Can i drive to the British Consulate in Canberra and get my VISA?

Question

My friend leaves for the UK in 7 days time, however, his working Visa was delayed and only just sent monday just gone. What are the processing times if he posts it to Canberra? Is there a way he can drive to Canberra and see someone there who can issue it faster? If not, can he travel to UK as a tourist, send his passport home when the Visa arrives, wait for his parents to send it off to Canberra, and return it to him in the UK? Will he have to get it stamped on entry to the UK? Is this an option for him?

Answer 1

The Consulate website says it takes at least 10 working days to issue a working visa.

I don't think driving to Canberra would help much. I think your best bet is to call the consulate or their nearest office and explain the situation and see if it is possible to get the process expedited at extra cost.

It might also be possible to apply for it in Britain or simply travel to continental Europe and apply for it there.

"Australian citizens intending to visit Britain for less than six months either for a holiday or on business do not normally require a visa- unless you have previously been denied entry to Britain."

Answer 2

most embassies do not allow walk in;

the processing are to be done online.

if your are an Australian citizen you may visit the UK up to 6 months if you have not been denied before .

The current processing time for straightforward applications is 10 working days from the day the application arrives in the section. Settlement applications are not considered straightforward and will take longer to process.

Making your application

# Persons who apply for a visa at the British High Commission, Canberra must be residing in Australia at the time of application. Those currently outside of Australia must contact their nearest British High Commission / Embassy.#

The current processing time for straightforward applications is 10 working days from the day the application arrives in the section. right now :How long are applications for visas taking at the moment?

Answer: Applications are taking between 3-4 weeks to process at this time.

on entry to the UK his passport will be stamped by authority . i would address them as to your travel to UK before receiving the UK working visa .

British High Commission Canberra (Main Office and Consular Section):

Callers to this information line are charged at a rate of $1.15 cents per minute to listen to recorded information and $2.60 per minute to talk to a consultant.

http://bhc.britaus.net/Contact_us/contac...

most countries do not allow working visa application while visiting that country.