Today a new Visa Applications Centre (VAC) opened in Sydney. Although, the VAC has actually been operating since 17 March 2014, along with new VACs in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra. An estimated million Australians visit the UK annually, but less than 20,000 of them require visas. This is because Australians do not need a visa to visit as a tourist or to stay less than 6 months. Australians require visas  for employment, full-time study or long term settlement. The VAC in Sydney has been handling about 50 applications a day.
Sydney And Melbourne Account For 73% Of Demand For UK Visas
The new VAC’s  is part of a global project by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and operated by UK Visas’outsourced supplier VFS Global.
There will only be one or two Visa Applications Centres in most countries, placed in cities where demand is greatest. Sydney and Melbourne account for 73% of Australian demand for UK visas. However, VFS will be  managing offices full time in Brisbane and on certain days of the week in Perth and Canberra. In order to continue to serve customers across the vast continental scale of Australia. These cities will have an additional standard global charge of £59 (around $112 at present).
UK Visas And Immigration Reforms
- On 1 April 2014, UKVI introduced a new priority service for work, study and visit visas which costs £100 (estimated $190) & the processing time will take 3 weeks to 5 days; and
- A similar priority service for long term settlement visas which has been functioning since last year September, cuts processing time from 12 weeks to 10 working days, for a cost of £300 (around $570).
Legal Advice & Successful UK Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide all Australians through the process of making a visa application to the UK step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.