Australia's new biometric rule for Indian visa applicants: Who will have to comply? High Commission clarifies

Indian nationals applying for an Australian visa may now have to provide fingerprints and a facial image as part of the application process. The expanded biometric requirements, which came into effect on October 26, 2026, cover most temporary and permanent visa applicants residing in India, including those applying to visit, study, work or migrate to Australia.

However, the change does not mean every Indian applicant will automatically have to provide biometrics. In an exclusive interaction with ET Online, the Australian High Commission in India clarified that the requirement will depend on individual circumstances and that applicants will be notified by the Department of Home Affairs if they need to complete this additional step.

Also read: Australia expands biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India

Australia's approach to visa security

A spokesperson from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi told ET Online that the expansion is part of the country's ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure, efficient and trusted visa system. “Like many countries, Australia uses biometrics to help protect visa applicants from identity fraud, support identity verification, facilitate travel and strengthen border security,” the High Commission spokesperson stated.

Australia already collects biometrics from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries. Extending the programme to India, the High Commission explained, brings Australia's arrangements into line with established international practice.

Also read: New visa rules for Australian students may force some international students to apply from overseas

The High Commission did not identify a specific incident or an India-specific increase in identity fraud as the reason for the expansion. Instead, it described the move as part of Australia's wider approach to identity verification and border security.

India remains an important partner for Australia, the spokesperson said, adding that the arrangements are intended to support a secure and efficient visa system for people travelling to the country.

The Australian High Commission's official announcement similarly stated that biometric collection would help protect applicants while supporting the movement of people between India and Australia. It noted that the programme was being expanded as more Indians visit, study, work and build connections with Australia.

Visa categories and exemptions

The expanded programme covers most temporary and permanent visa applicants residing in India. This includes applicants under visitor, student, skilled-worker and permanent-migration visa programmes.

However, the requirement will not apply automatically to everyone in these categories. The Department of Home Affairs, which manages Australia's visa processes, will notify applicants who need to provide biometrics after they lodge a valid visa application.

The High Commission did not provide a separate list of visa subclasses covered by the expansion or specify different biometric requirements for visitors, students, skilled workers and permanent migrants. It clarified that the decision on whether an individual must provide biometrics will depend on their circumstances.

Also read:Australia to tighten visa rules from October 31, with tougher character checks

This means applicants should not assume that their visa category alone determines whether they will be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image. They should wait for an official notification from the Department of Home Affairs rather than independently booking an appointment or attempting to complete the process through the app.

Some exemptions apply. The High Commission confirmed that Indian government officials travelling to Australia in an official representative capacity are among those exempted.

The new requirements apply to applications lodged on or after October 26, 2026. Applications lodged before that date are not affected, and the expansion does not affect visas that have already been granted.

Will Indian applicants have to visit a biometric collection centre?

Not necessarily. Depending on their individual circumstances, applicants who receive a biometric requirement letter may be asked to attend a collection centre in person or may be eligible to use the Australian Immi App.

According to the Australian High Commission's official announcement, there are 16 Australian Biometrics Collection Centres across India, managed by VFS Global. Applicants who are required to attend in person will receive instructions explaining how to complete the process.

Also read: Australia’s new arrival control law raises questions for students and workers returning home

The Australian Immi App offers another option for eligible applicants. The High Commission, during the interview, said that applicants who have previously provided fingerprints to the Department of Home Affairs, or who are under five years of age at the time of application, may be eligible to use the app instead of visiting a biometric collection centre. The app is free to use.

However, applicants should not assume that they qualify for the digital option simply because they have applied for an Australian visa before. They should first receive the official biometric requirement letter and follow the instructions provided by the department, including whether they are eligible to use the app.

The High Commission stated that notification would generally be sent to applicants or their authorised agents by email.

Impact on visa processing and applicants

The Commission spokesperson said biometric collection is not expected to adversely affect visa-processing times, provided applicants complete the requirements promptly after receiving their notification.

For Indian students preparing to begin a course, workers planning to take up employment and visitors with travel arrangements, this makes it important to monitor email communications after lodging an application.

Although the expansion is not expected to adversely affect processing times, applicants should avoid delaying any biometric step requested by the department. They should also wait for the official requirement letter before booking an appointment or attempting to use the Australian Immi App.

Also read: Australia Work and Holiday- Subclass 462 Explained: Indians have limited opportunities to live, travel, and work

The High Commission further stated that biometric information is collected, stored and managed in accordance with Australian legislation and applicable local laws, with privacy and data-protection safeguards in place.

International practice and India's position

Biometric collection is already an established part of visa procedures in several countries. The Australian High Commission pointed out that Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have collected biometrics in India for many years. Australia's expansion brings India into a wider programme that the country already operates across nearly 60 countries.

According to a recent International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Global Passenger Survey 2026, 58 per cent of passengers surveyed had experienced biometrics during their airport journey in the previous 12 months, up from 50 per cent in 2025 and 34 per cent in 2022. Biometric use increased at airport check-in from 29 per cent to 35 per cent and at security from 44 per cent to 48 per cent between 2025 and 2026.

Also read: Australia tightens student visa rules, limits dependants for international students

However, airport biometrics and visa-related biometric checks serve different purposes. While airports use biometric identification to facilitate passenger processing, Australia's expanded requirements are intended to help verify visa applicants' identities, prevent identity fraud and strengthen border security. IATA's survey also found that 87 per cent of passengers who had experienced biometrics were satisfied with the experience, although 59 per cent of respondents expressed concern about data breaches. The findings underline the importance of balancing convenience with confidence in how personal information is handled.

For Indian applicants, the immediate takeaway is that applying for an Australian visa may now involve an additional identity-verification step. However, whether fingerprints and a facial image are required will depend on the notification issued by the Department of Home Affairs.