Australia Visa Update: New Biometric Rules Apply to Applications Filed from October 26

October 26, 2026

New Delhi: The Australian government has expanded biometric information requirements for those applying for visas in India. Under this, applicants may be required to provide fingerprints and facial photographs. The Australian government has taken this step to ensure its visa system remains secure, effective, and reliable.

From Monday, October 26, those registering new applications for Australian visas in India may be asked to provide biometric information. This rule will apply to applications submitted on or after October 26. Previously issued visas or applications submitted before October 26 will not be affected.

Which applicants will be required to provide biometric information?

According to the Australian High Commission in India, the Department of Home Affairs, which manages the visa process in Australia, will inform applicants whether they will be required to provide biometric information. They will also be provided with necessary instructions to complete the process.

The High Commission stated in its statement that applicants, depending on their individual circumstances, may be asked to visit one of the 16 Australian biometric collection centres operated by VFS Global in India. Some applicants may also be eligible to complete the process through the Australian Immi App.

According to the statement, this information will typically be provided to the applicant or their authorised agent via email.

Emphasis on Making the Visa Process Secure

The Australian Government believes that expanding the biometric program will help ensure the safety of applicants and facilitate the smooth flow of people between India and Australia.

A large number of people from India travel to Australia to visit, study, work, and establish relationships. Consequently, the Government wants to ensure the visa application process is secure, efficient, and reliable.

Biometric information makes it easier to verify a person’s identity. This will help reduce the risk of identity misuse and fraud, as well as strengthen the credibility of Australia’s immigration system.

No Visa Delays Expected

The Australian High Commission has clarified that the new system for collecting biometric information is not expected to adversely impact visa processing time.

The High Commission’s statement said, “Australia already collects biometric information from visa applicants in approximately 60 countries. Expanding this program to India will bring our system in line with established international procedures. Additionally, eligible applicants will also receive a convenient digital option through the Australian Immi App.”

The High Commission has advised applicants to wait for an official notification letter via email before booking an appointment or using the Australian Immi App to provide biometric information.

The statement said that if applicants follow the instructions provided in their notification promptly, the collection of biometric information is not expected to delay visa processing.

Personal Information Security Claim

According to the Australian government, applicants’ biometric and personal information will be managed in accordance with the country’s laws and applicable local regulations. Information will be processed and transmitted securely through encrypted means. Necessary security measures will be in place to ensure data is used lawfully and securely.

It is worth noting that the Indian-origin community is the second-largest and fastest-growing diaspora in Australia.

According to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Australia, approximately 976,000 people declared their Indian ancestry in the 2021 census.

Furthermore, as of September 2023, there were 122,391 Indian students in Australia, making them the second-largest group of foreign-born students there.