tourist visa application form to australia

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Visas for Australians travelling overseas

Visas to visit Australia

Whether you are visiting Australia for less than 72 hours or planning on a stay of several years you must have a valid Australian visa.

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.

Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Home Affairs .

Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions.

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted:

Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children.
Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

Visas and Migration

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide .

If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.

European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651) .

At this time, ETA lodgement is only available through the Australian ETA app. To apply you must lodge the application via the ETA app which you can download for free from the Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play store (Android) .

You can apply for an ETA through the app if:

you meet all ETA eligibility requirements , and
you hold a passport from an eligible country .

Whether you are visiting Australia for a short period of time or planning to migrate, you must have a valid Australian visa.

Information on visas to Australia can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website .

Explore visa options on the department's website to help you find the visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.

Visa applications, fees & processing times

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount . This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application:

Processing times
Visa requirements (health, character, biometrics)
Translation of documents not in English

Please note, you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by travellers whose visa application was finalised later than expected, or where an application is not successful.

Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries.

The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship .

If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the Immigration and citizenship website and click the Ask a question Digital Assistant button to get started.

Global Service Centre

If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm your local time.

International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.

Using an interpreter

When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.

Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:

• TIS website: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or

• Home Affairs website See: Family and friends helping with your application .

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at Compliments, complaints and suggestions .

Allegations related to suspicious border activities

If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime. You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the Border Watch Online Report .

Beware of Visa Scams

To avoid being scammed, you can check the Register of Migration Agents on the OMARA website , to receive the protections of an OMARA registered Migration Agent.

There are Australian registered migration agents working all around the world. These agents are subject to the same Code of Conduct, professional development and regulations as registered migration agents based in Australia. More information about Australia's efforts to ensure the integrity of the migration advice profession is available at: www.mara.gov.au .

Further information on visa scams is available on the Department of Home Affairs website .

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Australia Visitor Visa: Requirements, Eligibility and Application Process

Updated: February 7, 2024

Australia Visitor Visa is the only option to visit Australia as a tourist for many nationalities. If you don’t qualify for either the Electronic Travel Authority(ETA) or the eVisitor Visa, then you will need to get a Visitor Visa.

Australia no longer accepts paper applications for the visitor visa. All applications must be lodged online through the Australian Government Immi Portal.

The Visitor Visa has subclass 600 in Australia’s visa documentation and the subtype we’re interested in is the “Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)”.

Quick summary:

Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible
Validity: Valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years with single or multiple entries
Duration of stay: Generally, 3 months allowed stay, but up to 6 or 12 in some cases
Visa fee: Visitors visa fee is 190 AUD
Processing time: 50% of applications are processed in 7 days and 90% in 21 days.

If you haven’t already, read the Australia Visa Guide to familiarize yourself with Australian tourist visa types, requirements, eligibility and entry procedures at the border.

Understanding australia visitor visa.

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600, Tourist Stream) Sample

Visitor visa validity

The Australian Visitor visa is valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years from the date of issue. The validity of the visa depends on your nationality and circumstances. For example, most Indian passport holders get a 3-year valid Australian visa, whereas Phillippine passport holders get a 1-year valid visa. Pakistan nationals get a 6-month validity.

You must visit Australia within the validity of your visa.

Duration of stay

Most Visitor visas granted allow for 3 months of continuous stay in Australia. Depending on circumstances, you might be granted a stay of 6 months or even 12 months.

Allowed number of entries

Most Visitor visas are multiple-entry , but Home Affairs also issues single visas in certain circumstances for certain nationalities.

When to apply

Since the tourist visas are valid for at least 3 months, it’s a good idea to apply well in advance. Most applications get processed in 3 weeks or fewer.

Visa extension

Australia Visitor visa is non-extendable . If you need to extend your stay in Australia , you are allowed to apply for another Visitor Visa (onshore) from within the country.

Australia Visitor Visa Requirements

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Required Countries

Who requires a Visitor Visa?

Australia Visitor Visa is REQUIRED for all nationalities to enter Australia as a tourist, except for the below.

New Zealand passport holders
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
eVisitor Visa
Those transiting in Australia for less than 72 hours and can get a Transit visa .

Documents required

To support your application, you can attach as many as 60 documents online. You don’t have to attach that many but the more documents you provide, the better your chances of approval.

You have to satisfy the Home Office that:

You are who you say you are
You are a genuine visitor who will not overstay or work illegally
You are of good character and not have a criminal record
You won’t be a burden to Australia’s healthcare system

To do this, attach as many of these documents as you can :

Identity documents

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of the stay)
Valid National ID card (if from a country that issues them)
marriage or divorce certificate;
change of name documents;
documents that show other names you have been known by
Residence Permit/Visa (if residence and citizenship differ)
One passport-size photo

Genuine visitor documents

Itemized personal bank statements for the last 3 months. Aim to have at least 5000 AUD in your bank account. The money cannot be deposited suddenly and inexplicably – it should be from legitimate sources and savings over time.
Tax returns
Credit card statements
their relationship to you
the purpose of your visit and length of stay
if you will be staying with them
Proof of their funds (if they will be paying for your stay)
Your plans or travel itinerary while in Australia
a letter from your employer stating you plan to return to your job
proof that you study at a school, college or university in your home country
proof that you have immediate family members in your home country
proof that you own a house or other major assets in your home country;
Confirmed return flight ticket;
Health Insurance

At a later date, you may be required to obtain and submit the following:

Medical Certificate
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

All non-English documents (except for police certificates) must be translated into English and all documents’ copies (both original and translations) must be certified.

Photo requirements

You need one passport-size digital photo for the Visitor Visa application. The photo must meet the following requirements.

Taken in the last 6 months
Showing your head and shoulders against a plain background
Neutral facial expression with mouth closed, eyes open, and looking at the camera
Religious head coverings are allowed but must not obscure the face
Piercing is allowed but must not cause any reflections or shadows

There is no official guidance for the size and resolution of pictures uploaded online but the file type must be JPG. You will get to move the photo to position your face within a frame.

As long as the picture is clear, crisp, and not excessively big, it will be accepted.

Visitor visa fee

The Australian Tourist Visa application fee is 190 AUD , payable online.

You may also have to pay for:

Health checks
Police certificates

Processing time

Australian immigration reports that 50% of applications are processed in 7 days and 90% are processed in 21 days . These periods start after you submit your biometrics (if required).

Visitor Visa Application Process

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Application on ImmiAccount Portal

How to apply

You must apply for your tourist visa online through the Immi Portal. Applying on paper is not possible for the visitor visa anymore. Follow the below steps:

Go to the ImmiAccount portal and create an account
Click on “New application” and pick “Visitor Visa (600)”.
Enter your personal information, passport details, employment details and financial information
Upload your documents such as passport, photo, etc.
Pay the required visa fee
Submit the application

The Visitor Visa is part of Australia’s biometrics program. If you apply for a Visitor Visa from any of the below countries, regardless of your nationality, you must give your biometrics.

Afghanistan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kazakhstan
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
United Arab Emirates

If you apply from one of these countries, you will receive an email informing you that you need to visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) to have your biometrics collected. The biometrics are usually a face photo and fingerprint scan.

You must complete the biometrics procedure within 14 days of getting this email otherwise your application becomes void without a refund!

AABCs are typically managed by VFS Global. They charge a service fee for biometric collection. This fee depends on AABC and the country you are applying from.

For example, the biometric service at AABC in Dubai, UAE is AED 109.17. The biometric service fee at AABC in Manila, Philippines is PHP 557.

How to schedule biometric appointment?

Within 24 hours of applying for your Visitor Visa, you will receive an email with a biometric request letter from Home Affairs. Follow these steps to schedule your biometric appointment.

Find the nearest ABCC to you and follow the prompts to schedule your biometric appointment.

How to attend biometric appointment?

Follow the below steps to attend your biometric appointment at an AABC.

Arrive at the AABC at least 15 minutes before your appointment time
Original passport
Biometric appointment confirmation
Biometric fee receipt and
Biometric request letter received in the email from Home Affairs
Your facial photo is taken and your 10 fingertips are scanned

What if you can’t attend your appointment?

If you can’t make an appointment, you can reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment date and time. You can reschedule up to 2 times.

What if you miss your appointment?

If you miss your scheduled appointment, you will lose the fee paid as the biometric fee is nonrefundable. You will also have to wait 24 hours to schedule a new appointment.

How to track status

You will receive the status of your application in your email. You can also track the status of the visa in your ImmiAccount.

How to download approved visa

When your Visitor Visa is approved, you will receive a grant letter in your email from Home Affairs. The grant letter is your Visitor Visa.

The Visitor visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to download or print your Visitor Visa.

If you’re ever asked to show any proof, you can use the Grant Notification you received in your email. You can also download it from your ImmiAccount under “Visa Grant Details”.

How to check the validity of your Visitor Visa

The expiration date of your Australia eVisitor visa is indicated as “Must not arrive after” on the visa letter. If you lost your grant letter or don’t have a copy of your Visitor Visa, you can check the validity details on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) portal by using either your Visa Grant Number or Transaction Reference Number.

Customer service

Refer to the Self-help Guidelines for information to troubleshoot any issues. If facing issues with your ImmiAccount or the Visitor visa application, contact customer service using the below webform

Web: ImmiAccount Technical Support Form

Procedure at the border

The Visitor Visa is digitally attached to your passport so you don’t need to print anything. When you enter Australia, simply present your passport and be ready to answer a few basic questions about your visit.

Eligible passport holders can use the Smart Gates for faster arrival and departure procedures.

All visitors including Australian citizens are required to fill out an Incoming Passenger Card on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get an australian tourist visa.

It can take up to 3 weeks to get an Australian tourist visa, especially if submitting your biometrics. It can be faster or slower depending on where you are applying from, your circumstances and the number of documents you submit.

How hard is it to get a tourist visa to Australia?

It is easy to get a tourist visa to Australia if you submit a complete application with as many documents. You must convince the Home Office that you won’t overstay or break the conditions of the visa.

How much bank balance is required for Australia tourist visa?

Australian Home Office doesn’t specify the minimum bank balance required for a tourist visa. Your bank account must show continuous cash flow and not a lump sum deposited recently.

Based on the reports from travelers reports and recommendations from embassies, you should aim for at least 5,000 AUD in your bank account when you apply.

Can you get a 3-year visitor visa to Australia?

Yes, you can get a 3-year visitor visa to Australia if are from an eligible country and meet the requirements. Australian Visitor Visa is issued for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years depending on your nationality and circumstances. For example, Indian nationals can get an Australian tourist visa valid for 3 years.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Tourist visa to Australia for US Citizens

Key aspects.

Cheapest and fastest visa for touristic purposes.

Visa Duration

12 months total, up to 90 days each visit .

Approval time

95% of tourist visas are granted within 24 hours .

If you are planning a visit to Australia for holiday, as a US citizen you will need an Australian tourist visa (also known as “Australian vacation visa”) .

A tourist visa for Australia is technically type of ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa: a visa that you simply apply for online without having to fill in a paper form or send in your passport to any embassy. This is why a touristic ETA permit is sometimes referred to also as “electronic tourist visa” or “e-tourist” visa : filling the Australian tourist visa form directly online is all there is to do .

To be able to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa you must be travelling to Australia for holiday or for visiting friends or family, and hold a valid passport.

In-depth information on Australian Tourist Visas

Tourist Visas for Australia for American Citizens
Australian Tourist Visa: How to Apply
Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans
Process and Processing Time of Australian Tourist Visas
Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visas

Types of Australian Tourist Visas (Alternatives to Australian Touristic ETA)

Re-entry, renewal and extension of australian tourist visas, working in australia with a tourist visa, getting married in australia on a tourist visa, australian tourist visa: costs and fees, tourist visas for australia available to american citizens.

A standard Australian tourist visa ( Electronic Travel Authorization ) authorizes visits of up to three months at a time and is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. Unlike traditional visas, there are no paper applications to complete, and you will have no visa labels or stamps in your passport. Instead, your tourist visa for Australia will be electronically attached to your passport.

United States’ citizens can apply for a tourist visa to Australia using their passport , and the passport number will then be linked to the visa. If you lose your passport or it is stolen before you enter Australia, you will need to re-apply for a new vacation visa.

Apart from the standard ETA tourism visa, there are a few more specific tourist visa types one can request in order to travel to Australia as a tourist: if you feel an ETA does not satisfy your needs, you will need to determine the most appropriate visa for you among other visa options.

The most common short-stay tourist visa types for Australia are:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 601
Work and Holiday Visa – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 462
Tourist stream – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 600

Online Tourist Visa for Australia (ETA e-Tourist)

An e-tourist visa, which is also called an ETA, is a subclass 601 visa . You can use this visa to tour Australia, visit family or friends or study or train for short-term. Business visitors can also use this visa for short-term. An ETA tourist visa is a temporary visa that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and it is a multiple entry visa. For each entry, you can stay up to 3 months.

You can enter and leave as many times as you want as long as it is valid. However, the ETA cannot be extended: you must get another Australian tourist visa if you want to extend your holiday or stay longer for other reasons. U.S. passport holders who are planning trips shorter than 90 days are almost always immediately eligible for electronic tourist visas (ETAs) , which will be electronically matched to the traveler’s passport in the Australian immigration official databases.

More info on Online Tourist Visas for Australia (ETA) – updated for 2024:

Both passport holders and travel agents can apply for ETAs.
Overstaying a short stay tourist visa in Australia could lead to exclusion, detention and removal. If you plan to stay in Australia longer than 3 months per entry, please make sure you apply instead for the Long Term visa, subclass 600.
Once you have your online tourist visa for Australia, you can use your e-passport at the SmartGate system when you arrive in Australia.

If you are not sure what tourist visa to apply for, we recommend you apply for this kind of visa .

Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)

The Tourist Stream visa is an alternative to the ETA tourist visa, but typically slower . Getting this holiday visa for Australia, you can visit family and friends, travel the country, and study or train for up to 3 months. This visa may be valid for between three months and 12 months, and you can request it for single entry or multiple entries. You can enter and leave as often as you want as long as the Tourist Stream is valid, but you may not stay more than 12 months during 18 months. This visa is also typically more expensive than an ETA and takes longer to process . Also, immigration office can request more documents from the applicant, for example a scanned copy of passport ID page or bank statement. In general, whenever possible we recommend applying for a Tourist ETA, for a faster – 100% online – visa release process.

Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462

Getting a tourist visa for Australia also allowing you to work is possible: this is what an Australian Work and Holiday Visa is for , as this permits allows you to work during your stay in Australia, and to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while working or studying.

With a work and holiday visa (often referred to also as “working holiday visa”) you can have the freedom to work to pay for your holiday, or study for up to 4 months . It is a temporary visa that is valid for up to 12 months from the date you enter the country. It cannot be extended. You can remain in the country up to 12 months, and you can leave and enter Australia as often as you like. Read more about work and holiday visas for Australia .

Apply for WHV now

Additional type-independent Australian Tourist Visa Information:

Regardless of the type of 2024 Australian tourist visa or ETA you need, it is highly recommended that you get health insuranc e to protect you during your time in Australia. You will be responsible for any healthcare costs that you incur while you are in Australia, and proper insurance coverage will help reduce your financial liability.
Visas are electronically linked to your passport. There is no need for stamps or labels .
Simplify the process by applying for your ETA tourist for Australia directly online as soon as possible .

Australian Tourist Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply

U.S. citizens need visas to travel to Australia. An Australian tourist visa requested from the USA via Electronic Travel Authorization will allow you to enter Australia for up to 90 days at a time for a year from the date of issue. After the first visit, subsequent visits are at the immigration officer’s discretion.

Getting a Tourist Visa to Australia from the USA

In order to get a tourist visa to Australia from USA you must have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia in order to comply with the requirements of most airlines flying to Australia – even though not strictly required by Australian Immigration Office) and obtain your US tourist visa to Australia before arriving in the country.

You may also need to complete a medical exam depending on your condition (any medical requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process). Visitors may also need to provide financial information upon request to receive their tourist visa. Also in this case, any requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process .

It is easy to apply for a tourist visa to Australia from the USA online: simply choose the right visa for your needs and follow the instructions on-screen. Most visa requests are processed and approved instantly .

Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans

The conditions and eligibility for visas can vary based on the type of visa. Most U.S. citizens are eligible for ETAs as long as they hold valid passports.

US Passport Validity and Photo Requirements

We strongly recommend that your US passport be valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia . This is why if your passport is due to expire soon or during the time you will be travelling, you may need to get a new passport before applying. Australian tourist visa photo requirements are similar to passport photos. Please ensure your photos are accurate and current.

Documents Required to US Citizens for an Australian Tourist Visa

The document checklist can vary based on the type of visa requested: with an ETA, you will only need your passport, and the ETA permit will be electronically attached to your passport.

For other visa types, you may be asked for other identification, including the biographical pages of your passport, travel documents and the IDs of your fellow travelers. Other required documents may be requested if authorities are not satisfied as to your identity.

Funds Required for an Australian Tourist Visa

When travelling to Australia, you may be required to show proof of funds. This can include displaying a minimum bank balance on your bank statement, audits, taxation records or other proof of satisfactory employment and income. After the application is processed, in the rare case a bank statement is required by Australian Immigration in order to verify your bank balance, an immigration officer will contact you .

Medical Requirements for an Australian Travel Visa

If you are applying for a non-ETA Australian visa and plan on staying in Australia for more than 6 months, you might be required to complete a health check and a chest X-ray. This can extend your visa application process up to 20 days. You are more likely to be required to complete a medical test if you are from a high-risk area or are over 75. In these cases, Yellow Fever is the only vaccination requirement.

Australian Tourist Visa Age Limits for American Citizens

For US passport holders willing to travel from USA to Australia there is no age limit on tourist visas . Of course, anyone who is travelling to Australia without an Australian passport will need a visa on arrival – and for a child under 18, the ETA will be based on the child’s passport. This means children will need separate ETAs, using details from their passports (children who are on their parents’ passports also need their own ETAs, but the information from their parents’ passport will be used).

Process and Processing Time for Australian Tourist Visas

Visa processing time for an australian eta tourist visa (subclass 601).

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most commonly used Australian Tourist Visa. The process can be completed online and requires no extra application forms, no visa labels and no passport stamps.

To be eligible for and maintain your instant Australian tourist visa, you must abide by specific conditions, including – in order:

Being free of criminal convictions
Passing a health check as required
Departing within the required time period
Not working during your time in Australia
Not engaging in study or training for more than three months

In general, the Australian tourist visa processing time for a Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) can take from 48 hours to more than a month . A Tourist ETA though – which is the most common type of tourist visa – has a much lower estimated waiting time, as it is much faster to process. An ETA e-visa for tourists can often be requested and issued just days before your planned visit . It is a 100 percent secure, paperless process, and the visa will be electronically linked to your passport just moments after it has been issued.

However, we always recommend to request your Touristic ETA Visa at least a few weeks before departure , to avoid any risk. Don’t worry though – with an ETA, you can also track your application online via an online tracking system.

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) Processing Time

The amount of time taken for an Australian tourist visa to be processed can vary based on how promptly you supply the supporting documents, your response to requests for further information, how long it takes to verify your information and peak processing times.

Also, the Australia tourist visa process is quite straightforward:

Check that your current U.S. passport is valid.
Apply for your visa.
Wait for verification of receipt.
Wait for notification of your status.

If the Australian tourist visa procedure was successful, you will be granted a visa. You can keep track of your progress using the online Australia tourist visa tracking system.

The maximum processing time for a conventional Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) is about a month , with the waiting time ranging from 20 to 33 days in the vast majority of cases. For fast-tracked visas or ETAs, the waiting time can be mere minutes or days, especially if you have all the necessary documentation to complete the verification time.

Finally, as far as Work and Holiday Visa Processing Times are concerned, we recommend you check the dedicated page on this site .

Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are valid for varying periods of time, depending on the type of visa.

The ETA is a 12-month tourist visa . It is a popular visa, but it is limited regarding the length of stay and only allows visitors to remain in Australia for 3 months or 90 days at a time . You can enter as often as you like as long during the one year the tourist visa is valid.

For a visit of longer duration or if you want to stay more than 3 months during any period, you will need a different Australian visa. The tourist visa stream (Subclass 600) has a length and duration that can vary based on the purpose of the stay. In most cases though, Australian tourist visa validity lasts at least 12 months .

As an example, the Australian e600 visitor visa is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

The subclass 870 visa instead is a longer-term 3-year tourist visa specifically designed for parents. With it, parents can stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years and no more than 10 years. This allows them to enter and re-enter Australia as needed to visit their stepchildren, adopted children or biological children more conveniently and affordably.

Whether you are planning an Australian trip that lasts 2 weeks, 90 days or even a year, there is a visa designed to suit your purpose. Check and apply online to find the right one for you or to explore samples of tourist visas.

There are several types of tourist visas in Australia that may apply if you do not qualify for a Tourist ETA or if the ETA does not suit you needs, such as a work and holiday visa or other types of Australian visas for tourism. Here they are:

Australian Work and Holiday Visa

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600 – Application form 1419)

The Australian tourist visa stream Subclass 600 (to which people apply using form n.1419) is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

Australian Visiting Academic Visa

The former Australia Tourist Visa 419 is closed to new applications for 2024 . However, the Tourist Visa Subclass 408 may be an alternative. This visa, which is also called the Temporary Activity Visa, allows you to participate in special approved programs, including:

Gap year volunteer work
Cultural enrichment programs
Youth exchanges
Community programs
School language assistants

This visa is valid for up to 12 months.

Australia Tourist Visa 771 (Australia Transit Visa)

Also known as the Australian Transit Visa, this visa allows people to spend up to 72 hours in Australia to “pass through”. With this visa, you may not spend more than 72 hours in the country.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about re-entering Australia with a tourist visa, about extending your stay in Australia as a tourist or about renewing your tourist visa while you are in Australia.

Is the Australian tourist visa multiple entry?

The Australian ETA is good for 90 days at a time, also allowing multiple-entries . This means that within one year sinve when the ETA Tourist visa has been issued you can enter, leav and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish – as long as each entry lasts a maximum of 90 days.

However, if your current visa is due to expire while you are still in the country, you will need to apply for an Australian tourist visa renewal, via a Long-stay tourist visa application .

What happens if I stay too long and my Australian tourist visa has expired?

Overstaying your stay with a tourist visa in Australia will result in your becoming an “unlawful non-citizen” – which can lead to detention and removal from the country. Worse, it could interfere with your ability to re-enter Australia on a tourist visa in the future. If you overstay your visa by more than 28 days, you could even become excluded and prevented from re-entering Australia on a tourist visa for as long as 3 years. Don’t do it.

Can I change my Australian visa once I am in the country?

No, you cannot change your visa type , such as an Australia tourist visa multiple entry, once you are in the country. However, you can apply for a further stay via the Long-Stay Tourist Visa, subclass 676.

What are my other options for extending my tourist visa?

Because the consequences of an Australia tourist visa overstay can be so serious, it is critical that you apply for a tourist visa renewal or extension as soon as possible and before your visa has expired . Applying online is fast and convenient.

Extend your visa

If you are planning to travel to Australia with a ETA Tourst Visa, you must know that it is not legal to work with an ETA . ETA-visitors have no right to “work”. However, they can do volunteer work or engage in other business activities, such as business meetings, conferences or seminars . Of course, you can stay in Australia on your tourist visa while looking for work, but once you found it you should obtain a different kind of visa in order to legally maintain your work.

However, working on a “tourist visa” in Australia is fairly common – especially for those who wish to work to pay for their holidays. If you want to legally work in Australia during your holiday though you will need a special, dedicated visa – not an ETA. This visa is called “ Work and Holiday Visa ” (often referred to also as “Working Holiday Visa”).

You can do any kind of work or jobs while on a tourist visa in Australia. However, your Work and Holiday Visa must be used within one year of the date it is issued, and it will be active for 12 months from the date you enter the country.

A working holiday visa cannot be extended: if you choose to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa. Additionally, you cannot bring dependent children or other family members with you, and you must pay taxes from anything you earn during your tourist visa working days.

The cost for a work and holiday tourist visa is of $ 625.00 as of 2024, but additional costs may also arise, including costs for police certificates, biometrics and health checks. Processing time can take from 13 to 22 days but may take longer if more information is needed or for verification purposes. Private health insurance coverage is highly recommended during your stay in the country. Read more about Work and Holiday Australian Visas for US Citizens here .

Apply for a WHV

According to Australia Marriage Law, you do not need to be an Australian resident to get married in Australia . You simply need the tourist visa (e.g. visa subclass 651) and you must file a Notice of Intended Marriage form along with any other requested documents .

If you are planning on getting married in Australia on a tourist visa, your celebrant can help ensure you meet all necessary requirements , including that you:

Are not married to anyone else
Are not marrying to a closely related family member
Are at least 18 years old
Freely consent to the marriage

Notice that if you plan to live in Australia after marriage, you might need to apply for permanent residency as needed .

In order to obtain your Australian Tourist Visa, you will need to pay an application charge when applying for your visa – plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can therefore vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. Both paper applications and e-visas such as ETA tourist visa costs must be paid online , and forms of payment accepted are credit cards and PayPal.

While there are no Australia tourist visa fees associated with the ETA, there is an online service charge of $ 69.00 .

The cost of a Work and Holiday visa is instead of $ 625.00 .

The visa application fee may change periodically: if the Australian immigration tourist visa fees increase between the date of the application and the date of the receipt, the new fee will apply.

Australian Government official resources:

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How and When to Get a Visa to Visit Australia

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

US citizens can travel to many countries visa-free, but Australia isn't one of them. If you're thinking about traveling to Australia, you'll need to plan ahead and obtain valid travel documentation. Here's what you need to know before traveling to Australia as a US citizen with a US passport.

What Visa Do I Need?

The Australian government makes it easy to determine the visa you need with its Visa Finder website . This website asks three questions, the first of which is about the purpose of your trip (think: vacation, visiting relations, attending an event, doing business and seeking medical treatment, among others):

tourist visa application form to australia

The next question asks the country of your passport:

And the final question asks how long you'd like to stay in Australia — either less than or more than three months.

Most travelers from the US will likely be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — also called an ETA — as I was for my most recent month-long trip.

This is because an ETA is available to US citizens visiting Australia for three months for reasons that fit into the following categories:

Holiday or vacation
Visit to see friends or family
Select business activities such as general business or employment inquiries; investigate, negotiate, sign or review a business contract; or attend a conference, trade fair or seminar

Since most US citizens traveling to Australia will be traveling for one of these reasons (and, as a result, are eligible to apply for an ETA) I'll focus on ETAs available to US citizens with a US passport.

What Are the Requirements?

To apply for an ETA, you must:

Have a valid passport from an eligible country (including the US).
Apply while outside Australia.
Wish to stay no longer than three months at a time (you must not study for more than three months, for example).
Be free from tuberculosis.
Not have any criminal convictions for which you have been sentenced for a total combined period of 12 months or more, whether or not you served the sentence(s).
Have paid back any debt — of either yourself or your family — or arranged to pay back any debt to the Australian government.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply Online?

The ETA is free, but there is an online application service charge of 20 Australian dollars (about $14) per applicant. As US passport holders -- along with seven other nationalities -- must apply online, there's no escaping the online application service charge. The fees for my recent ETA applications coded as "Bills and Utilities" on my Chase Sapphire Reserve statement, so don't expect the fee to code as "Travel."

How Long Does It Take?

The Australian government says "processing time for this visa is not available" and that the visa may take longer to process if:

You don't fill it out correctly
It takes the Australian government additional time to verify your information

Most ETA applications are approved immediately, and those that need additional processing are usually handled within 24 hours. This being said, the Australian government recommends travelers get an approved ETA before booking any nonrefundable travel. Once an ETA is granted, it is valid for one year and allows multiple entries up to three months each.

How Do I Apply?

The online ETA application takes about five minutes to complete. To start an application, click "Apply for an ETA."

Step 1 : Select whether you need a Tourist ETA or a Business Visitor ETA, and certify that you are currently located outside Australia.

Step 2 : Enter your personal details, whether you have an alias, answer a question about your criminal record and enter your passport information.

Step 3 : Enter your address, phone number and email. Select whether you wish to receive communications by SMS and declare whether you hold any passports issued by other countries.

Step 4 : Confirm your information.

Step 5 : Pay the online service charge of 20 Australian dollars (about $14) using a credit card.

How Do I Check My Status?

Once you have submitted an online ETA application, you'll receive a response. The response may:

Notify you that your ETA has been granted.
Advise you that your application has been referred for further assessment. You can then check the status of your application after 12 hours by logging back into the ETA system and selecting the option "Check an ETA."
Advise you to contact the nearest Australian visa office to make a new application.

My response came immediately in an email titled, "ETA Application for Australia [CLIENT-IN-CONFIDENCE] (PROD)" that confirmed my application had "been successful," my payment had been received, that I was now the proud holder of a "valid ETA for Australia" and that my ETA had been linked to my passport, so no additional documents would be required during the travel process.

What Do I Need to Print Before Travel?

Nothing. When your ETA is linked to your passport, it becomes available to both airline representatives as well as Australian immigration authorities. So, there's no need to print your confirmation once your ETA has been granted.

How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa: Requirements & Process in the Philippines

Save time and effort by applying for an Australian tourist visa online! All you have to do is create an account, fill out the application form, upload your requirements, and pay the corresponding fee. This guide provides the detailed steps for Filipinos, as well as a sample cover letter and itinerary template.

If you are a Philippine passport-holder who wants to travel to Australia for leisure, you must apply for a tourist visa.
The Australian Embassy strongly encourages online applications, but you may also submit your documents at VFS Global in Makati or Cebu.
To apply online, create an ImmiAccount. This will give you access to the self-service visa portal that’s operated by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
Fill out the Australian tourist visa application form and attach the required and supporting documents. These include your birth certificate, daily itinerary, bank certificate, bank statements, and documents that prove your occupation, i.e. COE for employees.
If you would like to expound on your travel plans or personal background, you may also write a cover letter. A sample is provided below.
If you plan to travel with family members, submit your applications together using only one ImmiAccount. (Multiple applicant profiles can be created under one account.)
Pay the Australian tourist visa processing fee of A$145 via credit card, select debit cards, PayPal, or Unionpay. The rate is as of February 2020 and does not include applicable surcharges.
Processing of visa applications may take 2 to 28 days.
If granted a visa, you will be sent a notice. It should inform you if you were issued a single-entry or a multiple-entry Australian visa, as well as your allowable period of stay.
If, at this point, you feel overwhelmed by all the information, keep calm! You’ll get through this. Meanwhile, start checking out the activities in Sydney and Gold Coast that you can easily book from WAUG — the #1 travel activity booking platform from South Korea! Download the app here to start browsing.

Explore more: Book SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets at a Discount!

1. How to Determine the Australian Visa to Apply For

If this is your first time to apply for a visa to Australia, a good place to start is the Visa Finder . This is a simple online tool that will let you explore the visa options that are avilable to you depending on your purpose.

The Visa Finder will ask your primary intention for traveling. As you can see below, acceptable responses (for temporary stay) include: visiting a family member, attending an event, transiting through Australia, or undergoing medical treatment, among others.

Since I intend to engage in sightseeing activities, I ticked a holiday or the topmost selection. After providing my country of passport, the Visa Finder gave me this recommendation: Tourist Stream under Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

how-to-apply-for-australian-tourist-visa

The Tourist Stream (application from outside Australia) is what I will cover in this guide. If we have the same primary purpose, i.e. you want to take a (much-needed and well-deserved) vacation, read on further for the steps to take. However, if you have a different reason for traveling, go to the Visa Finder and confirm the Australian visa type/s that are recommended for you.

2. Ways to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa

Filipinos may consider two options: online via an ImmiAccount or offline via the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) that’s operated by VFS Global. Let’s look at the overview for each approach:

Paper Application via VFS Global

Here are the steps if you want to apply for a tourist visa via VFS Global (AVAC):

Accomplish, print, and sign the Form 1419 (Application for a Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream).
Gather supporting documents.
Prepare a Manager’s Cheque that’s payable to “Australian Embassy”.
Schedule an appointment to submit your requirements at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC).
Collect your Visa Letter from the AVAC.

For the Manager’s Cheque: Must be drawn from any bank in the Philippines, except rural banks. The amount should be in Philippine Peso. Moreover, no other method of payment will be accepted.

For Scheduling an Appointment with AVAC: An appointment is necessary to submit your Australian visa application requirements. You or a representative may submit the documents at the VFS Global office in Makati or Cebu, which are open on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 7am-2pm, except public holidays. Alternatively, you may also request for a one-way or two-way courier delivery.

For the Visa Letter from AVAC: This contains the result of your application. You may check your email or wait for courier delivery.

Online Application

The other way to apply for an Australian tourist visa is online via an ImmiAccount. Personally, I think this is more efficient and convenient compared to the Paper Application because there’s no third party involved. This means that you can have your application processed as soon as you have the documents uploaded and fees paid. There’s no more waiting on your appointment slot or your courier, which, at times, can be frustrating. We’ll look at this approach in detail in the succeeding sections.

3. Steps to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa Online

Once you’ve confirmed that the Tourist Stream is the right visa for you and decided that you’ll proceed with an Australian visa online application, take note of the following steps:

Create an ImmiAccount.
Fill out the application form.
Attach your supporting documents.
Pay the fee using a credit card or PayPal.

Yes, the online process is more straightforward and, as you may realize later on, pretty enjoyable!

4. How to Create an ImmiAccount for Your Australian Visa Application

Signing up for an ImmiAccount lets you access the self-service portal where you, a family member, or a friend can do the following:

Create and complete an Australian tourist visa application (personal and group)
Check the status of an application
Update passport details
Change the provided email and address

To get started, register for an ImmiAccount here . You will be asked for your name, mobile number, phone number, and a valid email address. Since the email that you’ll provide will be used to communicate updates that pertain to your application (and your group members’, if applicable), it is best to nominate one that you always check.

Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. Follow the link so you can create a New Application for Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). You’ll then be asked to fill out a 20-page visa application form.

If you have not received an email after signing up, try to do the following steps: add homeaffairs.gov.au to your safe or trusted senders list, check your application to see if you typed the right email address, and check your Junk or Spam folder.

5. How to Fill Out the Online Australian Tourist Visa Application Form

In case you missed it, the visa application form has 20 pages. It may sound a bit tedious, but it’s actually pretty manageable. It will inquire of your personal details, travel plans to Australia, family background, health, character, occupation, and funding, among others. The good thing is that it’s not meant to be filled out in one sitting, so you can stop and save as you go. (Take your time when accomplishing the form and reviewing your responses.)

To help you prepare for this step, we’ve listed some questions that will be asked in the online Australian tourist visa application form (similar to the Form 1419 that I mentioned under Paper Application):

5.1 How long do you wish to stay in Australia?

Choices will include Up to 3 months, Up to 6 months, and Up to 12 months .

5.2 Do you hold an identity card or identity number issued to you by your government (e.g. National Identity Card)?

As of writing time, the National Identity Card system is on a dry-run phase in the Philippines. Hence, you can tick No.

However, if you happen to have a National Identity Number already, supply the details.

5.3 Are you traveling to or are you currently in Australia with any family members?

If your answer is Yes , you will need to provide the details of each of your family members in this part of the Australian tourist visa application form.

5.4 Do you have a partner, any children, or fiancé who will NOT be traveling (or has not traveled) to Australia with you?

This one seems to check your social ties in the Philippines. You will have to provide the full name, date of birth, and the person’s address if your response is Yes .

5.5 Why do you want to visit Australia?

Include details of any dates that are of special significance to your visit. For example, if you or someone in your group will celebrate a birthday or anniversary in Australia, indicate it in the spaces provided.

5.6 In the last 5 years, have you visited or lived outside your country of passport for more than 3 consecutive months?

If your answer is Yes, provide the country(s) and dates. This question actually falls under Health Details, so, subsequently, you will be asked if you expect to incur any medical costs during your trip or have had (or currently have) tuberculosis.

5.7 What is your employment status?

You’ll be asked to give the details of your employer, business, or school, whichever is applicable.

5.8 Explain why you are unemployed and give details of your last employment, if applicable.

Share the details. If you have been invited to or have attended job interviews already, it might be good to highlight that as well.

5.9 Give details of how you will maintain yourself financially while you are in Australia.

This part of the Australian tourist visa application form seeks to know how you plan to cover all costs that are associated with your visit. You must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate source/s of funds.

5.10 Is your sponsor or someone else providing support for your visit to Australia?

If your response is in the affirmative, you will have to specify their details and type of support that they’ll give, i.e. financial, accommodation, and others.

Select the application from the list and click Edit .

For group applicants, you may copy a visa application of the same type for a family member and a friend to save time. Here are the steps:

Select the checkbox for the application you want to copy.
Select Actions .
Select Copy from the drop-down list.
Choose Confirm .
Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
Choose Next .
The duplicate copy of the application will then show in your ImmiAccount.

Information of the original Australian visa applicant is not copied across. The added person can write over any of the copied information.

If you need to update your residential or postal address, i.e. you will be living at a different residential address for more than 14 days or your postal address has changed, do the following steps so the Australian government can contact you, if needed:

Log in to ImmiAccount.
Select Update details .
Choose Change of address details .
Select the applicant.
Select the checkbox for Residential address or postal address .
Enter the new details.
Hit Submit form .

Do the following steps if you need to update your email:

Choose Update details .
Select Change of email address details .
Enter your new email address.
Click Next and expect to receive a new confirmation link.

6. Australian Tourist Visa Requirements & Supporting Documents for Filipinos

Here are the requirements to apply for an Australian tourist visa, as taken from this list provided by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines (note that your application dashboard will also tell you what documents to attach!):

6.1 Passport Bio Page

Scan the page 2 of your current passport, which contains your photo, basic information, and passport info.

6.2 Passport Pages with Visas, Entry & Exit Stamps, Amendments, and Endorsements, if applicable

Aside from visas and stamps in your current passport, also scan those that are found in your old passport/s. These will serve as evidence of your travel history.

6.3 One (1) Passport-Size Photo

Your Australian tourist visa application picture must show your head and shoulders against a plain background.

6.4 PSA Birth certificate

Prepare a scanned copy of your certificate of birth that’s issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA (formerly NSO).

If the Birth Certificate is late registered: A certified copy of hospital records where the applicant was born is required, according to the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

6.5 Occupation-specific documents

Submit documents that best demonstrate your present engagement. The following lists contain the most commonly submitted requirements and some suggestions that you may consider. Of course, if you feel like you have other documents that may serve as strong evidence to your present occupation, do not hesitate to attach them.

For EMPLOYEES

If you are a Filipino employee, submit any or all of the following:

Certificate of Employment or COE, which indicates your role, hiring date, length of employment, and annual salary. If possible, have your COE show that you intend to return to your job (for example, He or she will resume work on… ).
Pay slips
Business Card
Bank statements showing salary credits for the last three (3) months
Evidence of leave, such as an approved request

For BUSINESS OWNERS

Likewise, those who own a business or are self-employed may want to submit all or any of the following:

DTI/SEC Registration
Business permit
Business tax return for the last two (2) Years
Bank deposit slip as evidence of tax payments

For STUDENTS

Australian tourist visa applicants who are still studying may submit their Certificate of Enrollment. It may also help to submit a copy of the front and back side of the School ID.

6.6 Financial Documents

To prove your financial capacity, you must submit these requirements as per the Embassy:

Bank Certificate showing the average daily balance for the last three (3) months
Bank statements showing account transactions for the last three (3) months

To strengthen your Australian visa application, you may also consider submitting your Income Tax Return or ITR, audited accounts, and documents that show that you own a house or other major assets in the Philippines.

6.7 Daily Itinerary in Australia (Travel Plans)

A personalized travel itinerary will serve as a strong evidence of your intentions as a tourist. Create a detailed one even if you have not booked your flights, accommodation, travel essentials, and tours yet. If you have already done so, then attach your booking confirmation/s (roundtrip tickets, for example) to show that you will return to the Philippines (but do this at your own risk — ideally, you should make any purchase after receiving the visa!). Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of this exercise is to demonstrate your planned activities as a tourist.

SAMPLE ITINERARY for Australian Visa Applicants

There’s no standard template provided for the daily itinerary requirement, so you are free to create your own or use a template, like what I have below. The sample contains my personal information, accommodation, and planned activities in Australia.

You can access my Australian tourist visa itinerary template here . If you want, you may also add tabs for your flights and car rentals.

Also, if you have yet to finalize the tours, attractions, and activities for your trip, do consider the following:

Things to do in SYDNEY for your Itinerary

australian-visa-requirements-waug-feature-sydney-harbour-bridge

Sydney Tower Eye – enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the highest observatory tower in Sydney.
Sydney Harbour Bridge – have a thrilling experience by climbing up the most popular bridge in the world!
Sydney Skydive – enjoy and soak in the great coastal views, Blue Mountains, and the Sydney skyline from up 14,000 feet.

Things to do in GOLD COAST & BRISBANE for your Itinerary

WhiteWater World – this water park is popular among locals as it offers a fantastic range of water slides to be enjoyed by all ages!
Warner Bros. Movie World – say hello to some of the iconic Looney Tunes characters and ride the Superman Escape that speeds up to 100 kph!
Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast – grab the opportunity to surf at the beautiful Surfers Paradise Beach with qualified instructors.

Things to do in MELBOURNE for your Itinerary

how-to-apply-for-australia-tourist-visa-WAUG

Eureka Skydeck 88 – spend a romantic night at this world-class lookout with your partner!
Werribee Open Range Zoo – spot rhinos, giraffes, and zebras when you embark on this safari adventure across an open-range savannah!
Melbourne City Sightseeing Bus Tour – hop on and off at any of the key landmarks of Melbourne — from the Federation Square to Harbour Town and Queen Victoria Market!

Things to do in CAIRNS for your Itinerary

Cairns Reef Magic Cruise Tour – a semi-submersible tour that’ll let you and your friends enjoy the Great Barrier Reef!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park Ticket – watch Australia’s Aboriginals portray their traditions through dance and music.
Butterfly Sanctuary in Cairns – take a leisurely stroll through the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and spend an informative day with your loved ones.

6.8 Other documents, if applicable

Submit these documents only if they are relevant to your application:

For those who have had a CHANGE OF NAME:

Submit a Marriage Certificate from PSA or annulment documents
Documents that show other names you have been known by

If you will VISIT RELATIVES or FRIENDS in Australia

Submit the following requirements, as per the Embassy’s guidelines:

Letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia
A copy of the biopage of their passport
Evidence of your relationship to your relative or friend
Evidence that they have the necessary funds to support your intended stay

For CHILDREN TRAVELING with ONE PARENT

Submit the Form 1229 that is accomplished by the non-travelling parent, together with the parent’s contact information and valid government-issued ID with signature.

For CHILDREN TRAVELING with SOMEONE OTHER THAN A PARENT

Submit a duly accomplished Form 1229 by both parents, together with their contact information and valid government-issued IDs with signature. You must also submit a duly accomplished Form 1257 by the person responsible for the child in Australia and their valid government ID.

Provide as much proof as you can to show that you will visit Australia as a temporary visitor. (You have strong ties in the Philippines.)

Scan or photograph all of your requirements and documents. The scans and photos must be colored, clear, and legible. If a document is more than one page, you must save it all as one file.

Follow these steps:

Select who you are attaching a document for.
Select why you want to attach the document.
Choose the document type from the drop-down list.
You can attach a group of documents that are of the same type. For example, you can attach bank statements for different bank accounts.
ImmiAccount will delete your documents if you do not submit your application in 30 days. If your documents are removed, make sure to attach them again before you submit.

You may attach up to 60 documents for each Australian tourist visa application created in ImmiAccount. Identity documents (such as your passport pages, photo, and PSA birth certificate) can be up to 500KB each. Other documents can be up to 5MB each. You may view the official instructions here .

You must translate your document/s to English. Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited, but on each translated document, they must include their full name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and experience in the language they are translating. You do not need to have translated documents certified.

7. How to Write a Cover Letter for your Australian Visa Application

Writing a cover letter is OPTIONAL for Australian tourist visa applicants in the Philippines. You may consider writing one if you want to emphasize your purpose of travel, explain something about your personal or professional background, inform why you’re submitting a particular document, expound on how you will fund your travel costs, and others.

Here’s a cover letter that you may want to use as reference:

The sample above specifically emphasizes my personal intent, which is to make use of the long weekends in August. To customize this letter to your own purpose, refer to the following breakdown of the cover letter:

7.1 Date, Address, & Salutation

In the first few parts of your letter, indicate the date when you plan to submit your application, the address of the Australian Embassy, and the salutation:

June 15, 2020

Australian Embassy in The Philippines

Level 23 Tower 2, RCBC Plaza Tower 2

6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1200

Dear Sir/Madam:

7.2 Introduction

Directly state what you are writing about so that the reviewing officer will know your purpose of writing straight away. Keep your introduction 1-2 sentences short, like the following sample:

Good day! As part of my application to the Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream), I am writing this letter to provide more personal details about my reason for travel.

The next part of your cover letter is where you can provide a detailed explanation or backgrounder:

As I’ve shared in my application and itinerary, I intend to travel to Australia from August 21-31, 2020. I chose these dates because I would like to make good use of the holidays that fall on August 21st (special non-working holiday) and August 31st (regular holiday). Last year, I had a leisurely trip in South Korea and Taiwan that covers the same days.

7.4 Supporting Documents, if applicable

After providing your reason/s, let the visa officer know that you have prepared supporting documents that they can refer to, if any.

For reference, I attached my approved leave request from my employer. I also included

my approved leave request from my trip to East Asia last year.

7.5 Reinforcement of Intention to Travel for Tourism

The final part of your cover letter is where you want to demonstrate your travel plans and, perhaps, what you expect to get from the trip.

If granted a visa, I shall push through with my trip and enjoy the tailend of the winter

season. While I’ll be traveling alone, I know that I will delight in the attractions, markets,

and museums in Sydney and Melbourne.

7.6 Closing & Name Block

End your cover letter by thanking the Australian visa officer and adding a complimentary close.

Thank you for reviewing my application.

Respectfully yours,

Ryan Juancho Diocson

7.7 Signature

Don’t forget to sign above your name.

You may upload your scanned cover letter under Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities .

8. Australian Tourist Visa Fees & Methods of Payment

After you share your details in the form and attach your requirements, go ahead and take that final step: pay the Australian tourist visa fee! As of February 2020, the cost to apply is A$145 or around ₱5,000 per person, as shown below:

australian-tourist-visa-processing-fee-cost-time

To confirm the application fee for future dates, use the Visa Pricing Estimator .

However, do note that there will be additional fees, depending on how you would like to pay:

Payment of Australian Visa Fee using CREDIT or DEBIT CARD

Here are the surcharges for card transactions, as of writing time:

MasterCard (including debit MasterCard): 1.32%
VISA (including VISA debit Card): 1.32%
American Express (AMEX): 1.40%
Diners Club: 1.99%

Payment of Australian Visa Fee using PAYPAL

Surcharge of 1% applies.

Payment of Australian Visa Fee using UNIONPAY

If you have UnionPay and will use it to settle the processing costs, a surcharge of 1.90% applies.

9. Australian Tourist Visa Processing Time

After settling the fee, you should get an email that acknowledges receipt of your application. Now all that’s left to do is track the progress and wait for the result! If you used the Visa Finder tool, you might have seen the following information and timelines given by the Home Affairs:

75% of Australian tourist visa applications take 17 days to process.
90% of applications take 28 days.

This may have changed already, but don’t be surprised if you were able to receive a result or a Notice of Visa Grant in less than a week (or even in a matter of hours!)! It’s happened to many Filipinos, so check your ImmiAccount and email inbox for status updates from time to time. (But, hey, don’t stress!)

If you check the status of your visa application and find that you are asked to undergo a medical examination: Do it as soon as possible. However, note that NOT all tourist visa applicants will be required to undergo a health exam. Only do this step if you were instructed to in your application dashboard.

Moreover, if any other changes on your situation occur, i.e. birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship, or death in your family, update the details BEFORE the Australian government finalizes your tourist visa application.

10. What is the maximum duration of stay for an Australian tourist visa?

It will depend on your purpose of travel and application, but it can be 3, 6, or 12 months.

11. If your Australian tourist visa application is APPROVED

Well done! Check your visa grant number, the date when your visa starts, and your visa conditions so you can plan your trip accordingly. The notice will also tell you if you were issued a multiple-entry Australian visa.

Print the decision and keep a copy with you when you travel to Australia.

For Group Applicants: The assessment is done individually, so there is a possibility that not all family or group members who lodged an online visa application together will get a visa.

For the Visa Grant Number: The next time that you apply for a visa, you’ll have to provide this number.

To get the most out of your Aussie trip: Download WAUG on your phone by clicking here . Discounts on the first booking await new users!

12. If your Australian tourist visa application is DENIED

The notice that you’ll receive will have the reason for rejection. It’ll also tell you if you have the right to a review of the decision.

13. Tips from Successful Tourist Visa Applicants

To provide more information (and hopefully inspiration!), we’ve provided some posts from this Facebook group that tackles Australian visa applications and DIY-style of traveling, among others. Since the group is set to private, I am only able to share screenshots from members who are kind enough and willing to share their experiences and thoughts (personally identifiable information blurred for privacy). Please do note that the following tips and responses may not be official, so while it may have worked for other applicants, it may or may not be beneficial or true for your application:

13.1 Apply for an Australian visa online or via a travel agency?

how-to-apply-for-australian-tourist-visa-online

The post reads: Sino kaya [pwede] tumulong sa akin [para mag-apply ng visa pa-Australia online?] PM naman ako. Magbigay na lang ako. 20k kasi sa agency na na-ask ko. PM na lang [po. Salamat.]

The commenters were one in saying that the online self-service portal is easy-to-use, as shown below:

Comment 1: Madali [lang. Mag-sign-up] ka for ImmiAccount

Comment 3: Mabilis lang [mag-apply ng visa sa Australia. Hindi] mo na need [ng] physical appearance. Basta complete ang i-u-upload mong documents.

Comment 4: Super dali lang mag-apply. Ready mo lang mga documents mo, then go sa website ng AU…

13.2 Is COE required?

australian-visa-application-requirements

Post : Hello. Any tips po for tourist visa application to Australia for somebody [working from home]? Do I really need to submit a COE?

Comment 1: If you are an employee — yes, of course.

Comment 2: Just recently submitted my visa application and still waiting for the Embassy. But for the requirements, recommended lang ang COE.

13.3 Do I really need to submit an itinerary for my visa application?

Post : Anyone [applied for an Australian visa online?] Need ba talaga maglagay ng itinerary? Nakalagay naman kasi [na] recommended, not required. May bearing ba? Picture for attention only.

Comment 3: Yes, kahit draft lang. Para may idea ang consul sa mga places na pupuntahan. Hindi kailangan sundin ang itinerary. Pwede naman kasi mag-iba iyon pagdating mo doon. Mabuting kumpleto ang documents kaysa kulang. It is still up to you, though.

13.4 Application is taking long to process

Post : Good afternoon, guys. Ask ko lang sana: gaano katagal ba talaga bago lumabas ang visa sa Australia? Nag-apply po kasi kami last September 5. Hanggang ngayon wala pa ang results. Nakakakaba tuloy. May pag-asa pa kaya?

The post is dated September 29, 2019, so the member who posted this was already waiting for 24 days.

Comment: Hi. It really depends sa volume din ng applicants. Some visas are granted after 5-9 days. Sa iba, from 15-30 working days.

13.5 Multiple-Entry Australian Tourist Visa APPROVED!

australian-tourist-visa-multiple-entry-requirements

The post reads: My 3rd visit visa in Australia. No job, no ITR, little amount sa bank (6 years na ang bank account ko.). May multiple properties — edge siguro iyon. [Sa previous application] ko, may job ako. I applied for single-entry lang (kasal kasi ng friend ko). 5 days lang talaga plano ko.

They gave me multiple-entry. Nanibago lang ako kasi ang tagal ng waiting sa result. At least makakatulog na ako.

The post also shows the applicant’s Notice of Visa Grant, which indicates that she was given a multiple-entry visa to Australia.

14. Reference

You may check out the official step-by-step guide to apply for an Australian tourist visa here . You may also visit the website of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines here .

All the best!

We hope your Australian visa application turns out successful! If you have any questions, comment below so other Filipino travelers may help.

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Australian Visa Application Form

Visiting Australia and need a Australian visa form? Find and download the right visa form for your needs, here.

The Australian Visa for your Trip to Australia

If you are considering of going to Australia as a tourist or to visit a relative or on a business trip, then applying for an Australian visa can become a necessary task.

Usually, you should be able to apply for the required Australian visa online/ at the nearest Australian embassy in the country of your residence.

General Visa Requirements and Validity Period of Australian Visa

Before applying for a visa for Australia, it is advised you check whether you can apply for the Australian visa.

A brief summary of the most important requirements and conditions when obtaining the visa for Australia:

You do not expect to conduct unpaid work that would otherwise be done by a paid worker in Australia.
You do not intend to join a work relationship in Australia.
You do not mean to provide services to Australian organisations (this is allowed with a Australian work visa or business visa).
You do not plan to offer or sell product or services to consumers in Australia.
You and your relative are not in debt to the Australia Government.
You do not pose a risk to the health or safety of residents of Australia.
You are able to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your trip and return from Australia.

Do you need an Australian visa?

It depends on your citizenship and the kind of travel document you are using to travel to Australia.Please visit here to check if you need an Australian visa.

Exactly who can request an Australian visa?

Anybody wishing to go on vacation to Australia can apply for an Australian visa.

There are several kinds of visa for Australia which you can use as a traveller to Australia. If you are unsure which kind of Australian visa you need to apply, please contact the local Australian visa office to obtain additional information as objective of this web page is to offer you general overview when obtaining Australian visa.

What kind of Australian visa do I need?

This relies on 3 aspects:

The nationality according to your passport – If the citizenship according to the passport is from a nation that is on visa free travel to Australia or eligible to apply for a visa on arrival in Australia, then you may not need to apply for an Australian visa before leaving from your home country. Please go here to find out if you require an Australian visa.
The duration of your visit in Australia – If you intend to remain in Australia for a shorter duration less than ninety days, then you can apply for the Australian visa. If you like to remain longer, then contact the local Australian visa office to obtain the suitable visa for your trip.
The activities you want to perform in Australia – If your sole purpose of taking a trip is for vacation, then you can apply for all types of Australian visas discussed on this page.

General Visa Application Requirements to Obtain Australian Visitor Visa

Holiday visa application form for Australia – Completed Australian visa application form.
Original and signed passport – The passport needs to be valid for at least six months before going into Australia and three months after departing Australia. It should contain at least two extra visa pages and can not be older than 10 years.
Passport type photo – Photo needs to be no older than six months and ought to be 35 x 40mm in size.
Previous passport – Give a previous passport if you had any.
Previous visas – Copies of previous Australian visas details if you had any.
Flight tickets to Australia – Reservation of return or round trip flight tickets. In some situations the Australian visa office may request for pre paid flight tickets to Australia.
Travel insurance coverage – Proof of travel insurance with a minimum cover set by the Australian consular office provided with the Certificate of Insurance and the table of benefits. The travel insurance must cover the cost of repatriation for medical reasons and the Certificate of Currency must be issued by an insurance provider. If you are thinking about using your credit card travel insurance for your travel to Australia, please get in touch with Australian consular office to learn more and travel insurance coverage requirements for the Australian visa.
Original bank statements – Original bank statements for the last 3 months revealing enough funds to cover your trip in Australia. If statements are printed online then it has to be Validated (marked) by the bank representatives.
Hotel Reservations in Australia – Copy of confirmed hotel bookings including name of the applicant, name and address of the hotel, length of stay. In most conditions, only bookings which are partly or completely pre-paid can be accepted.
Work letter – This letter needs to be: original and signed letter from employer written on company letter head paper, validating your ongoing employment, the status of employment, monthly income and yearly leave. Likewise, please provide your 3 newest pay slips. If you are self-employed: offer certified copies of business registration, income tax return.
For students. Please give the following:
Evidence of present student status: Certificate of Enrollment.
Original and signed letter from university written on university letter head paper, affirming on-going enrolment, confirming the payment of tuition fees or any type of scholarships, and confirming term break.
Insurance coverage from Organisation/University– Give a letter from the University specifying the purpose, duration of travel and confirmation that you are going to be covered by the insurance for the entire trip in addition to the Certificate of Currency and summary of benefits.

Generally, visa applications for Australian visa must be sent for a maximum of 6 months, and no behind 15 days, before the journey.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

Consult with business associates
Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
Settle an estate
Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

Vacation (holiday)
Visit with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

The purpose of your trip,
Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing . The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Review the visa processing times to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories: B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC), you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa.

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review Visa Denials to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , U.S. Consulate Hamilton website and CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov . CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select Border Crossing Card to learn more about this card.

Please visit U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
General Questions - review Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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IMAGES

Great Tips About How To Apply For Australian Tourist Visa
Easy: How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa Online
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Easy: How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa Online
Australia Visitor Visa Application Form 600
How to Apply for Australia Tourist Visa

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COMMENTS

Applying for a visitor visa
Follow the tips below to help you apply for a visitor visa to come to Australia. . Submit your application well in advance of your travel. Attach all required d ocuments. You must submit all the documents we ask for with your application, including a clear copy of the personal details page of your passport.
PDF 1419
Note: If you are in Australia and you make a valid application for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) - Tourist stream, this form also serves as an application for a bridging visa. Visa information The Visitor visa (subclass 600) - Tourist stream is for people who want to travel to or remain in Australia: • to visit family or friends; or
Visas to visit Australia
Visas to visit Australia. Whether you are visiting Australia for less than 72 hours or planning on a stay of several years you must have a valid Australian visa. A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country. Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Home Affairs.
Australian visa and entry requirements FAQs
The application process may differ depending on which visa you need. You can only apply for the Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located here. For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your ...
Australia Tourist Visa
Required Documents for an Australian Tourist Visa. The documents you must attach to your Australian tourist visa application include: Your passport. A copy of your passport's identity page. The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Form. A recent picture of yourself.
PDF 1419
Use this form to apply for a Visitor visa - Tourist stream to visit or remain in Australia for tourism or other recreational activities (holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons or to visit relatives or friends). • study in Australia for more than 3 months you should apply for a student visa. Please contact the nearest ...
Visas and Migration
Latest news. For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see News - Archive. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can ap ply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide.. If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.
Australia Visitor Visa: Requirements, Eligibility and Application
Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible. Validity: Valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years with single or multiple entries. Duration of stay: Generally, 3 months allowed stay, but up to 6 or 12 in some cases. Visa fee: Visitors visa fee is 190 AUD. Processing time: 50% of applications are processed in 7 days and 90% in 21 days.
Australian Tourist Visa from USA: Requirements and Cost (US)
The cost of a Work and Holiday visa is instead of $ 625.00. The visa application fee may change periodically: if the Australian immigration tourist visa fees increase between the date of the application and the date of the receipt, the new fee will apply. Apply now.
Visas and citizenship
Visas and citizenship. You can find more information on visa and citizenship services on our immigration and citizenship site. Check the links below to find what you're looking for, or visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Immigration services.
How to Apply for an Australia Visa?
Australia Visa Paper Application Steps. Here are the steps you need to take for an Australia visa paper application: Find the nearest Australian embassy/consulate. Set up a meeting at an Australian office. Verify the required documents. Fill in the application form. Pay the application fee. Submit the visa application.
How and When to Apply for Your Australia Visa
Step 3: Enter your address, phone number and email. Select whether you wish to receive communications by SMS and declare whether you hold any passports issued by other countries. Step 4: Confirm your information. Step 5: Pay the online service charge of 20 Australian dollars (about $14) using a credit card.
PDF Application Centre Australian Visa Visitor Visa
Completed and signed Form 1419 -Application for a Visitor visa Tourist stream A separateapplication form must be completed for each person travelling. This includes a child travelling on a parent's passport. Payment of the Australian Government Visa Application Charge.
Visiting Australia
Tourist Stream Form 1419. Business Stream Form 1415. Visa Fees. Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa (Subclass 400) Details of who should apply for this visa can be found at the below link. Please note that domestic workers intending on travelling with their employers during a short visit to Australia should apply for a Subclass 400 visa.
DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal ...
How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa: Requirements & Process in
Paper Application via VFS Global. Here are the steps if you want to apply for a tourist visa via VFS Global (AVAC): Accomplish, print, and sign the Form 1419 (Application for a Visitor Visa - Tourist Stream). Gather supporting documents. Prepare a Manager's Cheque that's payable to "Australian Embassy".
Download Visa Forms for Australia
Holiday visa application form for Australia - Completed Australian visa application form. Original and signed passport - The passport needs to be valid for at least six months before going into Australia and three months after departing Australia. It should contain at least two extra visa pages and can not be older than 10 years.
PDF Application for a Form Visitor visa
48ME Application for a Medical Treatment visa; • visit Australia for a short business trip, you should use form 1415 Application for a Visitor visa - Business Visitor stream; • study in Australia for more than 3 months you should apply for a student visa. Please contact the nearest Australian
Visitor Visa
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. ... You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer ...