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Frequently Asked Questions About New Client Service Channels

1. I want to lodge an application for an Australian visa. Where should I lodge?
ETA eligible passport holders in Taiwan now have their ETAs processed through one of 37 authorised travel agents. A list can be found at: http://www.australia.org.tw/tpei/avs_eta_list.html .

Taiwan Student and Working Holiday Maker applicants apply directly online at www.immi.gov.au

From 1 March 2012, applicants for all other visa types can find information on how to apply at: www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au

2. Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
All passport holders, other than Australian and New Zealand passport holders, must have a visa to travel to and enter Australia. If you are transiting Australia, please see the following website to determine if you will need a visa: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/transit/no-visa.htm

3. I need to travel soon. What should I do?
Clients who wish to travel to Australia for short-term tourism and business can apply for an ETA through one of 37 authorised agents (http://www.australia.org.tw/tpei/avs_eta_list.html ). Most agents are able to issue ETAs on the spot.

The new service channels will not affect processing times.

4. I have already lodged a temporary visa application. What will happen to my application?
If your application for a temporary visa has been lodged with Australian Visa Services, it will be finalised by Australian Visa Services, Taipei within normal processing times. We will contact you with any updates.

If you have lodged your application for a student or working holiday visa online, the new arrangements will not affect your application.

5. I have already lodged an application for a migration visa with your office. What will happen to my application?
Migration visa applications will be transferred to the Hong Kong Visa and Citizenship Office to be finalised. If you have lodged an application for a migration visa with this office, you will be contacted shortly to advise when your application has been transferred.

The transfer of your application will not affect normal processing times.

6. Will I have to travel to Hong Kong for an interview?
Most applicants for Australian visas are not required to be interviewed. In the few cases that an interview is required, the Hong Kong Visa and Citizenship Office will contact applicants to arrange for an interview to be conducted in Taipei.

7. Will I have to post my passport to Hong Kong?
Applicant for visas other than ETA, Student and Working Holiday Maker should include a certified copy of their passport in their application. In most cases, you will not be required to send your passport to Hong Kong.

8. I have a question about Australian visas. Who should I ask?
Until 29 February 2012, enquiries should be directed to this office. Please see our contact details here: http://www.australia.org.tw/tpei/1.html

From 1 March 2012, all enquiries should be directed to the Hong Kong Visa and Citizenship Office. Please find contact details here: http://www.hongkong.china.embassy.gov.au/hkng/VISMG_ContUs.html 

9. Where should I do my medical examination?
The change in client services channels will not affect current arrangements for medical examinations. Once you have made your application, if you are required to undertake medical examinations, the processing office will contact you to advise what exams are required and will provide you with a medical examination request form. You may do your examination at any of the Australian Panel doctors in Taiwan (for a list, please see: Taiwan panel doctors). The results will be sent directly to the processing office electronically.

10. I don’t speak Cantonese. Can I still call the Hong Kong visa office?
Staff in the visa section of the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong provide services in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.