Indian students planning to study in Australia may now have an additional step to complete during their visa application process. The Australian government has expanded its biometric collection requirements for certain new visa applications filed in India from October 26, requiring eligible applicants to provide fingerprints and a facial image.The Australian High Commission said the new requirement applies only to applications lodged on or after October 26. Applications submitted before this date and visas that have already been issued will not be affected.For students preparing to begin their academic journey in Australia, the change means they should pay close attention to official communication from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting their visa application.
What has changed for visa applicants?
Under the expanded biometric programme, certain applicants in India may be asked to provide their fingerprints and facial image as part of the visa application process.The Department of Home Affairs will directly notify applicants who are required to complete the biometric collection process and provide instructions on the next steps.Applicants may be directed to one of the 16 biometric collection centres operated by VFS Global across India. Some eligible applicants may also have the option of submitting their biometrics through the Australian Immi App.The Australian government has advised applicants not to book an appointment at a biometric collection centre or use the app unless they have received an official notification from the Department of Home Affairs.
What does this mean for Indian students?
For Indian students planning to study in Australia, the new requirement may add a biometric step to the visa application process. The Department of Home Affairs will advise applicants if they are required to submit biometric information and provide instructions on how to complete the process.Depending on their individual circumstances, applicants may be asked to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre or may be eligible to use the Australian Immi App.Students applying for an Australian visa should wait for an official notification before booking an appointment or attempting to use the app. The Australian government has said visa processing times are not expected to be adversely affected if applicants complete any biometric requirements promptly.
Why has Australia introduced the expanded requirement?
According to the Australian government, the expansion of biometric collection is aimed at making identity verification more reliable, preventing fraud and protecting applicants from the misuse of their identities.Australia already collects biometric information from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries. The extension of the programme to India brings Indian applicants within the wider biometric framework used by the country for visa processing.The government has also said that applicants’ personal information will be handled in accordance with relevant laws and transferred through encrypted channels.
What students should do now
Students planning to apply for an Australian visa should not assume that every applicant will need to immediately visit a biometric centre. The requirement will apply to applicants who are notified by the Department of Home Affairs.Those applying for a visa should ensure that their contact details are accurate, regularly check official communication after lodging their application and follow the instructions provided if they receive a biometric request.With the new system now in effect for eligible applications filed from October 26, students should factor the possibility of a biometric appointment into their visa planning while avoiding any action until they receive an official request.
