Last updated: March 2026
Our visas came back in 48 hours. Multiple entry. One year. And my bank balance at the time of application was ₱40,000.
I am telling you this upfront because I know that is exactly what you came here to find out. Whether your balance is enough. Whether the process is manageable on your own. Whether a solo parent can get a minor approved without the other parent’s signature.
The answer to all three is yes — and this guide will show you exactly how we did it.
A note before you start — this guide is for solo parents too
Most Australian visa guides for Filipinos assume a two-parent household. This one does not. Xavy and I applied as a solo-parent family, using only my signature on the Form 1229 consent form for minors. It was accepted without any issues.
If you are a single parent navigating this process, you are in the right place. I will flag everything that is specific to our situation throughout this guide.
What changed from 2019 to 2026
Back in 2019, I wrote a step-by-step guide for our very first Australian visa application. The core process — logging in through ImmiAccount, uploading documents, waiting for biometrics — is still the same. But several things have changed:
- Fees have increased. The visa application fee is now $200 AUD (approximately ₱7,600+), paid online through ImmiAccount.
- Processing is significantly faster. In 2019 we waited much longer. This year our visa was granted 24 to 48 hours after biometrics.
- VFS Cebu has moved. They are now at the 7th Floor, Faustina Center, Bonifacio District (Kasambagan).
- Multiple entry is now more common. We were granted multiple entry for one year — a major upgrade from our 2019 single-entry visa.
Step 1 — Get your documents ready before you log in
Do not open ImmiAccount until your files are prepared. Disorganized uploads slow down processing and create unnecessary back-and-forth.
Two non-negotiable rules:
- Colored scans only. Black and white copies will not be accepted. Every document must be scanned in color, clearly legible, and free of shadows or cropping.
- Name your files properly. This matters more than most guides will tell you. A visa officer reviewing dozens of applications will process a file named
DelaCruz_Passport_Bio.pdf faster than one named scan001.pdf. Use this format: LastName_DocumentType — for example, DelaCruz_COE.pdf or Salazar_BirthCertificate.pdf.
Step 2 — Know what to budget
Here is exactly what we paid for our January 2026 application:
- Visa application fee: $200 AUD (approximately ₱7,600+) — paid online through ImmiAccount via credit or debit card.
- Biometrics collection fee: ₱1,230 total for both Xavy and myself — paid in person at the VFS Global office. This cannot be paid online. You will settle this amount on the day of your appointment.
Step 3 — What we uploaded
This is the section most guides get wrong by giving you a generic list. What follows is the exact set of documents we uploaded for our specific situation — a working mother applying with her teenage son, supported by a sister and brother-in-law based in Australia.
Identity and travel history
- Passport bio page — A clear color scan of the main photo and information page.
- National ID — I included my PhilID as an additional identity document.
- Previous visa grants — I attached our 2019 Australian visa grant letter. Showing that you have been granted a visa before and honored its conditions is one of the strongest things you can include in your application.
- Old passport stamps — I scanned all stamped pages from both our current and previous passports. A consistent travel history — even to nearby countries — tells the visa officer that you have a pattern of returning home. That matters.
Sponsor documents
Since my sister and brother-in-law in Australia were covering our accommodation and expenses, their documents formed the foundation of our application.
- Invitation letter — A signed letter stating that they would host us, cover our stay, and are aware of our planned travel dates. This does not need to be notarized but it should be specific — names, dates, and address included.
- Financial evidence — We uploaded payslips for both my sister and her husband to show they have the income to support our visit.
Personal financials and ties to the Philippines
- Bank certificate — Showing my balance of ₱40,000 at the time of application. Yes, that was enough. The strength of our sponsor documents carried far more weight than my personal balance.
- Certificate of Employment (COE) — Showing my position, salary, and how long I have been employed. This is your proof of ties to the Philippines — that you have a job to come back to.
- Payslips — I attached three months of payslips alongside the COE.
Documents for Xavy (minor applicant)
Applying for a minor involves additional steps. I have a more detailed post on traveling abroad with minors if you want the broader picture. For this specific application, we submitted the following:
- PSA Birth Certificate — To establish parentage and confirm that I am his mother.
- School ID — A simple scan of his current school ID as proof of enrollment and that he is actively studying in the Philippines.
- Form 1229 (Travel Clearance for Minors) — This is mandatory for any Filipino minor traveling abroad. It typically requires both parents’ signatures. Because Xavy’s father is not reachable, I submitted it with my signature only. It was accepted without any request for further documentation.
Step 4 — The biometrics process at VFS Cebu
What happens after you submit online
Within less than an hour of clicking Submit on ImmiAccount, we received the s257A (s40) biometrics requirement email. This is normal — it does not mean anything is wrong with your application. It simply means your documents have been received and biometrics collection is the next step.
Booking your appointment
VFS Global currently has good availability in Cebu. You can usually book within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the email. Appointments begin as early as 7:30 AM. Saturday slots are available for an additional premium fee if your schedule is tight.
The new VFS Cebu location
VFS has moved to the 7th Floor, Faustina Center, Bonifacio District (Kasambagan). If you arrive early, there is a cat café on the ground floor of the building where you can wait comfortably before your slot.
What to bring on the day (hard copies)
- Printed copy of your s257A (s40) biometrics requirement email
- Printed Visa Application Summary from ImmiAccount
- Original passports for all applicants
- PSA Birth Certificate (for minor applicants)
The appointment itself was quick. We were in and out in under 30 minutes for both of us.
Step 5 — Wait for the grant
In 2019, we waited considerably longer. In January 2026, our visa was granted via email within 24 to 48 hours of our biometrics appointment. Processing times can vary, but the turnaround has improved significantly.
Check the email address you registered on ImmiAccount. The grant notice will be sent there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bank balance do I need for an Australian tourist visa as a Filipino?+
There is no officially published minimum. In our case, I had ₱40,000 at the time of application and we were approved. The bank balance is just one part of the picture — your COE, travel history, and the strength of your sponsor’s documents all carry significant weight.
Can a single parent apply for an Australian visa for a minor without the other parent's signature?+
Yes, based on our experience. I submitted Form 1229 with only my signature, as Xavy’s father is unreachable. Our application was approved without any request for additional documentation.
How long does Australian visa processing take for Filipinos in 2026?+
Our visa was granted within 24 to 48 hours after our biometrics appointment at VFS Cebu. Processing times are not guaranteed and can vary, but the turnaround has become noticeably faster compared to previous years.
Do I need a travel agent to apply for an Australian tourist visa?+
No. The entire application is done online through ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. You do not need an agent.
What is the visa application fee for an Australian tourist visa in 2026?+
The visa application fee is $200 AUD (approximately ₱7,600), paid online through ImmiAccount. You will also pay a separate biometrics fee of ₱1,230 per applicant at VFS Global on the day of your appointment.
Where is VFS Global Cebu located in 2026?+
VFS Cebu is now at the 7th Floor, Faustina Center, Bonifacio District (Kasambagan). They have moved from their previous location — double-check before heading out.
Can I get multiple entry on an Australian tourist visa?+
Yes, though it is not guaranteed. We were granted multiple entry for one year on our 2026 application. First-time applicants may receive a single-entry visa initially.
Final thoughts
A modest bank balance and a complicated family situation did not stop us. What made the difference was a strong sponsor, well-organized documents, and a clear travel history that showed we always come home.
If you are a solo parent working through this process, do not let the standard guides discourage you. The system has room for your situation — you just need to document it properly.
Safe travels. See you in Australia.
Planning your trip? I also recommend sorting travel insurance before you fly — it is one of those things that feels unnecessary until it suddenly is not. Check options available for Filipino travelers before finalizing your plans.
For more travel and government guides, visit my Tutorial Hub.
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