Australia expands biometric requirements for Indian visa applicants from October 2026
New rules for fresh applications lodged in India offer both in-person collection across 16 cities and a digital smartphone option.
Fresh Australian visa applications lodged in India from 26 October 2026 will require applicants to submit biometric data, including digital facial images and fingerprints.
Canberra is extending its biometrics collection program to India to align visa procedures with global security practices while catering to the growing volume of Indian tourists, students, and skilled professionals travelling to Australia.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the new rules apply strictly to applications lodged on or after the October deadline. Visas already granted and applications submitted before 26 October 2026 will not be affected.
How biometrics will be collected
Once an application is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs will notify the applicant or their authorised representative by email if biometric submission is required. Applicants will then be given clear instructions on how to complete the step.
Depending on individual eligibility, applicants will have access to two submission pathways:
| Option | Facility | Method |
|---|---|---|
| In-person collection | 16 VFS Global centres across India | Physical scanning of fingerprints and facial photo |
| Digital capture | Australian Immi App | Mobile application for eligible passport holders |
Applicants must wait for an official biometrics requirement letter via email before booking an appointment with VFS Global or attempting to use the mobile application.
Safeguards and processing times
Australian officials emphasised that the added check is not expected to delay visa processing, provided applicants submit their data promptly upon receiving their notification letter.
The system is designed to protect legitimate travellers from identity fraud and identity theft, ensuring safe and verified travel as bilateral connections expand. Australia already collects biometric data from visa applicants across nearly 60 countries.
All collected biometric data will be handled under Australian privacy legislation and local regulatory standards, using encrypted channels for transmission and storage. Optional commercial services offered by third-party service providers will have no bearing on visa processing speeds or final decisions.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation date | 26 October 2026 | Australian Department of Home Affairs |
| Collection centres in India | 16 locations | Australian Department of Home Affairs |
| Countries already in program | Nearly 60 | Australian Department of Home Affairs |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| India | Country where the expanded biometric collection rules are being introduced. |
| Department of Home Affairs | Australian government department managing visa processes and biometric implementation. |
| Australia | Country expanding its visa biometric requirements. |
