If you already have an Aviation Security Identification Card, the issuing of the C of V for your UK licence should be fairly painless but you need to check first. I will advise here as I have advised on other threads, DO NOT apply to CASA for your ASIC as they are expensive and notoriously slow, however they are improving.
I'd suggest contacting
Aviation ID Australia and get them to sort out your ASIC before you arrive which may then only require the immigration check upon arrival. Then you can go to CASA and get your C of V.
Yes it is bloody expensive and we are paying more and more for continually deteriorating levels of service in Australia by the regulator.
I don't know how it was done but one pilot from Europe actually had his card issued prior to him arriving in the country. He just had to go along to the nominated flying school to pick it up.
Dave W,
That ruling regarding certification of documents seems to be CASA's interpretation only. I have received advice that it is up to the ASIC issuing authority to accept that the certification of ducuments is carried out by an appropriate person. I don't see what the issue is anyway. YOur ASIC in most cases WILL NOT be posted to you overseas so you can produce originals of the documents when you collect your ASIC.