Indian government pensioners living in Australia get their life certificate and other pension papers signed by a consular officer, free of charge, either in person or by post.
Where to apply in Australia
High Commission in Canberra and Consulates-General in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, each for its own jurisdiction (handled by the posts themselves, not VFS). VFS does not attest life certificates.
Canberra and Sydney: counter 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00; Sydney also asks for a copy of the Pension Payment Order and, for postal applications from NSW, attestation by a notary public only (not a JP). Melbourne: counter 9:30-12:30. Perth (WA and NT): since 15 Sept 2026 this service must first be filed on the MEA e-SEWA portal (indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in); after scrutiny of about 10 working days the file is lodged with VFS Perth by appointment or courier.
Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of India.
How to apply
In person: sign the life certificate before a consular officer during counter hours | by post: send the signed form with a Commonwealth statutory declaration witnessed as required and attested passport copies, plus a self-addressed envelope
Documents you need
- Miscellaneous Services form with photo
- Passport (original in person; attested copies by post)
- Pension Payment Order copy (Sydney)
- Life certificate form
- Statutory declaration (postal)
- Self-addressed envelope
Fees and processing time
- Official fee: free (gratis)
Processing time: One working day in person (Sydney: same day); about one week by post.
Good to know
High Commission fee schedule page shows 'last updated 21-10-2026'.
Official sources
- hcicanberra.gov.in/page/consular-services-offered-by-high-commissio…
- hcicanberra.gov.in/page/modes-of-payment-and-fee-schedule
- cgisydney.gov.in/pages/NDU4
- cgimelbourne.gov.in/listview/MzE5
- cgiperth.gov.in/pages?id=nel5a&subid=en5Rd
- services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/ind/faq
Check before you apply
This page summarises information published by India's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.
Spotted a change? Let us know.
More services of India in Australia
- Affidavit of a parent for a child's passport issued in India
- Attestation of documents
- Certificate/NOC for transporting mortal remains or ashes to India
- Consular registration of Indian nationals and students
- Conversion of PIO card to OCI card
- Death certificate (registration of death)
- e-Visa for India
- Emergency Certificate (one-way travel to India)
- Emergency visa (urgent family emergency)
- Endorsement of new passport details on PIO card
- Lost or damaged passport replacement
- Marriage certificate
- NOC for transporting remains of a foreign national of Indian origin
- OCI card - new registration
- OCI miscellaneous services / card re-issue
- OCI passport/particulars update (online)
- Passport for a minor / first passport for a child
- Passport re-issue (expiry or change of particulars)
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Protected Area Permit / Restricted Area Permit
- Registration of birth abroad
- Regular (paper) visa
- Renunciation of OCI
- Surrender of Indian passport / renunciation of Indian citizenship