Step-by-Step Guide to Biometrics for Your Australian Visa (Updated on 1 June 2026)

Biometric data collection is an important part of the Australian visa application process for certain visa types and applicants from / in specific countries. This blog post provides an overview of what biometrics are, how they are collected, and why they are required for visa processing.

What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics are unique physical characteristics used to verify a person’s identity. For Australian visa purposes, this includes:

• A digital photograph of the applicant’s face
• Fingerprint scans of all 10 fingers

Biometric data helps the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) confirm an applicant’s identity, prevent identity fraud, and strengthen border security.

Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?

Visa applicants must provide biometrics if they:

1. apply for a visa that is part of the biometrics program; or
2. are in a country that is part of the program.

When a visa application is lodged, the Department will issue a Request letter – “Requirement to provide personal identifiers (biometrics) for the purposes of section 40 of the Migration Act 1958”. This letter will contain instructions on where and how to complete the process including your Visa Lodgement Number (VLN).

Generally, you will have 14 calendar days to complete this. If you do not complete this within the specified timeframe, you can provide reasons as to the reasons why for the delay or why you are unable to complete this. If biometrics are not completed, the visa application may be refused.

Where to Provide Biometrics?

Biometrics must be provided at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC).

• Outside Australia: Applicants must visit an ABCC listed under Australian Offices outside Australia.
• In Australia: You will need to attend a processing office and advise them that you are onshore.

Biometrics Collection Process

What to Expect at the Appointment

• A digital photograph will be taken.
• Fingerprints of all ten fingers will be scanned using a digital scanner.

Special Considerations

• Children under 16 or individuals who cannot understand the biometric process must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Children under 5 (if outside Australia) and children under 10 (if in Australia) only need to provide a photograph – no fingerprints required.
• If you have facial or fingerprint injuries, you must wait until they heal before attending your appointment.
• Religious head coverings or glasses may need to be removed for the photograph. However, arrangements can be made for private collection or for a same-gender officer to assist.

Biometrics Collection Fees

Fees vary depending on the service provider and location. Applicants should check the specific ABCC for cost details.

Why are Biometrics Required?

The Australian Government uses biometric data to:

• verify a visa applicant’s identity
• protect against identity fraud
• ensure safer travel to Australia
• strengthen Australian border security

Biometric information is securely stored in accordance with the Migration Act 1958 and the Privacy Act 1988. It may be shared with other authorised Australian or international agencies for identity verification, criminal history checks, and protection assessments. Only authorised officers can access this data.

Which Visas Require Biometrics?

100 – Partner	204 – Woman at Risk	491 – Skilled Work
101 – Child	300 – Prospective Marriage	494 – Skilled work (Employer Sponsored)
102 – Adoption	309 – Partner (Provisional)	500 – Student
	400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)	590 – Student Guardian
115 – Remaining Relative	Relative403 – Temporary Work (International Relations) – Government Agreement, Foreign Government, Domestic Worker (Diplomatic/Consular), and Privileges and Immunities streams	600 – Visitor Visa
116 – Carer	407 – Training	602 – Medical Treatment
117 – Orphan Relative	408 – Temporary Activity – Invited Participant, Australian Government endorsed event, exchange, sport, religious worker, domestic worker (executive), special program, entertainment activities and research activity types	771 – Transit
200 – Refugee	445 – Dependent Child	785 – Temporary Protection
201 – In-country Special Humanitarian	461 – New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary)	790 – Safe Haven Enterprise
202 – Global Special Humanitarian	462 – Work and Holiday	866 – Protection
203 – Emergency Rescue	482 – Skills in Demand	870 – Sponsored Parent

Countries with Australian Biometrics Collection Centres

Applicants may be required to provide biometrics depending on their visa subclass, passport nationality, application location and individual circumstances.

Afghanistan	Ethiopia	Kuwait	Papua New Guinea	South Africa
Albania	Fiji	Lebanon	Peru	Sri Lanka
Algeria	France	Lesotho	Philippines	Thailand
Bahrain	Ghana	Malaysia	Qatar	Tonga
Bangladesh	Greece	Mexico	Republic of Korea	Turkey
Bhutan	Hong Kong	Myanmar	Russian Federation	Uganda
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Iran	Nepal	Samoa	United Arab Emirates
Cambodia	Iraq	New Zealand	Saudi Arabia	Vanuatu
Colombia	Jordan	Nigeria	Singapore	Vietnam
Egypt	Kazakhstan	Oman	Solomon Islands	Yemen
Eswatini	Kenya	Pakistan	Somalia	Zimbabwe

If you receive a request for biometrics, ensure that you complete the process promptly to avoid visa processing delays. Always check your Request letter for specific instructions and attend an approved ABCC.

Australian Immi App for Biometrics

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Australian Immi App, which allows certain eligible visa applicants to provide facial biometrics and passport information using their smartphone instead of attending an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person.

The app is currently available in an expanding number of countries and is designed to make the visa process faster and more convenient for eligible applicants. Applicants must receive an invitation from the Department before they can use the app.

Even if the app is available in your country, some applicants may still be required to attend a biometrics collection centre depending on their visa subclass and individual circumstances.

Applicants should always carefully follow the instructions in their biometric request letter.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about biometrics, feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484.

You can also subscribe to our Australian immigration newsletter to stay up to date with the latest immigration news.

THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. PLEASE CONSULT AN IMMIGRATION PROFESSIONAL FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.