Visit your nearest biometrics data center for fingerprint scanning and an official photograph. The U.K. requires this of every visa applicant, as they check fingerprints at the border. This only takes a few minutes.
Visit the U.K. Border Agency website to find the appropriate application (see Resources). If you have plans to study in the U.K., download the "Student visitor" application. If you intend to work, you must apply under the Points Based System as a general migrant, investor, entrepreneur, skilled worker or temporary worker, depending on your situation.
Print your application and attach all supporting documents. These include one passport-sized photograph of yourself that is fewer than six months old, your original passport--not a copy--and your biometric information. If you have a criminal record or a spouse, include official records of these as well. Don't forget to pay the application fee.
Send your application to the nearest U.K. embassy in Australia. These are located in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney (see Resources).
Arrange an appointment for a tuberculosis screening by contacting the International Organization for Migration in Canberra (see Resources). The organization will guide you to an accredited medical institute for a chest x-ray. The U.K. Border Agency dictates that you carry your negative results in your handbag to show U.K. authorities upon arrival in the country.
