By AUSCAN, updated October 2026
What changes from 26 October 2026, who has to provide a facial photo and fingerprints, and exactly how to do it on time.
Quick answer: From 26 October 2026, most people who lodge a new Australian visa application in India will need to provide biometrics if the Department of Home Affairs asks them to. Wait for your biometrics requirement letter, follow the option it gives you, and complete it within the deadline (generally 14 days for temporary visas).
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| 26 Oct 2026 | Applies to applications lodged on or after this date |
| 14 days | Usual deadline for temporary visa applicants |
| 5 business days | Expected wait for an appointment |
| 16 centres | Across India, run by VFS Global |
| ₹1,425 | Biometric fee per person for the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) from India |
On this page
- Who is affected
- Centre or Immi App
- Step-by-step process
- Deadlines and extensions
- Biometric fee and other costs
- Before your appointment
- Children and age rules
- FAQs
Who needs to provide biometrics?
Whether you need to provide biometrics depends on the instructions for your individual application. Most applicants will, regardless of visa type, including students, visitors and family applicants. The Department notifies you after you lodge a valid application.
| Your situation | Biometrics under the new rules? |
|---|---|
| New application lodged in India on or after 26 Oct 2026 | Most applicants will need to, if the Department asks |
| Application lodged before 26 Oct 2026, still processing | Not affected |
| Already hold a granted Australian visa | Not affected |
| Children and older applicants | Must comply if instructed |
The Department says the expansion strengthens identity checks and helps combat identity and migration fraud. It brings Australia’s program to 59 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Collection centre or Australian Immi App?
Your letter tells you which option applies. You cannot choose the app unless the Department says you are eligible.
| Collection centre (VFS Global) | Australian Immi App | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Anyone directed to attend in person | Only applicants the Department notifies as eligible |
| Typical eligibility | First-time collection | Valid passport holders who previously gave fingerprints and a photo. Children under 5 may qualify without a prior collection. |
| What you provide | Digital face photo and fingerprint scan | Facial image and passport details |
| Cost | Standard VFS service fee, paid at booking | Free |
| Booking | VFS Global website, after your letter arrives | No appointment needed |
| Locations | 16 centres, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata | Anywhere, on your phone |
Having a smartphone does not make you eligible. Use the app only if your letter says you can.
How to provide your biometrics
- Lodge a valid application. Watch your email and ImmiAccount for the biometrics requirement letter.
- Check your letter. Every detail must match your passport. Do not book before you have the letter.
- Follow the option in your letter. Book with VFS Global, or use the Immi App if eligible.
- Attend or submit. At the centre, staff take a photo and scan your fingerprints.
- Confirm in ImmiAccount. Check that your biometrics show as submitted to the Department.
Deadlines and extensions
| Issue | What to do |
|---|---|
| Standard deadline | Temporary visa applicants generally have 14 days from the request. Check the date in your letter. |
| Cannot meet the deadline | Upload a letter in ImmiAccount explaining why and requesting an extension. Do not assume it is automatic. |
| No suitable appointment, urgent travel | VFS Global offers an optional walk-in service during operating hours, for an extra fee. |
| Details do not match your passport | Update ImmiAccount, then call the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196. A new letter is only issued if you call. |
Processing times are not expected to be adversely affected if you complete the requirement promptly. Missing the deadline may complicate your application.
Biometric fee and other costs
| Visa | Applying from | Biometric fee |
|---|---|---|
| Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | India | ₹1,425 per person |
The biometric fee is paid per applicant, so a family of four applying together pays it four times. It is separate from your Visa Application Charge.
| Item | Cost and notes |
|---|---|
| Biometrics collection service fee | Paid to VFS Global when you book. Separate from your Visa Application Charge. See current amount at vfsglobal.com. |
| Australian Immi App | Free |
| Walk-in service | Extra fee on top of the standard fee |
| Added Value Services (e.g. Premium Lounge) | Extra cost. Must be booked with your appointment, not at the centre. |
| Visa at your Doorstep | Collection at home or office. Expected in India from January 2027. |
Paid extras do not speed up your visa. Optional services do not affect processing, the outcome of an application or the speed of collection. Use only official websites to arrange collection.
Before your appointment
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Passport match | Your letter must exactly match your passport. |
| Injuries | Wait for temporary face or finger injuries to heal. If it affects your deadline, request more time in ImmiAccount. |
| Mehndi or henna | Contact VFS Global before attending to ask if fingerprints can still be taken. |
| Face visible | Chin to above the eyebrows, including both cheeks and ears. You may need to remove glasses or a religious head covering. You can ask for privacy or a staff member of the same gender. |
| Entry rules | Only people with appointments may enter, plus a parent, guardian or supporter of an incapable applicant. Agents can book for clients but cannot go inside. |
Children and age rules
| Age at collection | Facial photo | Fingerprints | Parent or guardian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Yes | No | Must attend |
| 5 to 15 | Yes | Yes | Must attend |
| 16 and older | Yes | Yes | Not required |
How your data is protected
The Department states it manages biometric data under Australian legislation and applicable local laws. Images and fingerprints are held in a secure database accessible only to authorised officers, and information is transmitted through encrypted channels. Biometrics collection is not linked to SmartGate at Australian airports.
For future applications, the Department will tell you whether biometrics are required again or whether you can use the Immi App.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Australian visa applicants in India need biometrics?
Most will, but only if the Department requests it. Follow the instructions for your application.
Does this apply to applications lodged before 26 October 2026?
No. Earlier applications and granted visas are unaffected.
Can I book a VFS appointment before receiving my letter?
No. Wait for your biometrics requirement letter first.
How much is the biometric fee for an Australian visitor visa from India?
For the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) from India, the biometric fee is currently ₹1,425 per person.
Do Indian students need to provide biometrics?
Student visa applicants lodging on or after 26 October 2026 may be asked to, as with other visa types.
Does Premium Lounge or any paid extra help my visa?
No. Paid optional services do not affect processing, outcomes or speed.
Need help with your Australian visa application?
Sunil Jaggi and Divya Jaggi are MARA-registered migration agents, and Divya is also Director of AUSCAN. We can help you lodge an accurate application and respond to Department requests on time. Contact AUSCAN for guidance based on your circumstances.
Official resources: Department of Home Affairs: Biometrics, Australian Immi App, VFS Global, ImmiAccount.
Disclaimer: This article is general information based on official Australian Government material at the time of publication and is not individual migration advice. Requirements may change. Always follow the instructions issued by the Department of Home Affairs for your application.
