APEC Business Travel Card

[Isochronous]

Sent my papers into the Immigration office in Brisbane that deals with this about a week ago or so. Received an email just now confirming that I've been approved, and that average processing time to get the card is 6 months.

However, I requested speedy pre-clearance for China on the form (living in HKG, it's quite odd that I seldom go to China given the proximity because of the visa barrier).

Anyone have any experience on how long to get (a) the full card; and (b) the pre-clearance card for specially requested destinations, e.g. China?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Don't hold your breath waiting for Chinese clearance - IME they have been the slowest - >3 mths each time.

 

[Isochronous]

Don't hold your breath waiting for Chinese clearance - IME they have been the slowest - >3 mths each time.

Thanks for the feedback Cruiser.

Is there any way to get automatic alerts when I receive clearance, or do I have to manually log in to the website link they give you every so often? Which countries tend to clear quickly?

 

[dajop]

I applied early January, approved in first week of February, interim card issued in first week of March (including China), final card issued about 3-4 weeks later. Slow countries (not on interim card) were Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, PNG & Taiwan.

NB: this is not my first card, this is no. 3.

 

[mushez]

I have a NZ APEC card and SIN was the last country to sign off mine.

In using it it is great, but still prefer to get a visa to China than having to try to add an extra 20mins on average checking into non Shanghai or Beijing hotels whom have zero knowledge of them and takes longer trying to convince them that the APEC card is ones Visa. Having a visa also is just easier, quicker, faster when checking into a hotel.

Currently I am relying on my APEC card, cause my passport expires in April next year and last Visa expired in May gone and need 18 months on passport to get new 12 month multi visa.

OT, but I am in debate if I will travel past October, cause will need 6 months on passport to do so which I will not have come November unless I get new, but NZ passports go back to 10 Year from current 5 Year ones on 1st January next year.

 

[dairyfloss]

Hi - I applied for an APEC Business Travel Card for the first time last year, in the 2nd week of April... I had Singapore as my priority country as it is where I visited most often. I received my initial approval from DIBP in the first week of May... and received my first card with all economies except for Singapore in the first week of July. I followed up with DIBP, as I was surprised to find Singapore was missing when all others were granted, and they told me at that time that "Singapore is one of the last economies to approve any Australian applicants and taking up to 6 months plus for applicants at this point in time".

I got the final card with Singapore added a few weeks later.

Cheers.
Matt.

 

[Isochronous]

What's Singapore's problem with Australians? It's uncharacteristic inefficiency from them

 

[dajop]

My partner didn't even get approval from Singapore on his card. We figured it was because he is Permanent Resident (PR) here in SG. But I am also PR and when I renewed it was one of the first to grant approval. Who knows what the story is and of course for us doesn't matter at all.

 

[Isochronous]

That was quick - I logged in on Monday and can see I have already been approved for 10 countries. Wonder when I can expect to receive my interim card.

 

[mushez]

Wonder when I can expect to receive my interim card.

Not sure about AU - but in NZ you ask for your interim card on your application once your specified list of countries have approved that you select, and can contact them any time to issue an interim card should not all of the specified countries you have selected have approved your application.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

That was quick - I logged in on Monday and can see I have already been approved for 10 countries. Wonder when I can expect to receive my interim card.

My past 2 APEC cards I've simply asked for an interim card (identical to the final card except less countries listed) every time a new country was added.
As such, I have 4 APEC cards all expiring later this year ;-)

 

[Isochronous]

My past 2 APEC cards I've simply asked for an interim card (identical to the final card except less countries listed) every time a new country was added.
As such, I have 4 APEC cards all expiring later this year ;-)

Mine was apparently sent out on Monday this week, so I wonder how long it will take for international post to reach HK. Shouldn't be too long I wouldn't think!

 

[Sprucegoose]

What's Singapore's problem with Australians? It's uncharacteristic inefficiency from them

A big chip on the shoulder now big brother China is roaring?

 

[Isochronous]

Received my interim card with 10 countries on it 2 days ago. So less than a month from approval by Australian Immigration to clearance plus card issue. Pretty good!

 

[Danger]

Those of you who are thinking of lodging your application for the card in the next few days, don't. I'm advised the government will shortly make an announcement that will enhance (in the true sense of the word) the card. So if you're in no rush, hold off. I expect the announcement will be made within the next 10 days, possibly next week.

 

[Termite]

I have a NZ APEC card and SIN was the last country to sign off mine.

In using it it is great, but still prefer to get a visa to China than having to try to add an extra 20mins on average checking into non Shanghai or Beijing hotels whom have zero knowledge of them and takes longer trying to convince them that the APEC card is ones Visa. Having a visa also is just easier, quicker, faster when checking into a hotel.

yes, very true, APEC in China is a pain in the donkey's cousin.. Hotels refuse to acknowledge that you can travel into China without a "valid visa".

 

[Isochronous]

Those of you who are thinking of lodging your application for the card in the next few days, don't. I'm advised the government will shortly make an announcement that will enhance (in the true sense of the word) the card. So if you're in no rush, hold off. I expect the announcement will be made within the next 10 days, possibly next week.

So a real enhancement, not a Qantas-style enhancement?

 

[dairyfloss]

Only an enhancement for new applicants?? Don't leave us hanging, Danger!

 

[Danger]

So a real enhancement, not a Qantas-style enhancement?

Yes, a genuine enhancement.

Only an enhancement for new applicants?? Don't leave us hanging, Danger!

Yes, only an enhancement for new applicants.

I'm sorry I'm not in a position to say anything further at this point. As soon as it is released publicly I'll post here.

 

[ReLoad]

Typical, sent mine in on Wednesday........