VFS Services Australia Pty Ltd [service provider] is a commercial entity contracted by the Embassy of Austria in Canberra, Australia to provide administrative services related to processing of Visa Applications.

The Embassy of Austria also processes applications on behalf of the German missions in Australia and the Embassy of Latvia in Australia. Your Visa application will be processed and decided by the Embassy of Austria.

The Embassy reserves the right to call every applicant for a personal interview.

Step 1 :	Click “All About Visas”. Please read all information in this section carefully before applying for a visa.
Step 2 :	Complete the registration process by clicking “Apply Now”.
Step 3 :	After successful registration, download and print your confirmation letter, application form and Annexure A [checklist].
Step 4 :	Complete your application form in black or blue ink and in bold letters. Sign the application form and Annexure A. For minors under 12 years of age, a parent or guardian have to sign on their behalf.
Step 5 :	Gather all supporting documents required as per Annexure A. Please make sure that your application contains at least the following documents: Return flight ticket or booking confirmation Travel insurance Accommodation booking OR invitation letter by host, their police registration and passport copy Bank statements covering the last 3 months, stamped by your bank as evidence that you have sufficient funds for your trip. A recent passport photograph meeting specifications must be pasted on your application form.
Step 6 :	Visit your nearest participating Australia Post outlet to submit your application. You MUST submit your application in person. For minors under 12 years of age, a parent or guardian may submit the application on their behalf. You must carry with you: Your confirmation letter Your completed and signed application form Your completed and signed Annexure A [checklist] Your current passport All required supporting documentation as per Annexure A Your application must also include: An Express Post Platinum 500gm satchel with your return address [no other type of return envelope is considered acceptable] You can either purchase the photograph and Express Post Platinum satchel at the Australia Post outlet or bring these with you when you submit your application.
Step 7 :	If your application meets the above criteria, it will then be accepted for payment at the participating Australia Post outlet. You can pay the visa and service fees in cash, by credit or debit card. You will receive a receipt with your Express Post tracking number.
Step 8 :	To prove your visa status in Australia, use the VEVO email service provided by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (http://www.immi.gov.au). Select “Check Visa Entitlements (VEVO)” and have a verification email sent to info.ausau@vfshelpline.com. The email has to be sent on the day you submit your application at the post office. Applications without VEVO confirmation cannot be accepted. (not applicable for citizens of Australia and New Zealand).
Step 9 :	Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for your visa to be processed. Your passport and visa will be returned to you in your self-addressed Express Post Platinum envelope.

Notes:
Mandatory Aspects for Application

Applicants with Diplomatic Passports, Service or Official passports and Special Travel documents other than ordinary passports must lodge their applications directly at the Embassy of Austria in Canberra.

The service provider will accept applications for the following categories

	Schengen Visa – Type C for Austria, and Latvia Schengen Visa – Type C for Germany, except for the purpose of gainful employment
	Airport Transit Visa – Type A for Austria, Germany and Latvia
	Austrian National Visa – Type D

In the following cases the service provider will not accept applications

	Applications lodged more than three months before the start date of the intended visit
	Applications not submitted in person at a participating Australia Post outlet. For minors under 12 years a parent or Guardian must submit the application in person with a valid photo identity
	Incomplete or unsigned applications forms and Annexure A [ checklist]
	Ordinary Passports that do not meet the criteria as set out in the Registration Process [ hyper link to Apply Now]
	Ordinary Passports not containing at least two blank pages and issued within the previous ten years
	Photographs not fulfilling the standards set out in Regulation [EC] No. 1683/95. Photo Specifications

Incomplete Applications and Refund Policy:

	VFS will attempt to contact an applicant via telephone or email for any information lacking as required to constitute a complete application as set out in Annexure A [the checklist]. The applicant will be required to provide the necessary information within 2 working days, failing which the application may be considered incomplete and returned.
	All other fees other than VFS Service Fees will be refunded for an application considered to be incomplete [ required information to prepare a complete application is not received within 2 working days from the date of contacting the applicant via email or telephone]
	Once an application is submitted to the Embassy of Austria, a no refunds policy applies.