New Delhi, October 26 — The Australian government has expanded its biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India from Monday, October 26, introducing fingerprints and a facial image for certain new visa applications, ANI reported, citing a media release from the Australian High Commission in India.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

IANS, reporting the same announcement, said the new requirements apply to applications lodged on or after October 26 and will not affect visas already granted or applications submitted before that date.

Source: IANS

Applicants will be told by Australia's Department of Home Affairs if they need to provide biometrics, and will receive instructions by email, directly or through their authorised agent, according to both reports. Depending on their circumstances, they may be asked to attend one of the 16 Australian Biometrics Collection Centres across India, managed by VFS Global, or may be eligible to use the Australian Immi App.

The High Commission said the expansion is meant to keep the visa process secure, efficient and trusted as more Indians visit, study, work and build connections in Australia, adding that the people-to-people links between the two countries have never been stronger.

Biometrics offer a reliable way to verify a person's identity, helping protect legitimate applicants from identity misuse, reduce fraud and strengthen the integrity of Australia's migration system, the release said. The High Commission also said biometric collection is not expected to affect visa processing times, and noted that Australia already collects biometrics from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries.

Applicants should wait for an official biometrics requirement letter before booking an appointment or using the Immi App, the statement added.