to give an example, for a tourist visa you would be asked to provide:
- Your passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue and expiry dates
- Your national identity card, if you have one
- Proof of change of name, if applicable, such as marriage or divorce certificate
- Proof you have enough money for your stay and to leave Australia
- Proof that you have reasons to return home
You may be asked for a recent photo, in which case the Australia visa photo size is usually 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high. You may also be asked for a police certificate or other evidence to show you meet the character requirements for a visa.
Step 2 - Apply online
You will submit your application through the Australian government’s ImmiAccount service⁵. This allows you to upload digital copies of your documents, pay the fee and have your application processed securely.
Fees vary a lot depending on the visa type you need, and you’ll normally pay using a credit or debit card.
Step 3 - Receive your visa electronically
Once your visa application has been processed you’ll be informed of:
- Your visa grant number
- The date your visa starts
- Your visa conditions
Keep the information handy when you travel - you won’t get anything physically in your passport, so this confirmation can be used if you’re asked to show your visa. The processing time for an Australian visa can vary, so you’ll need to check the online Australia visa processing times using the Australian government’s tools⁶.
Australia visa application fees
The Australia visa application fees vary a lot depending on the type of visa you need. Here are a few examples for both tourist and working visa options:
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) - tourist stream (apply outside Australia): Fees from 195 AUD
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa: Fees from 4,240 AUD
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: Fees from 4,115 AUD
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa: Fees from 4,115 AUD
You might also have to pay other fees which can include:
- Fees for health checks
- Fees for police certificates
- Fees for biometrics appointments
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Once you get your Australia visa, you’ll be looking for a way to seamlessly and conveniently spend in AUD with low, transparent fees.
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Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Frequently asked questions
Where are the requirements for a tourist visa in Australia with a sponsor?
You can apply for a tourist visa in Australia with a sponsor although the sponsor is not always strictly necessary. Your sponsor would most likely be a friend or family member. The evidence you provide as part of your application would then include a letter from the sponsor confirming that they have invited you for a visit.
What are the Australia visa photo size and requirements?
Where needed, Australia visa photos have to be 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high⁷. There are also rules which you need to follow about the clothing that’s allowed - and you can not wear spectacles for the image.
How long does an Australian visa application in the Philippines take?
The processing time for an Australian visa can vary, so you’ll need to check the online Australia visa processing times using the Australian government’s visa processing times tracker.
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Sources:
- Australian visa finder
- Australia tourist visa
- Australia tourist visa checklist
- Australia work visa
- ImmiAccount
- Australia visa processing times
- Australia visa photo size
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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