Some differences in how we write things (English)

Australia and Philippines have different ways of writing things, and sometimes these differences can cause confusion. The Philippines got a lot of its style from the Spanish and also the Americans. Australia got a lot of its style from England, the UK. Even though you grow up doing things the way your teachers explained to you, remember that your visa application is going to the Australian Embassy and they do things the Australian way.

Names

In Philippines we have “middle names”, which are our mothers maiden names. Then when we marry we use our fathers names as middle names instead. In Australia there is no equivalent. A middle name in Australia is just like an extra name. Completely different. So try to understand why we leave off your middle name (or middle initial), because it doesn’t mean anything in Australia.

Also, no one uses “Jr”, “Junior”, or “II” or “III” after a name. So if you write that your brother is Rogelio Jr, we will just put Rogelio on your application.

Also there is no “?” in Australia. We will just write “n” instead.

Dates

In Australia the date is written in the English style. Day first, then month, then year. So make sure you write dates that way or it can get confusing. April 19, 1970 is 19/04/1970.

Mila Harvie is the wife and very active business partner of Jeff Harvie, Registered Migration Agent. Together with their son Jeremy Harvie and some dedicated staff they run Down Under Visa, that well-known and very busy Migration Agency in Manila, Philippines. She takes care of the needs of our Filipino clients, especially the Filipina ladies who find it much easier having another Filipina to talk to and to discuss their issues and problems.