Australian Visa Service Improved in the US
Media Release - DPS 9/2003
Improvements in technology and service delivery have prompted visa processing for the United States to be centralised at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) announced today.
Following a review of its visa services DIMIA has significantly reduced the need to continue with over-the-counter services and - by taking advantage of improved technology - most US clients applying for visas no longer need to attend Australian visa offices. As a result the visa office at the Australian Consulate General in Los Angeles will close.
The range of new and more efficient methods of processing visas enables clients to apply via their travel agent or over the Internet. United States citizens wishing to travel to Australia for less than three months for tourism or business can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). People who wish to study in Australia can apply for an eVisa on-line.
The new arrangements will be introduced progressively, with existing visa services being transferred to Washington DC by 3 February 2003.
The last day the Australian Consulate General in LA will be able to accept new applications for visas and citizenship is Friday, 31 January 2003. However members of the film and entertainment industry can continue to lodge applications - for subclass 420 entertainer visas - at the Australian Consulate General in LA until 1 March 2003. After this date all sponsorship and associated visa application for the entertainer subclass processing will be transferred to the DIMIA office in Sydney.
"People now have a range of new options available when applying for an Australian visa," a spokesperson from DIMIA said.
"The consolidation of DIMIA services in Washington DC will improve the process, ensuring the continuation of helpful and efficient service to clients in the United States."
Clients unaware of the closure of the visa office in LA, will be able to acquire visa and citizenship information from an Internet terminal while visiting the Consulate General.
Further information on the improved visa services in North America and the new arrangements is available on the following websites: www.austemb.org or www.immi.gov.au or www.eta.immi.gov.au.
24 January 2003
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