Latest update · 26 October 2026
Biometrics for visa applications made in India.
From 26 October 2026, people who apply for an Australian visa in India may be asked to give biometrics: a facial image and scans of all ten fingertips. The Department tells you if you need to and sends a request letter with instructions, usually after you lodge. Most people then book an appointment at one of 16 VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centres in India, which charge a service fee; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead. The change applies only to new applications lodged from 26 October 2026, not to applications already lodged.
What changed
- From 26 October 2026, India is a biometrics collection country for Australian visa applications. It applies to new applications lodged in India from that date, not to applications already lodged.
- Biometrics are a digital facial photograph and a scan of all ten fingertips.
Who may be asked
- Anyone applying for an Australian visa in India may be asked. Not everyone will be.
- You only attend if the Department sends you a request, usually through ImmiAccount after you lodge. Do not book an appointment before the request letter arrives.
How it works
- Most people attend a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person. Take the passport linked to your application. A parent or guardian must attend with a child.
- Some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead, at no cost. It needs a biometrics request letter for an application whose Visa Lodgement Number starts with AUI, and a valid passport; otherwise you attend a centre.
The 16 centres in India
- AhmedabadMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- BengaluruMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- ChandigarhMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- ChennaiMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- HyderabadMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- JaipurMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- JalandharMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- KochiMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- KolkataMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- LucknowMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- MumbaiMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- New DelhiMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- PanajiPop-up centre with reduced hours: Wednesdays, weekly as published, 09:00 to 17:00
- PuducherryPop-up centre with reduced hours: Fridays, weekly as published, 09:00 to 17:00
- PuneMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- ThiruvananthapuramMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
Official list: Home Affairs: Biometrics (October 2026 (Home Affairs list, page last updated 26 October 2026)).
Cost
VFS Global charges a service fee per applicant, paid online when booking where available, including taxes and generally not refundable. VFS Global does not publish the amount on its information page; it is shown when you book. Eligible applicants who use the Australian Immi App do so at no cost.
Timing
- Plan for an extra appointment after you lodge, and respond quickly to any request.
- The Student visa page says Student applicants have 14 days to give biometrics. For other visas, follow the time given in your request letter. Home Affairs says processing should not be delayed if you complete the step promptly.
Visas this may affect
Home Affairs has not published a list by visa type; anyone applying in India may be asked. These are the guides on this site most likely to be lodged from India:
- Student visa (500)
- Student Guardian visa (590)
- Skilled Independent visa (189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491)
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (191)
- National Innovation visa (858)
- Work and Holiday visa (462)
- MATES visa (India) (403)
- Skills in Demand visa (482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (494)
- Training visa (407)
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (400)
- Temporary Activity visa (408)
- Partner visa (outside Australia) (309 / 100)
- Prospective Marriage visa (300)
- Parent visa (103)
- Contributory Parent visas (143 / 173)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (870)
- Child visa (101 / 802)
- Adoption visa (102)
- Dependent Child visa (445)
- Orphan Relative visa (117 / 837)
- Aged Dependent Relative visa (114 / 838)
- Remaining Relative visa (115 / 835)
- Carer visa (116 / 836)
- Visitor visa (600)
- Transit visa (771)
- Medical Treatment visa (602)
- Resident Return visa (155 / 157)
- Former Resident visa (151)
Not yet published
- Exemptions (for example by age or passport type) have not been published.
- A general time limit to attend has not been published; only the Student visa page states 14 days.
- What happens if you do not attend has not been published.
- The VFS Global service fee amount is shown only when you book.
What to do
- Families planning a visitor, parent or other visa from India should allow time for this extra step and the service fee.
- Keep your passport details current in ImmiAccount and watch for the request letter after you lodge.
For advice on a specific application, talk to a registered migration agent. The first 15 minutes are free and general.
Sources
- Australian High Commission, New Delhi: Australia expands biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs: Australian Immi App
- VFS Global India: Australian Biometric Collection Centres
- VFS Global India: Biometric collection service
Information checked 28 October 2026. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.