The Australian government has expanded biometric requirements for certain visa applicants in India. Under the new rules, eligible applicants may have to provide their fingerprints and a facial image while applying for a visa.
However, not every visa applicant will have to submit biometric details. The Department of Home Affairs will inform those who need to complete this process after submitting their applications. Under the expanded rules, certain visa applicants in India may be asked to provide their fingerprints and facial image for identity verification. Applicants who need to complete this process will receive an official notification from the Department of Home Affairs, along with instructions on what to do next. Some applicants may also be eligible to submit their biometric details through the Australian Immi App. However, the government has advised applicants not to book an appointment at a biometric centre or use the app unless they receive an official request. Applications lodged before this date and visas already issued will not be affected.
The change came into effect on October 26 and may affect Indian students planning to study in Australia. They may be asked to visit one of the 16 biometric collection centres run by VFS Global across India. The new requirements apply to eligible visa applications submitted in India on or after October 26, 2026.
Students should keep their contact details updated and regularly check their emails and other official communication after submitting their visa applications. Indian students planning to study in Australia may now have an additional step to complete during their visa application process. If their application requires biometric information, they will be informed by the Department of Home Affairs. Depending on their eligibility, they may have to visit a biometric collection centre or use the Australian Immi App. The expansion brings India under this wider biometric collection system. The government has also stated that applicants’ personal information will be handled under applicable laws and transferred through encrypted channels. Students planning to apply for an Australian visa should keep a few things in mind:
Australia already collects biometric information from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries.
The Australian government has also said that visa processing times are not expected to be affected if applicants complete the biometric process promptly after receiving a request. The Australian government says the move is aimed at improving identity checks, preventing fraud and protecting applicants from identity misuse.
