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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.

Table of Contents

Understanding australia visitor visa.

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

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

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.

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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.

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Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia)

Want to visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit family and friends? The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia) allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months.

Government fee

You won’t be charged yet. Cost shown is exclusive of taxes and other associated fees

Processing time

7 - 21 days

Consultation fee

$149 USD/hour

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia) offers

Tourist experiences, short stays, cultural immersion, flexible travel, leisure activities, visiting friends, special events, bucket list, eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for this visa, you must:

• intend to come to Australia to visit only
• have enough money for your stay in Australia
• not work in Australia
• meet our health and character requirements
• have paid your debts to the Australian government
• be a genuine visitor
• not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused while you were in Australia.
• be outside Australia when you apply and when Australian Department of Home Affairs decide your visa.

With this visa, you can:

• visit family or friends
• be here as a tourist, for a cruise, or for purposes other than business or medical treatment

Application Process

Check your eligibility and apply fpr a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream with the help of our expert migration consultants. Simplify the process, benefit from our services , expertise, guidance, experience, and ongoing support.

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Getting ready to apply for a visa?

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Sponsored Family Stream

The visitor visa (Subclass 600) is for genuine tourists, business visitors, or those who want to visit family or friends in Australia for 3, 6 or 12 months.

Basic Eligibility

• You must be a genuine visitor
• You must have enough funds to support your travel to and stay in Australia

Types of Visitor Visa

• Tourist stream

Sponsored family stream

• Business visitor stream

Sponsored family visa stream allows those who are sponsored by an eligible family member to temporarily come to Australia and visit their family and friends, or to go on a cruise. The application fee for this visa stream is AUD 145. The sponsor may be asked to pay a security bond usually between AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 per person.

• The sponsor must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• This visa stream is usually granted for a stay of 3 months and, in few cases, for a stay up to 12 months
• This visa stream is not for the purpose of business or medical treatment
• Tourist visa holders are not allowed to work in Australia
• Tourist visa holders are allowed to study or train for up to 3 months in total
• The applicant must have health insurance and meet the health and character requirements
• This visa stream does not include family members, that is, each member of the family must lodge a separate application form
• This visa stream is generally granted with only one entry permitted
• Holders of sponsored family visa stream can’t extend this visa to stay longer beyond their visa period
• While in Australia, holders of this visa stream are not able to make a valid visa application for any new substantive visa except a protection visa
• The applicant must be outside Australia when applying for a visa and when the application is decided on by the Department of Home Affairs

Who Is Eligible to Be a Sponsor?

• Sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Sponsor must be a relative of the visa applicant, or another applicant where the other applicant is a member of the family unit of the visa applicant or vice versa. To be a relative, the sponsor must be an applicant’s:
• partner, parent or child
• brother or sister
• grandparent or grandchild
• aunt or uncle
• niece or nephew
• the step equivalent of the above

For example, the sponsor could be the uncle of the main visa applicant’s spouse.

• Sponsor of a visa applicant can also be:
• a member of an Australian parliament
• a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory
• a government agency or instrumentality of the Commonwealth or a State or a Territory
• Sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• If eligible, each person can sponsor only one visa applicant at a time.

Who Is Not Eligible to Be a Sponsor?

A sponsor can’t be:

• New Zealand citizen

Responsibilities of the Sponsor

The sponsor is responsible for:

• the visitor’s compliance with their visa conditions
• the visitor’s compliance with Australian employment laws and awards
• paying back any money the visitor owes the Australian government

There is no application fee to become a sponsor of the applicant for the visitor visa (subclass 600) sponsored family stream. The sponsor might be ask to pay a security bond between AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 per person which must be paid in full before the final decision is made on the visa application. The bond will be refunded if the visitor complies with the visa conditions and leaves Australia before the visa expires.

Sponsorship must last until the end of visitor visa. Sponsor can’t withdraw after the visa is granted. If the sponsor doesn’t comply with the sponsorship obligations, the visa might be cancelled. Sponsor must notify the Department of Home Affairs if there are any changes that could affect the visa application.

One may not be allowed to sponsor an applicant if in the last 5 years they sponsored someone who was granted a subclass 600 visa and did not abide by their visa conditions.

Required Documents

• Visa application forms
• Required forms signed by the sponsor, and their Australian passport or evidence of permanent residency and contact details
• Security bond by the sponsor if requested by the Department of Home Affairs
• Identity documents, including birth certificate and national identity card
• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Australia
• A passport-sized colored photo less than six months old (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
• Proof that you have reasons to return to your home country, such as an employer letter stating that you intend to return to your job, documents showing that you study in school or university, proof that you have immediate family member back home, and proof of your properties, assets, ongoing income, savings, and liabilities
• Military service record, and discharge or exception documents, if applicable

Note: All documents should be originally in English or officially translated into English

Please note that the above content is for general information only and must not be taken as immigration or travel advice. The content was up-to-date at the time of the last update but being current and accurate cannot be always guaranteed due to the frequent changes in immigration law. Please contact us for advice and information on the latest immigration laws in Australia.

Prepared by: Visa Zone Australia

Source of information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Access: 03 July 2020

Update: 01 August 2020

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Visa 600 - A guide to studying on the Australian visitor visa 600

• The Subclass 600 visa allows for various purposes such as tourism, business visits, visiting family, and short educational courses under three months.
• Choose from visa durations of three, six, or twelve months with straightforward conditions.
• It can serve as a short-term extension if your current visa, like a student visa, is expiring.
• For visa application inquiries, contact us today!

If you are still looking for further details around the subclass 600 visa, read on below.

The step by step process to apply for visa 600

Whether you are in Australia or located in another country, the process is the same.

• Go to the official Australian ImmiAccount page and set up a log in.
• Fill out all the required information and provide all the documents asked for.
• Submit the application and pay the required fees. If you do not provide all the information required, your visa may be denied or the processing time may be greatly increased.
• You may be asked to supply biometrics at a local processing centre in your home country.

Visa 600 fees

You can check the fees here.

Visa processing time

This visa has one of the fastest turnaround times. Talk to one of our expert agents today to find out how quickly this can be processed depending on your personal circumstances. 

Eligibility criteria and visa conditions

The list of criteria are short, compared to other visa types. You must:

• intend to complete a period of study no longer than three months long
• have adequate health insurance
• have enough money to support your stay

Documents required for visa 600

The Australian immigration authority can request different documents according to the country of origin and the intention of the visitor once in Australia. You may be required to supply:

• a completed application form
• copies of biographical page of passport
• a recent passport-sized photograph with your name written on the back
• details of any name changes
• copy of birth certificate
• proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Australia, such as a bank statement
• proof there is incentive to return to your home country, such as enrolment at school, employment proof, or proof of ownership of assets in your home country
• evidence of enrolment at the learning institution
• evidence of a return flight ticket

How can people transfer from visitor visa 600 to student visa?

Transferring from a visitor visa to a student visa while you are in Australia can be complex pathway. It can only be done if your visitor visa doesn’t have any ‘no further stay’ conditions. Moving from a visitor visa to student visa also increases your chances of your visa application being refused, due to the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement. The immigration department may claim that the reasons for your education visa are not genuine, and this could be a reason they may decline your student visa application.

For either of these scenarios, you will need to return to your home country and apply for a student visa from there.

If you have condition 8503 applied to your tourist visa conditions, you can apply to have this waived. This condition states that the visa holder will not be entitled to a substantive visa while they remain in Australia. You must satisfy the department that your circumstances have changed, the circumstances were beyond your control, and be compelling.

Alongside the usual student visa requirements, you will be required to prove to the Australian immigration department:

• that your reasons for not studying in your home country are valid
• that you have sufficient reasons to return to your home country once your student visa has expired
• there is no unrest in your home country that could stop you from returning home freely
• there is nothing in your immigration history that indicates your intention to remain in Australia
• the course is valid, relevant, and appropriate to your current education or employment
• that this course will ensure future employment
• that you have complied with all previous and current visa terms, and have the continued intention to comply with the new student visa.

You will be required to prepare a written statement demonstrating your GTE, addressing all the factors above. Evidence of your claims should also be included.

Find out if visa 600 is the best option for you

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Visitor Visa Application Form Subclass 600

• February 15, 2023

You can apply for the subclass 600 visitor visa online.

Subclass 600 Visa Application Forms Australia

All of Australia’s tourist visas can be applied for online, including the visitor visa 600 form .

If you are applying for the sponsored family stream, as the name implies, you will need a family member to sponsor you. They need to complete their own application form, as a sponsor.  The sponsor will need to complete Form 1149 Australia . 

Australian visitor visa application – Applying Online

To apply for an Australian visitor visa online and find the A ustralian tourist visa application form , you will first need to create an ‘Immi Account’. You can do that here: https://online.immi.gov.au

Once you have set up your immi account, you can follow the steps in the portal to apply for your visa. This is also where you attach your documents and pay your application fee . Remember to link your application with other family members. You all need to apply separately, but the Department can assess them in a batch.

• Family and Parent Visitor Visas
• Holiday Visa
• Invitation Letters
• Marriage and Partner Visas
• Sponsored Visitor Visa
• Tourist Visa
• Tourist Visas and Partner Visas
• Visitor Visa

How To Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide for Filipino Tourists

G’day mate!

Do you want to hear that cute Australian accent while exploring the iconic Sydney Opera House or road tripping along the Great Ocean Road? Then it’s time to get an Australian tourist visa .

With budget airlines flying direct from Manila to Sydney and Melbourne, our dream of exploring the smallest continent in the world is within reach.

In this article, I will show you a Do-It-Yourself guide to getting an Australian visa focusing on tourism as a purpose; enumerate the documents needed to support your application; the steps to take when applying as a group, and give you tips and warnings based on my personal experience from applying twice.

Applying for another tourist visa? Read our application guides for US visa , Korean visa , Japan visa , and Schengen visa .

Table of Contents

What are the different types of australian visas, what is visitor visa (subclass 600) – tourist stream, 1. form 1419 (application for visitor visa – tourist stream), 2. documents to show your identity, a. if employed, b. if self-employed, c. if visiting relatives or friends, 4. documents to show your financial capacity, a. for children traveling with one parent, b. for children traveling with someone other than a parent, a. family register or composition form, b. itinerary (evidence of planned tourism activities), c. cover letter, how much does an australian tourist visa cost, option 1: online application via immiaccount, option 2: paper-based application via third-party provider vfs global, tips and warnings, 1. i’m traveling with my family/relatives/friends. how can we apply for an australian tourist visa as a group, 2. how long is the validity of the australian tourist visa, 3. can i get a multiple-entry tourist visa to australia how, 4. can i authorize another person to apply for my australian visa, 5. i plan to travel to sydney in the summer. when should i apply for the visa and how long is the processing time of visa application, 6. how much “show money” do you need in your bank account to go to australia, 7. i am planning to visit my fiance in australia. my fiance said he is willing to provide everything. i am confused as to what visa i should get. what shall i do if someone is sponsoring my trip to australia, 8. i do not have a strong travel history. what are my chances of getting an australian tourist visa, 9. do i need to take medical examinations for my australian visa application if yes, what are the exams/tests needed and how do i go about it, 10. i was granted a 3-month australian tourist visa. is it possible to work in australia during this period what type of work can i do during this period, 11. i just submitted my application. my plans have changed and i no longer want to go to australia. can i withdraw my application if i do, can i get a refund of the visa fee, 12. what are the reasons for my visa application to be denied.

Australia offers a wide range of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. It can be visitor visas, studying and training visas, family and partner visas, working and skilled visas , refugee and humanitarian visas, and other types of visas. These types of visas are further subdivided into different categories depending on the specific purpose of your stay.

For a visitor visa, it is further subdivided into 6 different categories, namely:

• Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
• eVisitor (Subclass 651)
• Transit visa (Subclass 771)
• Visitor visa (Subclass 600)
• Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462), and
• Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417).

Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is the visa for tourists, business visitors or to visit family with a duration of 3, 6 or 12 months . It is further subdivided into 3 streams, namely:

• Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream
• Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Sponsored Family Stream
• Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Business Visitor Stream.

For purposes of this article, I will focus on the Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream because this is the type of visa you need to apply if the purpose of your stay is for tourism or holiday and to visit family and friends.

For a complete list of different types of Australian visas, go to this link .

If you are not sure which kind of visa to apply for, you can use the visa finder which will show you visa options that suit your needs.

This visa stream lets you enter Australia to visit as a tourist, go on a cruise, or to see family and friends. You can also study or train for up to 3 months in total.

You must be a genuine tourist and have enough funds to support your stay.

What Are the Requirements for the Australian Tourist Visa Application?

Here are the documents you need to provide when applying under the Subclass 600 (Visitor Visa) – Tourism Stream:

If you apply online, this form is filled out online.

• Copy of your passport including the photo page
• Copy of all visas, entry and exit stamps

3. Documents to show you are a visitor

• Employment certificate indicating the length of employment and annual salary, and
• Bank statement showing salary credits for the last 3 months
• Business tax returns for the last two years, and
• Bank deposit slip as evidence of tax payments

You can also submit evidence of your business license or registration (e.g. SEC or DTI Registration , Mayor’s Permit, BIR Registration ) and any supporting documents to demonstrate your role.

• Letter invitation from your friend or relative in Australia
• Copy of the bio page of their passport
• Evidence of your relationship to your relative or friend, and
• Evidence that they have the necessary funds to support your intended stay
• Bank certificate showing the average daily balance for the last 3 months; and
• Bank statements showing account transactions for the last 3 months

You may also submit payslip or any evidence to demonstrate a consistent savings history and/or a regular income over time covering a three-month period. If another person will be supporting your stay in Australia , you will also need to submit the equivalent financial documents of the person supporting you.

Per instruction of the ImmiAccount, you are still required to submit evidence of your financial status even if a friend or relative is funding your trip as your financial status is one of the factors in assessing whether your personal circumstances would encourage you to return to the Philippines.

5. For minor applicants

• Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) . If the birth certificate is late registered , a copy of the duly certified hospital records showing where the applicant was born is required
• Evidence of enrollment at school, college or university.
• Duly accomplished Form 1229 by the non-traveling parent, and
• Parent’s contact information and valid government-issued ID with signature
• Duly accomplished Form 1229 by both parents
• Both parent’s contact information and valid government-issued ID with signature, and
• Duly accomplished Form 1257 by the person who will be responsible for the child in Australia and valid government ID.

Please note that a travel permit from the DSWD does not constitute consent. Minor applicants are still required to provide the documents above.

6. Additional requirements

In addition to the above, the following documents may also be submitted or attached to your application:

In my case, I submitted a family photo.

For this requirement, you may submit an itinerary detailing your holiday or recreation plans, visits to family and friends or if you are taking short courses (for up to 3 months only). A general list of places, dates, and activities will suffice. A sample itinerary may look like this.

For the record, I did not submit a cover letter when I applied for an Australian tourist visa. I thought it’s not necessary because it’s not in the checklist of requirements.

Moreover, I’m not sure if it will increase the chances of getting the visa as what the cover letter serves is only summarizing your travel plans and enumerating the documents to support your application. These information are already written/reflected in the application.

However, I also think there’s nothing wrong if an applicant desires to have a cover letter. More documents you submit, the better. Essentially and as in all visa applications, you need to prove you have the financial capacity to fund your trip and you have a strong reason to go back to the Philippines (and these are seen in the supporting documents you submit).

Should a cover letter be submitted, the applicant can attach the same in Additional documents (“other” documents”). For a sample cover letter intended for an Australian tourist visa application , you may check out this link or see the screenshot below.

Related: How to Get Philippine Passport for Minors

The visa fee is 145 AUD or around PHP4,909 in today’s exchange rate.

How To Get an Australian Tourist Visa in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are two ways you can apply for an Australian tourist visa: Online application via ImmiAccount or paper-based application via third-party provider VFS Global.

Between the two options, online application via ImmiAccount is better . It is convenient as you only need a computer and Internet to submit your application, eliminating the need to visit the Australian Visa Application Centre. It is also easy to track your application in your ImmiAccount.

Per the Australian Embassy, online applications are processed two times faster than paper-based applications. Over 80% of the applicants for the Visitor visa lodged their application online.

However, for the benefit of those who prefer to apply using the traditional method, we’ll be discussing both the online and paper-based application procedures in detail.

ImmiAccount is the portal where you can lodge your application for a visa to Australia. You can use it if you, a family member or a friend would like to apply for a visa. Among other things, ImmiAccount is a convenient way to:

• Apply for a visa
• Access the My Health declaration service
• Continue a saved online application
• Attach the documents online
• Check the progress of your online application
• Change the details of your application.

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa online via ImmiAccount:

1. Visit the ImmiAccount login page and click “Create an ImmiAccount”. It will ask you to provide your name, contact details, username, and password. Click Submit once the information is entered. An email will be sent to you to confirm your account.

2. Once you have the ImmiAccount, you can now log-in. Click “New application”.

It will then provide you with several types of visas you can apply for. Click “Visitor”. It will give you drop down options. Choose “Visitor Visa 600”.

There are 19 pages on the portal:

a. Page 1 is agreeing to the terms and conditions. Click agree and press “Next”

b. Page 2 is asking your current location. Click “Yes” and it will further ask you to provide details of the following:

-Your current location

-Your legal status in the current location (whether you are citizen, permanent visitor, etc.).

-The purpose of your stay whether under Business Visitor Stream, Sponsored Family Stream, or Tourist Stream (Given your purpose is for holiday – click “tourist stream”)

• List all reasons for visiting Australia (Select tourism in the drop-down)
• Details of any significant dates in which you need to be in Australia (provide your date of intended arrival in Australia)
• Whether you are applying as a group (click “No” if applying individually and “Yes” if applying as a group). If you are applying as a group, read this guide .

-Just click “No” on the Special category of entry.

c. Page 3 asks for your information.

• Other names and spellings (an example is your name prior to marriage). If you click “yes”, a pop-up screen will appear and let you write your previous name and the reason for the change.
• Grant number (input the 13-digit visa grant number if you have been previously granted an Australian visa).  If this is your first time applying for an Australian visa, choose “No”.
• Other passport documents for travel (applicable to dual citizens. If you click “yes”, a pop-up screen will appear and let you input your other passport details)
• Other identity documents ( issued by the government for purposes of identification such as Alien Registration Number, birth certificate, driver’s license , marriage certificate , national identity document, social security card ). If you click “yes”, a pop-up screen will appear and let you input your identity documents. In my case, I added two government-issued IDs.
• Health examinations (if you have undertaken a health examination for an Australian visa in the last 12 months). If you click “yes”, it will ask you to give details).

d. Page 4 is confirming whether the information you entered is correct

e. Page 5 is asking whether there are other persons traveling with you to Australia (Click “no” if you are traveling alone, otherwise, click “yes”). If you are applying as a group, check the separate guide below.

f. Page 6 asks your contact details

g. Page 7 asks if you are authorizing another person to receive communication on your behalf. If you click “yes”, information of authorized recipient is required to be inputted, otherwise, click “no”.

h. Page 8 asks if there are family members not traveling with you on the trip. If you click “yes”, details of the family member will be inputted, otherwise, just click “no”

i. Page 9 asks the details of your entry to Australia

• Proposed period of stay (whether single or multiple entry; your planned arrival or departure date)
• Friends, relatives or contact in Australia. If you click “yes”, details of the contact need to be provided

j. Page 10 to 11 ask your current employment status and employment details

• If you click employed or self-employed, details of your employment information need to be provided
• If you click unemployed, details of last employment need to be provided as well as your last employment position held
• If you click ‘Student’, details of your course need to be provided

k. Pages 12 to 14 ask your financial support (details of how you will fund your stay in Australia)

• If you click “supported by the current overseas employer”, type of support (whether, financial, accommodation, etc) needs to be provided.
• If you click “supported by other organization”, details of other organization need to be provided.
• If you click “supported by other person”, details of the person and your relationship with the person need to be inputted.

l. Page 15 asks about your health declarations. It is answerable by “yes” or “no”

• If you click “yes” to any of the health declaration questions, it will ask you to give details or further information

m. Page 16 asks about your character declaration. It is answerable by “yes” or “no”

• If you click “yes” to any of the character declaration questions, it will ask you to give relevant details or further information

n. Pages 17 to 18 ask your visa history whether you’ve been granted or refused a visa from other countries

o. Page 19 is a declaration answerable by “yes” or “no”. Just click yes to any of the questions.

3. Once you have inputted all your answers, the next screen to appear is the review page showing the summary of all your answers. It will ask you to review whether the information is correct. Just confirm and click “next”.

4. On the next page, you will need to attach all the required and recommended documents. You can attach a maximum of 60 documents which must be scanned and up to 5MB in size with the following extensions: bmp, dcm, doc, docx, dot, gif, jpg, pdf, png, ppt, pptx, rtf, txt, xls, xlsx.

If you are not sure what type of document is required, click the question mark icon on the right side of each requirement. Basically, these are the documents discussed above.

• For travel document, I submitted a copy of my passport
• For a photograph passport, I submitted a scanned copy of my passport photo.
• For evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia, I submitted an itinerary
• For evidence of the applicant’s previous travel, I submitted a copy of visas and passport stamps of my travels
• For evidence of current employment or self-employment, I submitted a Certificate of Employment
• For family register and composition form, I submitted a family photo
• For evidence of the financial status and funding for visit, I submitted Bank Certificate, Payslip, and Income Tax Return

5. After attaching all your supporting documents, click “next” for the payment of the visa fee.

As previously mentioned, the visa fee is 145 AUD or around PHP4,909 in today’s exchange rate. You can pay by credit card.

6. Once you’ve completed the application process, you can track your application in the ImmiAccount. You will be notified if your visa is granted.

There is no visa sticker or visa label attached to your passport. What will be given is a visa grant letter . This is the document you will bring in boarding your airline and what you will present with the Australian Immigration when you enter Australia. The letter looks like this:

VFS Global is the authorized third party that can accept your application for a visa to Australia. They have offices in Makati and Cebu.

How to apply for an Australian tourist visa manually through VFS Global:

1. Download the Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream – Subclass 600 Online Application Checklist Philippines . This will serve as your guide to ensure you have included all necessary documents and information to support your application. You also need to print and sign this checklist which will be submitted together with your application.

2. Fill-out Form 1419 (Application for Visitor Visa – Tourist Stream). The form has 42 questions divided into 11 parts. The questions are the same as when you are filling out the form online via ImmiAccount.

3. Gather all the supporting documents as mentioned in the checklist and as discussed above.

4. Obtain a Manager’s Cheque payable to “Australian Embassy” equivalent to AUD145 in Philippine Peso. This serves as the visa fee.

5. Schedule an appointment via VFS Online Appointment System to submit your application. How to schedule an appointment with VFS Global:

• Access the VFS Global Online Appointment System here.
• Click “New User” if it is your first time using the service.
• You will be directed to the next page where you will fill out the form. Click “Submit”
• You will be redirected to the log-in page.
• Once you are on the page, click, “Schedule an Appointment”. You can choose where to submit your application (whether in Cebu or Makati).
• Click “add applicant” and input your details

• The appointment letter will be emailed to you. You need to bring the appointment letter so that you will be allowed access to the VFS Global office. The time and address which you need to submit your application will be stated in the letter. Be at the center 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• In case you need to reschedule your appointment, you may also do so using the VFS Global Online Appointment System

Please note that it is important to have a prior appointment for the submission of your visa application. Walk-in is not allowed. .

6. Submit the fully filled-out and signed application form together with your supporting documents on the day of your appointment and in the place stated in the appointment letter.

7. Track your application here .

8. Once approved, you can either pick up your Visa Letter at the VFS Global office or have it delivered to your address via courier.

• If you do not have a credit card, ask someone with a credit card to pay for you . This is allowed.
• You don’t need to book a flight ticket yet when applying for a visa. Details of your flight itinerary are not needed in your application. Book a ticket once your visa is issued.
• You don’t need to book hotel accommodation during your application as details of your hotel are not needed. Book a hotel once your visa is issued.
• You don’t need to buy travel insurance for purposes of visa application (unlike when you are applying for a Schengen visa where insurance is required). However, buying travel insurance is always advisable when traveling abroad to avoid incurring huge expenses in case you need medical attention.
• Your passport is not submitted during your application. What is needed is only a photocopy of your passport, hence, you can travel and use your passport while waiting for your visa to be approved.
• The Australian Embassy in the Philippines and VFS Global warn applicants of rampant visa scams . Avoid these scams by applying for the visa yourself. The process is pretty simple and straightforward and you can surely do it on your own.
• Always be truthful in your answers and make sure your statement matches the documents you submitted. Declaring a false statement or submitting a false document will lead to denial of your visa application.
• As of this writing, the documentary requirements for an Australian visa application don’t need to be notarized. 

Related: How to Renew Philippine Passport in Australia: An Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Atty. Kareen Lucero

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Atty. Kareen Lucero

Kareen Lucero is a lawyer previously doing litigation before working for different agencies in the government and for a multinational corporation. She has traveled to 52+ countries including a 3-month solo backpacking in South East Asia and more than 1 year of solo traveling across four continents in the world. As part of giving back, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of law and travel. She is currently doing consulting work for a government agency. For inquiries, you may reach her via Facebook Messenger (https://m.me/kareen.lucero.77) or email ( [email protected] ).

Browse all articles written by Atty. Kareen Lucero

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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

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