Travelling without a visa label Frequently asked questions Why does Australia want to reduce the use of visa labels? Since 1996 the use of Australian visa labels has been declining through the introduction of label-free travel arrangements. However, in 2011, approximately 910 000 labels were issued and affixed to passports offshore, with a further 455 000 issued onshore. Visa labels incur significant operating costs including, printing, storage, distribution, staff processing and auditing. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is constantly looking for ways to streamline visa processes, saving clients valuable time and money. The most effective and efficient way to do this is by reducing the use of paper and developing electronic pathways of communication. DIAC recognises that the South Asia region is one of Australia’s largest sources of visa applicants and is committed to providing efficient processing and value for money services to these clients. Implementation of label-free visa processing will provide benefits for clients including shorter processing times and better security. Are visas still required to travel to Australia? Yes, visas are still required but a visa label will no longer be affixed to your passport. Clients will continue to apply for visas in the same way they do now, either via one of the department’s Visa Application Centres (VAC) or directly with the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. The only change to the current process is that clients will not be required to submit their original passports with the application and they will no longer receive a visa label. Are India, Nepal and Bhutan the only countries going label-free? No. The introduction of label-free processing in India, Nepal and Bhutan is part of the Australian Government’s global program of label-free travel to Australia. Many visa classes are already label-free, such as student visas lodged electronically and processed in the Adelaide Offshore Student Processing Centre. Source: DIAC Page
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 17:50:00 +0000
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