Bringing Philippine Staff to Australia for Short Trips

After one successful visa application already, here are some tips how to do this. This is general - specific situations may differ.

·         Mostly if you want to bring a Philippine staff member to Australia for a short visit, the visa application will be for a Business (Short Stay)) Sub Class 456 Class UC (From other countries a version of this visa is obtainable electronically through a travel agent when you book tickets, but in Philippines you have to lodge an application to Australian Embassy, Manila)  NOTE – do not use ‘Sponsored’ visa application;

·         The Form is 456 but it does change, so either download from www.immi.gov.au or ask me for an update at any time. General information is at http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/456   ;

·         Personal attributes and business background should be relevant to the nature of the proposed business in Australia; The staff member must have the skills and qualifications necessary for the business purpose. This can often be evidenced using a Letter of Employment to say what job they are already doing and what their skills / qualifications are. Skilled / qualified workers are more likely to be approved;

·         There should be a demonstrated need to be in Australia for business purposes; Business Purposes might include meeting Australian clients and personnel, observation of Australian activities, exposure to Australian business culture and processes, negotiation of tasks and projects etc. Evidence must be presented that there is a need to come to Australia, and this can often be provided by way of a Letter of Invitation and explanation by an Australian business. An itinerary, schedule, conference or meeting agenda all help;

·         Applicant must have adequate funds for personal support during stay in Australia; It is necessary to prove this. If the trip is being fully paid for (meals, accommodation, travel etc) then a Company Letter stating this should normally be sufficient. It is also necessary to show the applicant has a job and a regular wage to show they can afford personal items during the visit. Plus, Immigration like to know that the applicant will return to Philippines (and has family, job, house etc in Philippines and NOT want to stay in Australian),  and

·         The staff member must not undertake work that could have an adverse impact on the employment or training opportunities of Australians. Visa Condition 8112 will apply “The holder must not engage in work in Australian that might otherwise be carried out by an Australian Citizen …”

·         Health Insurance. It is wise to arrange health / travel insurance as they are not otherwise covered for sickness and accident, and medical attention is expensive;

·         Duration of Visa Grant. On current form, it is likely a grant will be for one trip only of one month. Tourism, training / student, working or other purposes are not covered by this visa.

Visa Application Charge is $120 (July 2011). Visa is lodged Australian Embassy, Level 23 Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1200, Philippines 
Telephone: +63 2 757 8100 Facsimile: +63 2 757 8268