Australia has expanded its biometric collection requirements for people applying for Australian visas in India, with the new rules taking effect on October 26, 2026. Applicants may be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image as part of the visa process.
The change forms part of Australia’s broader biometric programme, which covers nearly 60 countries. It does not mean every Indian applicant must automatically submit biometrics: the Department of Home Affairs will notify applicants who are required to complete this step and explain how to do so.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
The expanded requirements apply to new Australian visa applications lodged in India on or after October 26, 2026. Visa applications submitted before that date are not affected by this change, and visas already granted remain unaffected.
Applicants should monitor communications from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. The requirement is determined by the relevant authorities, so travellers should wait for an official notification before arranging their biometric appointment or attempting to use the digital option.
How Can Indian Applicants Submit Biometrics?
Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, applicants may be instructed to complete biometric collection in one of two ways:
- In person: Attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) for fingerprint and facial-image collection.
- Through an app: Eligible applicants may be able to submit biometrics digitally using the Australian Immi App.
Some applicants who have previously provided biometrics at a collection centre and hold a valid passport may be eligible to use the app without paying a fee. This option is not available to everyone, and applicants should follow the instructions in their official notification.
Applicants attending an in-person appointment should follow the centre’s document requirements, including instructions concerning the passport associated with their visa application. Biometric collection centres may charge a fee.
Will the New Rules Delay Visa Processing?
Australian authorities have said that the expanded collection requirements are not expected to affect visa processing times, provided applicants complete any required biometric steps promptly.
Applicants should nevertheless allow time to respond to official requests and avoid leaving the process until the last minute. An incomplete requirement could affect the progress of an individual application even though the policy change itself is not expected to cause wider delays.
Why Is Australia Collecting Biometric Data?
Biometrics help authorities verify an applicant’s identity and support checks relating to identity misuse, fraud and immigration history. Australia says the programme is intended to maintain a secure and reliable visa system while supporting travel and other movement between countries.
The Australian High Commission has also stated that biometric information will be collected, stored and managed in accordance with Australian legislation and applicable local laws, with privacy and data-protection safeguards.
What Should Travellers Do Before Applying?
Indian travellers planning to visit Australia for tourism, education, work or other purposes should:
- Check the latest visa requirements before submitting an application.
- Monitor emails and other official communications from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Provide biometrics only if instructed to do so.
- Follow the notification to determine whether an in-person appointment or the Australian Immi App is available.
- Use official channels and be cautious of unofficial agents promising faster processing or guaranteed visa outcomes.
The key takeaway is that the new process adds a possible biometric step for eligible applicants, rather than automatically requiring every applicant to visit a collection centre.
