Key takeaway: From 26 October 2026, people lodging a new Australian visa application in India may be asked to provide biometrics, which means fingerprints and a facial image. You only need to complete this step if the Department of Home Affairs tells you to.

If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa from India, there is a new step to prepare for. Whether you are applying to visit family, travel, or for another visa type, you may now be asked to complete an extra identity check. This guide explains what has changed, who could be affected and what to do next.

What has changed?

Australia has expanded its biometric collection requirements to include India. The new requirements apply only to applications lodged on or after 26 October 2026. They do not affect visas already granted or applications lodged before that date.

Biometrics generally means collecting fingerprints and a facial photograph. The Department of Home Affairs uses these details to verify a person’s identity. Australia already collects biometrics from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries.

The change does not mean every applicant will automatically need to attend an appointment. Follow the instructions issued for your individual application.

Which visa applicants could be affected?

The requirement may affect applicants across different Australian visa categories. This could include people applying for visitor visas to see family or travel, parents planning to visit children in Australia, and applicants for other visa types.

Whether you need to provide biometrics depends on the Department’s instructions for your application.

Note: Do not assume the requirement applies to you, or does not apply to you, based only on your visa category or another person’s experience.

What should applicants do?

1. Lodge your visa application. Complete the application and provide the documents requested for your visa type.
2. Check for a biometrics request. The Department of Home Affairs will tell you if you must provide biometrics and explain the next steps. This advice is typically sent by email to the applicant or their authorised agent, so check your email and ImmiAccount regularly.
3. Follow the instructions in your request. It will explain how to complete the process. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to attend a collection centre or be eligible to use the Australian Immi App.
4. Arrange the appointment if required. If you are told to attend a collection centre, check the official booking process, location, appointment availability and any service charges before you travel.
5. Allow extra time. Plan for the additional step and avoid leaving appointments or travel arrangements until the last minute.

Where can biometrics be collected in India?

Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be asked to attend one of 16 Australian Biometrics Collection Centres across India, which are managed by VFS Global. Some applicants may instead be eligible to provide biometrics through the Australian Immi App.

The centres are in these cities:

• Ahmedabad
• Bengaluru
• Chandigarh
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Jaipur
• Jalandhar
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Panaji
• Puducherry
• Thiruvananthapuram.

Important: Centre availability, appointment rules and service fees can change. Check the official VFS Global Australian visa website and follow the instructions in your biometrics request before making plans.

Will biometrics affect visa processing time or cost?

The Australian High Commission has said biometric collection is not expected to affect visa processing times. In practice, how long the step takes can still vary by location and appointment availability, so it helps to complete it promptly once you are asked.

There may also be travel or service costs depending on your circumstances. Providing biometrics does not guarantee that a visa will be approved, and no specific processing time can be promised.

To reduce avoidable delays:

• Read every message from the Department carefully.
• Respond within the timeframe stated in your request.
• Keep copies of relevant confirmations.

A simple checklist for families

• Check whether each applicant has received a biometrics request.
• Read the request letter carefully before booking or travelling.
• Confirm the correct centre, appointment details and any applicable charges.
• Allow time for the appointment, especially if travelling from another city.
• Keep the request letter and appointment confirmation handy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Where to check official information

Always rely on official Australian Government sources, such as the Australian High Commission in India and the Department of Home Affairs. Requirements and procedures may change, so check the latest official announcements and follow the instructions in your own biometrics request.

Final thoughts

The expansion of biometrics collection is an important update for anyone applying for an Australian visa from India. If you or a family member plans to apply, factor in the possibility of an extra identity-check step. Most importantly, wait for the Department’s instructions and follow them carefully rather than booking an appointment before you know what is required.

For help understanding your visa options or preparing an application, contact Immigration Hotspot. Always rely on the latest official instructions for your individual case.