Processing changes for visa applications

Welcome to our Visa Information Pages.  Please ensure you read our Important Information page, as well as the information below before making a visa application.

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.  Alternatively call into the Visa Section during our general enquiries opening times to make an appointment.  At the appointment you will have your finger-scans and digital photograph taken and submit your application.  It is essential you bring with you all supporting documentation. 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 our office in 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.

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 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 at the visa section of the British High Commission.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which tells us 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.