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 IndiaAustralia's approach to visa securityA 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 overseasThe 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.135306329Visa categories and exemptionsThe 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 checksThis 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 homeThe 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…