Australia isn’t really on my list when it comes to countries to visit. It’s not that it doesn’t spark the wanderlust in me, what with the iconic Sydney Opera House—something I’ve only dreamt of seeing in person ever since taking up Architecture years back—or even Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. The list of things to see and do in that massive country cum continent are endless. My hesitation to visit Australia is their visa requirement for the Philippines. It’s something I’m not sure I would pass.

SNORKELING AT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ~ PHOTO BY QUEENSLAND AT WTS WIKIVOYAGE

Being a full time blogger and photographer, I don’t have the usual list of essentials required by most countries for a tourist visa. First off, I don’t have an employer to establish that I am actually employed. I don’t have a ITR (income tax return), since most of my earnings are remitted from overseas.

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ULURU OR AYERS ROCK ~ PHOTO BY KOUISKAS

There are three main requirements to prove to get an Australian visa. One of them is proof that you would return to the Philippines and not overstay. And it’s kinda hard to establish that with my current profession. I am pretty sure I would fall flat on my face if I apply for one.

Another is proof that you actually have the money to spend. I have some savings on my account, but a big fat bank account doesn’t really guarantee an entry to Australia. I personally know a friend who has his own business and millions in his account, but was denied a tourist visa.

The third is character. But how do you exactly measure character?

So what to do? Ignore Australia!

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ONE VINE MIGRATION AUSTRALIA IN BGC

But then comes One Vine Migration Australia. I heard they’re the best when it comes to working out a visa from Australia. Not only tourist visa, mind you, but all kinds—from student visa (they’re accredited by schools like Cambridge International College, Wintec, Southern Cross University, etc.), to a working one, or even to a full migration. But I’m not really too keen on staying long in Australia since I heard it’s really expensive, a week or two would be enough, so a simple tourist visa would do.

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ONE VINE OFFER VISA CONSULATION HELP FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

One Vine Migration is headed by Alfeo Salcedo. He’s a licensed Immigration Consultant for both Australia and New Zealand. What exactly does that mean? It means he’s an expert when it comes to immigration laws for both countries. And he’s not just saying that, he’s got the licenses to prove it. And in the Philippines, there are only twenty six persons with such a license.

MR. ALFEO SALCEDO HAS 100% APPROVAL RATING FOR VISA APPLICATIONS

Together with C, whom I’m planning to visit Australia with, we contacted his office at BGC (update, they’ve now transferred to Malate) through the One Vine Migration website. We inquired about applying for a tourist visa, then filled out an appointment form where we indicated when we would drop by the office for consultation. We were then immediately contacted via e-mail for another form with information about us and the documents we needed to bring. Note that we still didn’t have a booked flight during all these, apparently we don’t need one to apply for an Australian visa! 

Besides the usual PSA birth certificate, bank certificates, ITR, employment certificates—those last two, I absolutely don’t have—I was asked to bring a few more documents to prove that I’m really a freelancer and I can support my expenses when I go to Australia.

And then came the day. We visited One Vine Migration at the One World Place Building in BGC with documents on hand. We were warmly welcomed by one of their staff who offered coffee while waiting for our appointment. Their office looked very professional and it inspires confidence that we can pass this.

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ASSESSING AND COLLECTING THE REQUIREMENTS FROM US

We were then invited to Mr. Salcedo’s office for the interview. Usually, he says, this is done one person at a time due to confidentiality issues, but since we pretty much know everything about each other, he let us have the interview at the same time. He let us sign a waiver before starting just to be on the legal side.

C BEING INTERVIEWED BY MR. SALCEDO, HE’S ACTUALLY VERY COMFORTABLE TO TALK WITH

I actually like that I was interviewed with C in the room. Some people get really nervous when being interviewed alone and it was a way to release the tension from such. Plus, Mr. Salcedo was actually very casual and quite funny during the whole process, I really felt comfortable talking to him. I also felt that he was very confident and knowledgeable when it comes to his expertise.

The interview lasted for about an hour. I guess, this is the part where I can satisfy the third criteria for an Australian visa approval as he gets to speak to visa applicants in person and can personally include recommendations when lodging applications to the Australian Embassy here in the Philippines.

He also took copies of each of our documents, including our passports—which we claimed back the next day. We could’ve taken those with us that same day though—which would’ve been more convenient since BGC is quite far from where we reside—only if we had set our interview earlier.

We crossed our fingers as our information were sent to the Australian Embassy via One Vine.

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MY VISA WAS APPROVED FOR AUSTRALIA IN ONLY THREE DAYS TIME!

The next day, lo and behold, C’s visa was approved! Mine came three working days later. It was an astounding success! I never thought I’d be able to go to Australia, and here it is finally. Australia has granted me a one year multiple entry visa with three months stay per visit. One Vine’s 100% approval rating for visa application isn’t something to be taken lightly, indeed.

THANK YOU, ONE VINE MIGRATION! CAN’T WAIT TO GO TO AUSTRALIA!

The fee for our consultation was very minimal. Quite reasonable even if the ₱5,500 Australian visa fee for the Philippines is not yet included. Would I recommend it over DIY applications? For those with incomplete requirements, problematic situations, limited time, and for those gunning for a hundred percent approval, I would definitely recommend it. The consultation fee is nothing compared to lost time and opportunities.

Freelancers, don’t lose hope just yet, with One Vine Migration, your dream trip to Australia is still within hands! I can’t wait for our trip to the Land Down Under next year!

 

One Vine Migration Australia
Address: Unit 302, Avenue Square Garden, 532 J. Bacobo corner U.N. Avenue Malate, Manila
Contact Number: (+632) 562-9889 | 562-9878 | 562-9882
Email: enquiry@onevinemigrationaustralia.com  
Office GPS Coordinates Map: 14.580381, 120.981295