GAWAH News Desk | October 29, 2026
Some people applying for an Australian visa in India from 26 October 2026 may now be required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial image. The Australian High Commission says the expanded requirement applies to new visa applications lodged in India on or after that date. It does not mean every applicant must automatically submit biometrics: Australia’s Department of Home Affairs will tell applicants if the step is required and explain how to complete it.
The change matters to Indian tourists, students, workers, family visitors and other visa applicants planning travel to Australia. It is also relevant to people in Hyderabad and Telangana who lodge Australian visa applications in India.
Who is affected by Australia’s new biometrics rule?
- New applications lodged in India from 26 October 2026: applicants may be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image.
- Applications lodged before 26 October: the High Commission says the new requirements do not affect applications already submitted before the start date.
- Applicants who receive a biometrics request: follow the instructions in the official letter or message from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Applicants who have not been asked: do not assume you must book an appointment or submit information through an app. Wait for official instructions.
The High Commission says the expansion is part of Australia’s broader biometric collection programme, which covers nearly 60 countries. The department says biometric information is collected and managed under Australian legislation and applicable local laws.
Can you submit biometrics through the Australian Immi App?
Some eligible applicants can complete an identity check through the Australian Immi App instead of attending a collection centre. This option is not available to everyone.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, you need a biometrics requirement letter with a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) beginning with AUI and a valid passport to use the app. The app process uses passport details and a live facial image; it is not a way to scan fingerprints using a phone. Applicants whose VLN does not begin with AUI must attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre to provide the required personal identifiers.
Eligible app users may need a smartphone with NFC capability, camera access and a reliable internet connection to scan their passport and complete the identity check. Check the official instructions and your device compatibility before starting.
What if you must visit a biometric collection centre?
If the department’s letter directs you to attend in person, use the official VFS Global Australian biometric collection service to review the process and book an appointment. VFS says applicants should first receive a biometrics requirement letter; walk-in attendance without an appointment may not be accepted.
Check that your name and other personal details on the biometrics letter match your passport. Follow the letter’s instructions, bring the original valid travel document and confirm the centre’s current requirements before travelling. Service fees may apply for in-person collection; check the official booking page for the centre you select.
Will the new requirement delay Australian visa processing?
The Australian High Commission says processing times are not expected to be affected if applicants complete any requested biometric step promptly. That is not a guarantee of a visa decision by a particular date. Applicants should monitor ImmiAccount and their registered email, respond to official requests as soon as practical and check the department’s published processing-time guidance.
What should Indian applicants do now?
- Check your ImmiAccount and the email address used for the application for a message from the Department of Home Affairs.
- If you receive a biometrics requirement letter, read the instructions carefully before choosing an app or centre.
- If your VLN begins with AUI and you meet the app requirements, follow the department’s official app guide. Otherwise, follow the in-person collection instructions.
- Do not pay an intermediary or book an appointment based only on an unsolicited message. Start from official Australian government and VFS pages.
- Keep your application details and identity documents secure, and use the department’s official channels if anything in the request appears incorrect.
Readers comparing study options can also read GAWAH’s earlier explainer on Australian student visa rules for Indian students. Visa rules and individual requirements can differ, so always check the instructions for your own application.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Indians applying for an Australian visa need fingerprints?
No. From 26 October 2026, applicants lodging new visa applications in India may be required to provide biometrics. The Department of Home Affairs tells each applicant whether the requirement applies to them.
Does the rule affect applications submitted before 26 October 2026?
The Australian High Commission says the new requirement does not affect applications lodged before 26 October 2026 or visas already granted.
Does the Australian Immi App take fingerprints?
No. The official app procedure uses passport details and a live facial image for an identity check. Applicants whose VLN does not begin with AUI must attend a biometric collection centre if asked to provide personal identifiers.
Should I book a biometric appointment before receiving a letter?
No. Follow the Department of Home Affairs’ request and the instructions in the biometrics requirement letter before booking or using the app.
Will this automatically slow down my visa?
The High Commission says processing times are not expected to be affected if requested biometrics are provided promptly, but individual processing times and visa outcomes are not guaranteed.
Official sources
- Australian High Commission in India: expanded biometric requirements, effective 26 October 2026
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: Australian Immi App eligibility and instructions
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: biometrics guidance
- VFS Global: Australian biometric collection appointments
Representative image: passport with travel stamps. Photo: Global Residence Index/Unsplash.
