Biometrics for visa applications made in India

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.

Who may be asked

Anyone who applies in India may be asked. You only attend if the Department sends you a request. It usually arrives after you lodge, by email and in ImmiAccount. Not everyone will be asked.

How biometrics are collected

Staff at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre take a digital facial photograph and scan all ten fingertips. Bring the passport linked to your application. A parent or guardian must come with a child under 18.

Some people who have given biometrics at a centre before and hold a valid passport can use the Australian Immi App instead, at no cost, if their request letter allows it.

The 16 centres in India

Panaji and Puducherry are pop-up centres with reduced hours. The list was correct as of October 2026.

Official list of centres (Home Affairs)

Cost

VFS Global charges a service fee for each applicant. It is paid when you book, includes taxes and is generally not refundable. The amount is not published on the VFS Global information pages; it is shown when you book. Using the Australian Immi App, where you are eligible, costs nothing.

Timing

Plan for an extra appointment. Respond quickly to any request: the Student visa page says Student applicants have 14 days; for other visas, follow the dates in your request letter. The High Commission says processing should not be affected if you give biometrics promptly.

Not yet published

Home Affairs has not published a list of exemptions (for example by age) or a general time limit to attend, and has not said what happens if you do not attend. We will update this page when it does.

What to do

If your family is planning a visitor, parent, partner, student or other visa from India, add this step to your plans. Do not book a centre appointment until you receive the request letter. Then book quickly and take the passport linked to the application.