Australia may now ask visa applicants in India for fingerprints and a face scan

Anyone in India applying for an Australian visa can now be asked for fingerprints and a photograph of their face. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi said the requirement took effect on 26 October 2026. It matters to students, workers and tourists, and to parents in India planning to visit children who live in Australia.

What changed

India has been added to Australia’s biometrics programme, which the High Commission says is being extended to nearly 60 countries. Biometrics here means two things: a digital image of the face and a scan of all ten fingertips, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

The requirement covers only new visa applications lodged from 26 October 2026. Applications submitted before that date are not affected, and the High Commission told PTI that visas already granted are not affected either.

Not every applicant will be asked. Home Affairs will tell applicants if they need to give biometrics and how to do it. Depending on their circumstances, they will either visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) in person or use the Australian Immi App. The app option is for eligible applicants who have given biometrics at an ABCC before and hold a valid passport, and the High Commission says it costs nothing.

Who it affects

Home Affairs lists 16 collection centres in India, run by VFS Global: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi, Panaji, Puducherry, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. Panaji and Puducherry are pop-up locations with reduced hours. Appointments are needed, and the centres charge a service fee.

What it means for you

• Wait for the request. The High Commission advised applicants to wait for the official biometrics letter, usually sent by email, before booking a slot or using the app, PTI reported.
• Act quickly once asked. Australia says processing times should not be affected if applicants complete the step promptly.
• Bring the right passport. Home Affairs says the passport linked to the application must be taken to the appointment.
• Use official channels only. Optional paid services from a service provider do not speed up processing or change the outcome, the High Commission said, according to PTI.