Important: Visalink is authorised to issue Russian tour vouchers and letters of confirmation as well as Russian business invitations. Please see the important information area in the Russian visa section.
Click on the first letter of your destination to view archived latest news items
The eight latest news items are below
India
25/Feb/10
India
VFS has advised the following changes to Business and Employment visas. Most importantly the Indian Government has relaxed the rule regarding foreign nationals applying in Australia. Previously, a foreign national would have needed to have been a Permanent Resident of Australia for at least two years or else they had to apply in their country of citizenship. They will now accept foreign nationals who have been Temporary residents (e.g. they hold an Australian 457 visa) for at least two years and will also consider those Temporary Residents who have been in Australia less than two years. Please note that Visalink cannot assist those foreign applicants who have not been a Permanent or Temporary Resident for at least two years as those applicants must apply in person at VFS. See below:
Business Visa: Business Visas are meant for applicants who intend to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture. Business visa application of a person who intends to visit India for purchase and sale of industrial products could also be considered. However, Business Visa application of third country nationals would be considered if the applicant has been residing in consular jurisdiction of the Mission/Posts for minimum period of 2 years. This does not mean that the applicant should necessarily be a Permanent Resident (PR) of Australia. The applicant should be resident in Australia on any kind of visa. However, in cases where residency is less then 2 years, Mission/ Posts may consider visa application only after personal interview of the applicant.
Employment Visa:
Employment visas would be issued up to six months only instead of 1 year at present. Other conditions remain unchanged. The rule of residence of less than two years would not be applicable in case of employment visa; it is specific to Business visa only. For Employment Visa, the applicant should be resident in Australia for minimum period of two years on any of type of visa. Those who are residing in Australia for less than two years should apply for visa in country of their origin.
In exceptional circumstance, where a Visa may be considered even if the residence is less than 2 years, a personal interview would be required before submitting visa application. Therefore, applicant should see Consular Officer before submitting application with relevant documents.
Russia
25/Feb/10
The Embassy and Consulate of Russia will be closed on 8/3/10 for a Russian National Holiday.
Russia
11/Feb/10
The Consulate and Embassy of Russia will be closed 22/2/10 and 23/2/10 for a Russian national holiday.
China
04/Feb/10
The Consulates of China in Australia will be closed from 15/2/10 to 17/2/10 inclusive for a Chinese National Holiday.
Russia
03/Feb/10
The Russian Consulate and Embassy will be close Tuesday 23/2/2010 in observation of Army Day.
Argentina
24/Dec/09
As of the 28th of December 2009 the Argentinean Immigration Department will enforce a US$ 100 reciprocity fee to all Australian National .The fee is valid for a single entry.
This fee does not affect Argentinean citizen holding an Australian passport as they will not have to pay this entry fee.
India
22/Dec/09
The Indian Embassy and VFS have advised the cut off date for accepting applications using the manually completed visa form has been moved from 1/1/10 to 1/2/10. Due to the complexity of the online form process Visalink has removed the online form from our website and reverted to the previous manual form. Visalink will revert to the new online form in late January.
Saudi Arabia
18/Dec/09
Effective immediately New Zealand passport holders must apply at the Saudi Consulate in New Zealand unless they are a permanent Australian resident and they will need to provide a utility bill as proof of their Australian residency.