Visa Section - Introduction

To help us offer a streamlined visa process, you are asked to complete the visa application form on-line. Once you have completed your online application, you will be prompted to make an online appointment to have your biometric data (fingerscans and a digital photograph) taken.

Please note: Lodging your application in person at our office in Canberra does NOT prioritise your application. Applications lodged in person at our office in Canberra will be placed in our normal processing queue and will take the same amount of time to process as applications received by post.

Applicants wishing to submit a hand-written copy of their application, should collect a copy of the 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 1300 UKVISA (1300 858472 – calls charged at a flat rate to your credit card) or 1902 941 555 (calls charged per minute to your phone bill) to make an appointment to visit our Visa Section in Canberra at which time your biometric data will be taken.

Applicants should read the important notes below and consult the pages on this website for advice before making an application.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Most Australian Citizens visiting the UK for a holiday or short business trip do not need a visa provided they meet the requirements of the immigration rules. If you have previously been refused a visa or refused entry to the UK on arrival, you may wish to consider applying for a visa before travelling to the UK.

We will only accept applications from those entering the UK within the next 3 months.
We strongly advise that you do not purchase a non-refundable air ticket before being in receipt of your visa. We do not accept responsibility for any financial loss and do not fast track applications due to date of travel.
Visas are issued solely by our office in Canberra. Our Consulates/Honorary Consuls cannot provide application forms and are unable to assist with immigration enquiries.
Applicants must be present in Australia at the time of application. Those currently residing outside Australia must contact their nearest British High Commission/Embassy. We do not normally issue visas in long term categories to those who have entered Australia as visitors.
The onus is on applicants to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the immigration rules. Suggested supporting documentation can be found on our visa categories page.
In straightforward cases, you can expect to be notified of your visa decision within 15 working days from receipt of the application. Certificate of Entitlement and Settlement applications take longer to process. We aim to reach a decision on these applications within 12 weeks from receipt, in line with Public Service Agreement targets.
British Citizens do not require a visa or Certificate of Entitlement to enter the UK in any capacity.
If you have previously overstayed your permitted stay in the UK. Or if you have used deception, forgery or withheld information in a visa application, your visa application may be refused. For more details click here.
If you lodge an application in person, a photocopying fee will be charged if you are unable to leave original documents. To avoid this charge, please provide photocopies in addition to the original documents.
This website contains comprehensive guidance. If you would like further information please contact our information line on 1300 UKVISA (1300 858472 – calls charged at flat rate to your credit card) or 1902 941 555 (charges charged per minute to your phone bill). We can only provide information on the status of your visa application if it was lodged more than 15 working days ago. Requests for progress reports within this timeframe will be not accepted.

Here you will find advice and instructions on:

Making a complaint

If you would like to lodge a complaint please visit the Consular Complaints section.