Important changes to visa application process.

With effect from January 2009 applicants in Australia who apply online MUST make their payment online.  If you are unable to pay online, you will need to lodge your application and have your biometric data taken in Canberra.  Should you opt to do this you can collect an application form from our Visa Section in Canberra, or call 1902 941 600 (charges apply) to request a form by post.  When you are ready to submit your application, you should call 1902 941 555 (charges apply) to make an appointment to visit our Visa Section in Canberra at which we will take your finger-scans and digital photograph. You can then lodge your application. Our Canberra office is the only location where you can lodge your application in person.

With immediate effect applicants submitting applications either by post or in person MUST enclose a prepaid self-addressed return envelope for the return of their documentation.  The only exception is where applicants intend to collect their documentation in person from Canberra.  We recommend using a track-able service such as Australia Express Post Platinum or a courier service such as Australian Air Express, but regret that due to staff resource constraints we CANNOT accept Registered Post envelopes.  Failure to enclose a self-addressed prepaid return envelope will result in delay whilst we request one from you.  Please note that we are unable to change the address on your envelope once submitted.

Latest information on the new Youth Mobility Scheme

The UK Government has announced 27 November 2008 as the go-live date for Tier 5 of the UK's new points based system (PBS) for visa applications.

As part of Tier 5, a new Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), for which Australian nationals are eligible, will be launched to replace the old Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Scheme.  The new scheme will allow young Australians between 18 and 30 to work in the UK for the whole of the 2 years compared to just one year under the previous scheme.

Information on working in the UK under the new Points Based System

A new points based visa system will be introduced for those who wish to work in the United Kingdom.  Please click here for further details.

Where can I get information?

UK Border Agency and the British Government work in partnership to provide visa services around the world.

Where can I get advice?

Our visa section staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC – www.oisc.gov.uk ) or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

You can submit your application through our online application service visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ .

Service standards - complaints and compliments

UKvisas aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve.

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency at this High Commission, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at British High Commission Locked Bag 5010, Visa Section, Piccadilly House, 39 Brindabella Circuit, Canberra Airport, ACT 2609