IMPORTANT NOTICES
Current Australian Border Arrangments
From 6 July 2022, unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can leave and enter Australia without an individual travel exemption. Travellers entering or leaving Australia do not require a negative pre-departure test and cruise vessels can enter Australian territory.
All incoming travellers will need to comply with the testing and quarantine requirements of the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel. Visit https://www.australia.gov.au/states for more information.
It is important to remember that other countries, and private airlines, vessel operators and tour companies, may have their own requirements for travellers.
Unvaccinated visa holders will no longer need a travel exemption to enter Australia. For all the latest information about Australia’s border arrangments, please visit: https://www.australia.gov.au/international-travel
Australian Visa
Some services relating to the visa application process may be impacted by COVID-19 and a range of services we rely on are increasingly unavailable. Visit the Visas and Citizenship page for more information.
Biometrics
From 04 April 2022, visa applicants in the Philippines must complete biometric (face photograph and fingerprint scan) collection for each application lodged, irrespective of their nationality, unless they are excluded or exempt from the biometric program.
Biometrics are collected through a quick and easy process that captures a photograph of your face and a 10-digit electronic fingerprint. Applicants will be required to provide their biometrics each and every time they apply for a visa.
When you lodge your application online, you will be sent a request to provide personal identifiers (biometrics) via email. You should make an appointment to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) in person to provide your biometrics. Take a copy of that email and your passport to the appointment.
You must provide your biometrics within 14 days of online lodgement or notify the relevant visa processing office if unable to do so.
VFS Global operates two ABCCs in the Philippines (in Manila and Cebu). The ABCC will charge a service fee for the collection of biometrics.
For more information about biometric collection procedures, fees charged, contact details, ABCC locations, or to book your biometrics appointment, please visit Welcome to VFS Global| vfsglobal.
Pre-lodgement enquiries - Global Service Centre
If you wish to contact the global service centre regarding your pre-lodgment enquiry, please call +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday 09:00am to 5:00pm (Manila local time). Callers can access Translating and Interpreting Service support.
Visitor visas that could not be used due to COVID-19
Under Australian migration law, it is not possible to extend a visitor visa or electronic travel authority. You must apply for a new visa, if your current visa has expired and you wish to travel to Australia.
A Visa Application Charge waiver may be available to you if you held a Visitor (Tourist) visa holders which expired while outside Australia following implementation of COVID-19 travel restrictions on 20 March 2020 (multiple entry visa), or prior to you using the visa (multiple or single entry visa). Please refer to https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/refunds-and-waivers-visa-application-charges
Due to the volume of Visitor applications currently with the Department, and the anticipated increase in applications lodged following the announcement of the re-opening of our borders, delays can be expected. Please ensure you do not book flights prior to advice that your visa has been granted, as applications will not be expedited due to expiring flight bookings.
All efforts are being made to address the pipeline of applications as quickly as possible and may involve applicants receiving requests to update their evidentiary support on their ImmiAccount – if you have a pending application, please ensure your supporting documents are up to date to avoid further delays.
Lodged visa applications with pending outcome due to COVID-19
Your application remains valid and will be assessed. Please note that the pipeline of existing applications is significant and every effort is being made to quickly assess and decide eligible visa applications so that travel to Australia can occur.
If your circumstances for travel have changed, please consider updating us with additional information through your ImmiAccount.
You may withdraw your application at any time via ImmiAccount before a decision is made by using the appropriate form 1446 – Withdrawal of a visa application. The form and further information regarding withdrawing a visa application can be found on our website https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-in-situation/withdraw-visa-application
Important – Please note however, that Visa Application Charges are generally not refundable, even if the application is withdrawn. Only very limited circumstances allow for a refund of the Visa Application Charge.
Unable to meet the Initial Entry Date
If you have a permanent or provisional family visa and you cannot travel to Australia before the specified initial entry date (first entry date) condition advised in your visa grant letter, please use the online Travel Facilitation Letter Request Form found here.
If you are a Skilled Visa holder, please email [email protected]
Changes to Australian citizenship certificates from 1 July 2021
From 1 July 2021, applicants approved for Australian citizenship by descent and Australian citizenship by adoption will receive an Australian citizenship certificate instead of an Australian citizenship extract. The Government will not issue citizenship extracts for applications approved on or after 1 July 2021. You can still use a citizenship extract (issued prior to 1 July 2021), to apply for an Australian Passport.
Applicants are encouraged to provide an Australian postal address with their application. If you are unable to provide one, we will send your certificate to the Australian Embassy and notify you on how you can collect the certificate. For further information, please visit Evidence of citizenship and certificates.
Changes to Visitor visa applications from 30 September 2021
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced 100 per cent online lodgement for Visitor visas (subclass 600). From 30 September 2021, all applicants applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) from outside Australia in any stream must lodge their application online via ImmiAccount. Paper applications are not accepted as valid for lodgement.
IMPACTED SERVICES
- For any Child visa related matters please contact [email protected] (From 1 April: Child Visa applications must be couriered directly to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth - please refer to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/child-101#HowTo).
- This does not apply to subclass 445 - Dependent Child Visa - these can still be sent to the Embassy until advised otherwise.
Visas and Citizenship |
Information for applicants |
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If you are unsure which visa is right for you please use the Visa Finder. |
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Full listing of Australian visas can be found here. |
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Other useful information |
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