[HOW TO] Apply Australia Tourist Visa for Filipinos in Dubai UAE

Hi! I'm Jenny, currently living for more than 4 years in the desert city, Dubai!
Many friends of mine asked me regarding the Visa Applications to certain countries I visited, that's why I created this series "How to" to guide you! :)

I went to the Land Down Under, Australia twice already to visit family and friends from Dubai. Once last April 2016 and recently, last June 2018.

In a span of 2 years, the process changed. From Manual to Automated, it is now easier and faster.

1. Register in ImmiAccount

For those who want to get their Australian Tourist visa, first you have to register an account in ImmiAccount: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register

Choose the preferred visa, if you are visiting, select for "Visitor Visa (600)":

2. Complete the Application form

Fill out the necessary details. You can go back to continue the application by logging in at https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login. Do not submit yet if the form is not 100% filled.

The main part are the attachments for supporting documents. Prepare the following:

• Valid Passport
• Passport Pages with stamps
• Passport Photo
• Birth Certificate
• Bank Statements (3 months preferably so that they will see that there is monthly salary, I also added my BDO/BPI or other Philippine bank statements)
• UAE Resident Visa
• Letter of Invitation (from your family, relatives and friends with their supporting documents as sponsor)
• 3 month Payslips
• No Objection Certificate from your employer to travel

Below are the supporting documents I added to make my application stronger:

• Investments (Mutual Funds, Stocks, contracts of your real estate)
• Invitation (based on my experience, I added a copy of my niece and nephew's 1st birthday invitation. This can be wedding invitation, etc)

3. Pay the fees

The application fee is AUD 140 (around AED 380.60) through debit/credit card.

4. Schedule appointment in VFS for the Biometrics

After the application form and payment, you will then receive email regarding the requirement to provide the Biometrics.

Make sure to schedule appointment in VFS and bring the following:

• Original Passport
• Letter for Biometric From Embassy (print the email received)
• Cash/Card in Local Currency (AED 237)
• Applicant self-present. Location is in 3rd Floor, Wafi Mall.

For more information, visit http://www.vfsglobal.com/australia/gcc/biometric_data_collection.html

It is advisable not to book yet your flight, wait for your visa! :)
I got mine after a month when I followed up on it. Some got theirs quicker, so it really depends.
It is worth the wait as I received multiple entry visa YAY! Good for 1 year.

Enjoy Australia, mate! :) 

If you have questions and concerns, feel free to comment! :) 

<3 Desert City Gurl