Australia has expanded its biometric collection requirements for people applying for Australian visas from India, introducing an additional identity-verification step for applicants who are notified by the Department of Home Affairs.
The change took effect on 26 October 2026. Depending on their individual circumstances, some applicants may be required to provide fingerprints and a facial image as part of their visa application process. Applicants should wait for official instructions before arranging biometric collection or using the Australian Immi App.
For Indian students, visitors, skilled workers and other prospective visa applicants, understanding the updated process can help them prepare their applications and respond to requests from Australian immigration authorities in a timely manner.
The Australian Government has extended its biometric collection programme to visa applicants in India. Biometrics are personal identifiers used to help verify an individual's identity.
Under the expanded requirements, applicants lodging a new Australian visa application in India on or after 26 October 2026 may be asked to provide biometric information. This can include fingerprints and a facial image, depending on the instructions issued for their application.
The change does not mean that every applicant must automatically attend a biometric collection centre. The Department of Home Affairs will notify individuals who need to complete this requirement and explain the relevant procedure.
According to the announcement, applications lodged before 26 October 2026 and visas already granted are not affected by this particular change.
Applicants should check their own circumstances and follow the instructions provided by the department rather than assume that the same process applies to every visa category.
Biometric information helps immigration authorities establish that an applicant is the person they claim to be. It can support identity verification and help protect applicants against identity misuse.
The Australian Government has identified several reasons for collecting biometric information, including:
Identity verification: Helping confirm an applicant's identity.
Fraud prevention: Supporting measures to detect identity-related fraud.
Migration system integrity: Helping maintain reliable identity checks within the visa process.
Secure travel: Supporting Australia's broader border and immigration security arrangements.
Australia already collects biometric information from visa applicants in many countries. Extending the programme to India brings the country's arrangements in line with the wider use of biometric checks in international visa processing.
The expansion also comes as people-to-people connections between Australia and India continue through education, tourism, employment, family visits and other activities.
The updated requirements may affect people applying for different types of Australian visas from India. However, whether biometrics are required depends on the applicant's circumstances and the instructions issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
People planning to apply for a visitor visa, student visa, skilled visa or another Australian visa should not assume that they are either automatically included or exempt.
Instead, applicants should:
Lodge their visa application through the appropriate official process.
Monitor emails and other official communications from the Department of Home Affairs.
Check whether they receive a letter requiring them to provide personal identifiers.
Follow the instructions in that letter to complete the process.
Applicants who have already lodged an application should refer to the communication they receive from the department. They should not arrange a biometric appointment solely on the basis of a news report.
For the latest general guidance, visit the official Australian Government page:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics
Depending on the instructions they receive, applicants may be directed to an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) or may be eligible to complete an identity check using the Australian Immi App.
Applicants who are instructed to attend a collection centre should follow the appointment procedure specified in their official notification.
These centres are operated by service providers contracted by the Australian Government. Applicants should check the official instructions for the relevant location, appointment requirements, applicable service fees and documents to bring.
A valid passport or other specified travel document may be required, depending on the procedure.
Some applicants may be eligible to complete an identity check through the Australian Immi App instead of attending a centre in person.
Eligibility is not automatic. According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants generally need a biometric requirement letter containing a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) that begins with AUI, along with a valid passport.
The app supports an identity-check process involving passport details and a live facial image. Applicants should check their letter and the department's current instructions to establish whether this option is available to them.
Official information about the app is available here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics/australian-immi-app
Important: Wait until you receive the relevant official notification before booking a biometric appointment or attempting to complete the process through the app.
The Australian Government has indicated that the expanded biometric collection requirements are not expected to adversely affect visa processing times, provided applicants complete the required steps promptly after receiving notification.
However, individual applications can have different requirements and processing circumstances. Applicants should avoid assuming that their visa will be processed within a particular timeframe simply because they have submitted their biometrics.
To help prevent avoidable delays, applicants should:
Check their email regularly, including relevant filtered folders.
Read the biometric requirement letter carefully.
Arrange an appointment or use the app only as instructed.
Provide the requested information promptly.
Ensure that passport details and other submitted information are accurate.
Applicants should also remember that providing biometrics does not guarantee visa approval. The application must still satisfy the relevant visa requirements, and the Department of Home Affairs makes decisions according to the applicable criteria.
Biometric information is sensitive personal information. The Department of Home Affairs explains that it collects, stores and uses biometric data under applicable Australian legislation, including the Migration Act 1958 and the Privacy Act.
The department uses biometric information for identity verification and may compare it with previously stored information or check it with other Australian or international agencies for permitted purposes.
Applicants should use official government instructions when submitting personal information. They should also be cautious about unsolicited messages, unofficial websites or services claiming that additional payments can guarantee faster processing or a favourable visa decision.
Optional services offered by a provider do not determine the outcome of a visa application. Applicants should verify any service fees and procedures through official channels.
If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa from India, the most practical approach is to prepare your application carefully and stay alert to any biometric instructions.
Use this checklist:
Review the current requirements for your intended visa.
Ensure your passport details are accurate and up to date.
Monitor official communications after lodging your application.
Check whether your biometric requirement letter directs you to a collection centre or an eligible digital option.
Complete any requested steps as soon as reasonably possible.
Keep a record of relevant notifications and confirmation of submission.
If you are already in the application process, do not assume that the new requirements apply to you in exactly the same way as they apply to another applicant. Follow the instructions specific to your case.
The expanded requirements took effect on 26 October 2026. Applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs' official guidance to determine whether the requirement applies to their circumstances.
Not necessarily. Applicants may be required to provide biometrics depending on their circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs will notify those who need to complete the process.
Some applicants may be eligible. You generally need an official biometric requirement letter with a Visa Lodgement Number beginning with AUI and a valid passport. Follow the instructions in your letter and the department's official app guidance.
No. The government has stated that the expanded requirements are not expected to adversely affect processing times if applicants complete the requested steps promptly. Biometrics do not guarantee faster processing or visa approval.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs' official biometrics page:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics
Suite 302, 7 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne
Level 1, 5 Corundum Lane, Truganina VIC 3029, Australia
