Australian Embassy
Vietnam

Media Release - 19/5/2014

New Shared Visa Application Centre in Hanoi for Vietnamese Citizens


Vietnamese nationals wishing to apply for a visa to Australia will find the process easier with new joint visa application centers (VACs) opening in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on 20 and 22 May.

Australia will share these facilities with the United Kingdom.

A spokesman for the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection said the centre was the result of a joint commitment between Australia and the United Kingdom to further enhance customer services for Vietnamese visa applicants.

“The opening of this shared centre demonstrates ongoing cooperation between Australia and the UK, and reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to providing a high standard of visa services to our clients,” the spokesman said.

“The new centre will provide more convenient access to immigration and citizenship services for clients in the region.”

“These services will include extended operating hours with telephones open until 5pm weekdays, and internet kiosks with an online application tracking facility so clients can view the status of their applications,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the use of shared visa application facilities will lead to improved services for the visa applicants for each country and will also achieve greater efficiencies through shared infrastructure and staffing.”

At the opening, the Australian Ambassador said, “Australia highly values the deep linkages Australia and Australians have with the people of Vietnam. New linkages are forming rapidly through increasing travel and tourism, international education, and new business and trade. The Australia Government supports these linkages in many ways, including through providing simplified services, complementary migration policy, and quality information.”

“There are many who seek to take advantage, to offer false information and pedal illegal services to those seeking better futures for their family – an international education, employment opportunities overseas, and family reunion. By providing better access and information, the Australian Government aims to help people make the right choices when planning to work, to visit family, or to study in Australia.”

The centre will be run by VFS Global on behalf of the department.

The new centre is located at: 11th Floor. Vinafor Building, 127 Lo Duc Street, Dong Mac Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

Further details about visa lodgment and processing arrangements can be found on the Australian immigration websites at www.immi.gov.au.