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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page

1. How do I send/submit/lodge my application?
2. How much is the visa application charge? Are there any other fees for my application?
3. How can I pay the visa application charge? Do you accept credit card payments?
4. How long does it take for my visa to be granted?
5. What are the requirements for applying for a visa?
6. Which visa should I apply for?
7. When should I submit my application?
8. Can I make an appointment to lodge my application directly at the Embassy?

9. My visa is still valid but the passport has already expired. I have since applied for a new passport and have been issued one. Do I have to apply for a new visa or can I still use the one on my old passport?
10. Where can I take my medical examination? Can I use a different doctor to certify that I am fit to travel?

Documents

1. Where can I get an application form?
2. What are the documents you need to support my application?
3. Should I get certified copies of my documents? Where can I have my copies of original documents certified?
4. My passport has less than 6-months validity, can I still use this or should I apply for a new passport before I make an application?
5. Can I submit only a copy of my passport and not my original passport when I apply?
6. Do you require the original of the document or just a photocopy along with the application?
7. Do I take my medical examination before I submit the application or wait until you request me to take one?
8. Do I need to have a letter/endorsement from the Embassy to take my medical examination?

Post-lodgement

1. My case officer requires further evidence and documents from me, how do I submit them to the Embassy?
2. How do I know you have received my application and who my case officer is?

3. How do I contact my case officer?
4. How long will the visa take if I submit all of the requirements?
5. How will I find out the decision on my application?

Post-Decision

1. I have received the decision on my application and I would like it to be reconsidered, how do I apply for a reconsideration of the decision?
2. Can I get a refund of the visa application fee I paid?
 

Visa Application

1. How do I send/submit/lodge my application?

Visa applications in the Philippines are lodged through our Service Delivery Partner using one of their two Visa Information and Application (VIA) Centres or by calling their Call Centre numbers to arrange for courier pick-up of your application from anywhere in the Philippines.
For up to date information about their location and fees, please follow this web link - http://www.via.ph/via-australia/index.html

2. How much is the visa application charge? Are there any other fees for my application?

The Visa Application Charge will vary depending on the type of visa you intend to apply for. For a summary of the visa application charges for visas and Citizenship applications which can be made in the Philippines in Philippine Pesos, please refer to our Information Sheet No. 03 found on our website at www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/visageneral.html

For a detailed list of our current Visa Application Charges, please refer to our website at www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i/visa-charges.htm

When lodging an application with our service delivery partner at one of the VIA Centres or through their courier pickup service (see www.via.ph/via-australia/index.html), you will be charged a service charge. A list of these charges may be found on their website.

Payments for the services of the VIA Centre can be made in cash and must not be included in the Visa Application Charge cheque.

3. How can I pay the visa application fee? Do you accept credit card payments?
The only accepted form of payment for visa applications in the Philippines is a local bank’s cheque (manager’s cheque) that is payable to the “Australian Embassy” and must be made out in Philippine peso. Unfortunately, DIAC currently do not have a facility for credit card payments in the Philippines.

Alternatively, the visa application charge can be paid at a DIAC Office in Australia where the payer will have the option to use a credit/debit card to pay the visa fee. The DIAC Office will issue you with a receipt which you are then responsible to submit (either an original pink receipt or new A4 version) along with the application form as evidence of payment of the visa application charge.

Applications lodged without a complete fee will be deemed invalid and returned to you. Please ensure you have the most up to date visa application charge by consulting our website, as the amounts will change from time to time – see How much is the visa application charge? Are there any other fees for my application?

4. How long does it take for my visa to be granted?

The average processing time for visa applications vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Please refer to our website regarding our current average processing time, which is updated regularly, at www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/visageneral.html

Please note that this is indicative only and individual applications can be decided shorter or longer than our average processing times depending on the circumstances of the application. Delays can be reduced by ensuring you respond in a timely manner to requests for additional documentation, police clearance certificates, original copies of documents, or completed medical assessments (if required – see Do I take my medical examination before I submit the application or after I have submitted my application and am requested by the Embassy to take one?)

5. What are the requirements for applying for a visa?

The requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Please refer to our Information Sheets and checklists found on our website at www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/Visas_and_Migration.html for more information about the requirements for the different visa categories processed in the Philippines.

For visa categories that are lodged and assessed in Australia, please refer to the DIAC website at www.immi.gov.au for detailed information.

6. Which visa should I apply for?

Unfortunately, we are not in the position to provide immigration advice, as such, we are unable to advise what visa you should apply for, as options will vary depending on your purpose of travel to Australia and your personal circumstances in meeting the relevant legislative requirements.

To assist you in determining which visa types may meet your needs, the “Visa Wizard” (found at www.immi.gov.au/visawizard) is an excellent tool to assist you in your search. The Visa Wizard is a client self-service tool that will step you through a series of questions and present a visa summary sheet which includes information on visa options, how to apply, fees and charges, duration of stay and any skills requirements.

The Visa Wizard supports 57 of the most common visa sub-classes, ranging from general skilled migration, students, family migration, visitor and other temporary entry visas.

7. When should I submit my application?

There is no prescribed period when an application should be made. However, we encourage applicants to submit their application with ample time for visa processing by taking into consideration our average processing times for each visa category. See: How long does it take for my visa to be granted?

We discourage applicants from making flight bookings/reservations until such time that their passport and valid visa has been returned to them. This prevents unnecessary cancellation and rebooking of flights and other airline and accommodation related costs.
Applicants are also encouraged to submit complete applications which provide all necessary requirements at the time of lodgement, as this can assist in delivering a more efficient service.

8. Can I make an appointment to lodge my application directly at the Embassy?
Direct applications at the Embassy are only allowed for emergency cases such as medical emergencies, death/funerals, or urgent business travels. For all other cases, the application must be made through our service delivery partner channels. See: How do I send/submit/lodge my application?

If you believe you meet any of the emergency case circumstances, please send us an email at immigration.manila@dfat.gov.au and put the nature of your emergency on the subject line.

9. My visa is still valid but the passport has expired. I now have a new passport. Do I have to apply for a new visa or can I still use the one on my old passport?

Please ensure you complete and submit Form 929 – “Change of address and/or passport details”, which you can download from our website at www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/929.pdf . Please either:

1) Scan the biodata page from your old and new passport, together with a scanned image of the visa label, and email scanned copy of Form 929 to immigration.manila@dfat.gov.au
2) Submit your old and new passport with completed Form 929 to our service delivery partner (with ample time before your intended travel) and your new passport will be returned with a new visa label if necessary.

It is not necessary for you to have a copy of your old valid visa label in your new passport, as long as Form 929 has been completed and submitted with evidence of your old and new passport. This allows us to update our electronic record and ensure airlines are aware that your new passport is valid for travel to Australia.

10. Where can I take my medical examination? Can I use a different doctor to certify that I am fit to travel?

Please refer to our website: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/p/philippines/panel-doctors.htm for guidance on medical examinations and the list of approved panel doctors in the Philippines.

The Migration Regulations specifies that only the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth or their delegated officers can issue medical clearances with respect to visa applications. This is why we are unable to accept medical results or medical clearances/certificates which are not taken with one of our accredited panel doctors.
 

Documents

1. Where can I get an application form?

Application forms can be downloaded from the Department’s website at www.immi.gov.au/allforms

Locally-prepared information sheets and checklists can be obtained from our website at www.philippines.embassy.gov.au

You may also visit the VIA Centre to obtain an application form, information sheets and checklists. Further information can be obtained at www.via.ph)

More detailed “Information booklets” are also available on our website which can be easily downloaded and printed - www.immi.gov.au/allforms/booklets/booklets.htm

Printed versions of the Information booklets are also available for a fee, directly from the VIA Centre or by calling the Call Centre to purchase any of the following packs (1) General Skilled Migration, (2) Partner Migration, (3) Parent Migration, (4) Child Migration, (5) Other Family Migration. Each Information booklet contains a booklet and the relevant application and sponsorship forms.

2. What are the documents you need to support my application?

Supporting documents will vary depending on your personal circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for. Please refer to our Information Sheets and checklists found on our website at www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/Visas_and_Migration for more information about the requirements for the different visa categories processed in the Philippines.

For visa categories that are lodged and assessed in Australia, please refer to the DIAC website at www.immi.gov.au for detailed information.

Please note that for migration applications your personal circumstances may require additional supporting documents. If additional documents will support a positive outcome, you will be asked to provide them after being assessed by your case officer. Your circumstances will not be assessed prior to lodging your application. Please ensure your application is as complete as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays or an undesired outcome.

For temporary entry applications your application will be assessed based on the information you provide. If you do not provide sufficient information to show you meet the relevant criteria, your visa application may be refused. Please ensure your application is as complete as possible to avoid this kind of disappointment.

3. Should I get certified copies of my documents? Where can I have my copies of original documents certified?

Our checklists would indicate whether the documents must be certified or not (see: What are the documents you need to support my application?) If copies of documents are acceptable and they must be certified, you must either:

For documents certified in the Philippines – have it certified by a Notary Public
For documents certified in Australia - have it certified by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations or by a person before whom a statutory declaration may be made.

If the checklist specifies that the document must be certified by an Australian officer, please contact the Consular Section of the Australian Embassy at manila.consular@dfat.gov.au or visit our website at http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au and visit the Consular services page.

4. My passport has less than 6-months validity, can I still use this or should I apply for a new passport before I make an application?

Australian Migration Regulations does not prescribe a period within which the passport should be valid in order to travel to Australia. However, some airlines prescribe a “must be valid for at least 6 months” policy as many other countries require this. You should discuss this with your airline or travel agent.

It may be to your advantage however, to have a passport with a longer validity to avoid any inconveniences in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

5. Can I submit only a copy of my passport and not my original passport when I apply?

You have the option of submitting your passport with your application or submitting only a certified copy of the biodata-page of your passport. Once a visa has been granted and you have been notified of the decision in writing, you will then be able to submit your passport to finalise your application. During the processing of your application however, you may submit your passport at any time.

It is recommended with visa applications which have an expected quick turn-around time, that you would lodge your passport at time of applying to avoid additional courier costs on your behalf.

6. Do you require the original of the document or just a photocopy along with the application?

Our application checklist would indicate whether we need you to submit both the original and copies of the original document for your application. See: What are the documents you need to support my application?

All original documents submitted to us with the application will be returned to you once the decision on your application has been made.

7. Do I take my medical examination before I submit the application or wait until you request me to take one?

As health processing is one of the main reasons why applications take longer than the usual processing time, we encourage applicants to undergo their medical examination before lodgment of their application if they require one - however, this is your decision. An early health assessment can allow for any treatment or further testing to be undertaken while other visa requirements are being assessed.

To assess whether you require a medical assessment to be undertaken, please see –

Temporary visa applicants - Form 1163i
Permanent visa applicants - Form 1071i

Most clear medical results have a validity of 12 months, so you may also wish to take this into consideration as a visa may only be granted while any required medical assessments are valid. Health clearances may sometimes expire during the processing of an application. If health clearance expires prior to decision, it is the responsibility of the applicant to undertake another examination and pay associated costs.

The Embassy has no liability or responsibility for the costs of medical examinations, even if the application is refused on other requirements after meeting the health requirement.

8. Do I need to have a letter/endorsement from the Embassy to take my medical examination?

For your initial medical examination, you do not need an endorsement or letter from the Visa Office to visit the panel doctor. You only need to make an appointment with any of our accredited panel doctor. (See: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/p/philippines/panel-doctors.htm)

However, if you were required to undertake further medical examinations or referred to a specialist, you will be required to provide the letter issued by our office indicating what further examination must be taken.

Post-lodgement

1. My case officer requires further evidence and documents from me, how do I submit them to the Embassy?

Additional supporting documents can be submitted also through our Service Delivery Partner either in person at the VIA Centre or by arranging for courier pick-up through their Call Centre. See: How do I send/submit/lodge my application?

You may also enquire with your case officer the possibility of submitting the required documents via fax or scanned in an email. Your case officer, however, reserves the right to request for the original documents to be submitted based on the assessment of the case or document.

Please note that we are unable to accept emails with a total file size larger than 5mb. Neither this office nor the sender will be notified that the email is blocked. If you need to send large emails, you will need to send as several, smaller documents.

2. How do I know you have received my application and who my case officer is?
Under our Client Service Charter, we endeavour to acknowledge applications received by this office within 7 working days, typically by e-mail.

If you provide your e-mail address when lodging your application and authorise us to use it in your application form. an acknowledgement of your application can be made easier. If you provide your e-mail address when you lodge a visitor visa application with our service delivery partner, an email acknowledgement of your application will be sent when we receive the application.

If you don’t provide a valid e-mail address when applying for a Visitor Visa application however, no acknowledgment will be sent as the average processing time is about 7 working days. Only in cases where the application will be processed beyond 7 working days will an acknowledgement letter be sent.

The acknowledgement letter will either include the name and contact details of your case officer, or the section which is processing your application if we are not yet assessing applications lodged at this date yet – see: How long does it take for my visa to be granted? In some instances, this will also include some information required by your case officer in support of your application.

If you have provided an invalid email address, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you via postal mail. This would include Form 929 which you need to complete and return to us to notify us of your correct email address and other contact details.

3. How do I contact my case officer?

Your case officer’s contact details will be indicated on correspondence sent regarding your application as soon as a case officer is allocated. Please note that the Visa Office has a Communications Unit. They are responsible in answering routine phone and e-mail enquiries regarding current visa applications. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, all email enquiries should be sent to the email address indicated in your acknowledgement letter and they will be directed to a relevant officer to ensure e-mails aren’t missed during times of absence.

When contacting the Visa Office in relation to your application, please include your file reference number provided to you by this office, if applicable. Please also include your full name, date of birth, passport number and the type of visa you are applying for.

DIAC Client Service Standards however, also expect you to keep your contact with the case officer or section processing your application to a minimum, to allow processing of your own and other applications to proceed as quickly as possible.

If you are not the applicant and are enquiring on behalf of your friend or family member, we may not be able to provide you any information unless the applicant has authorised you as a contact or recipient of information via form 956 – See: http://http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/956.pdf

Without this authorisation, please understand that we are guided by the principles of The Privacy Act 1998 and will not be able to provide you with any case specific information.

4. How long will the visa take if I submit all of the requirements?

Please see: How long does it take for my visa to be granted? regarding average processing times for different visa categories. Please note however, that these are averages only and individual applications can be decided shorter or longer than our advertised service standards depending on circumstances.

5. How will I find out the decision on my application?

The decision maker will notify you of the decision on your application. In some instances with temporary visas, your passport along with your original documents will be returned to you with your granted visa label in the passport only. Original documents will be couriered back to you at your expense.

In other visa categories, an approval letter is sent to you once the decision is finalised.

If your application was refused, a Decision Record will be provided to you along with any original document you submitted and any avenues for appeal if applicable. This would also detail the reason for the decision and what legislative requirement you failed to meet.

Decisions will be sent to you in the method you indicate in the application form. If you indicate you authorise e-mail contact and provide a valid e-mail address, we can quickly get your decision to you on the day it is made.

If you do not provide an e-mail address, we will send your decision back to you via a courier at your expense to the address you authorise in your application. This may take between two days and two weeks, depending on the location of your authorised address in the Philippines or in Australia.

If you have an authorised recipient (using form 956 see: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/956.pdf) or are using a registered migration agent, your decision will be sent directly to them and will be sent in the method they indicated they authorise in the form 956 (e-mail or to a physical address).
 

Post-Decision
 

1. I have received the decision on my application and I would like it to be reconsidered or reviewed, how do I apply for a reconsideration of the decision?

If your application was refused, the letter and/or Decision Record would include information whether the decision can be submitted for review by a tribunal. If the decision is able to be reviewed as authorised by Australian migration law, an application for review must be made with the relevant tribunal within the prescribed time period indicated in the decision letter or record. This should be lodged by the person eligible to apply for a review on the decision.

More information about review tribunals can be found at http://http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/review.htm or on the individual tribunal websites –

Migration Review Tribunal – Refugee Review Tribunal see: http://www.mrt-rrt.gov.au/, Administrative Appeals Tribunal see: http://www.aat.gov.au/


2. Can I get a refund of the visa application fee I paid?

If the decision on your application has been finalised, or you decided to withdraw your application before a decision is made, you are not eligible for a mandatory refund on the visa application charge that you paid.

For more information about the circumstances in which a refund or repayment of a visa application charge can be made, please see - http://http://www.immi.gov.au/legislation/amendments/2007/071017/lc17102007.htm