Australia Visa Biometrics for Indians: Fingerprints & Facial Scans Now Part of New Applications

As part of the latest announcements, new applicants applying for any visa in Australia, including a student visa, may have to submit biometrics. This has come in just as the February intake for 2027 is running. Check out how this additional step can affect your student visa processing.

Indians applying for an Australian visa from 26 October 2026 may have to submit fingerprints and a facial image before their application is decided. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi announced the change, which brings India under Australia’s biometrics collection program. Students targeting the February 2027 intake should build this step into their visa timeline.

Official Notification:

New biometric requirements for Australian visa applicants in India. From 26 October, Indian applicants may need to provide biometrics, including fingerprints & a facial image. If this applies to you, you’ll receive instructions from the Department of Home Affairs.

— Philip Green OAM (@AusHCIndia) October 26, 2026

Who Needs to Give Biometrics for an Australian Visa?

The rule covers fresh applications only, and not every applicant will be selected. Here is the eligibility:

• Applies to visa applications lodged in India on or after 26 October 2026.
• Applications submitted before that date are exempt.
• Visas already granted stay unaffected.
• The Department of Home Affairs will notify selected applicants and send instructions for completing the step.

How to Submit Biometrics for Australia Student Visa?

Applicants will be directed to one of two routes, depending on their individual circumstances.

Can Biometrics Addition Delay Student Visa Processing?

The High Commission does not expect processing times to rise, provided applicants respond to the biometrics request promptly. For students, that means booking a VFS slot as soon as the Home Affairs notice lands, since a pending request can hold up an otherwise complete file.

Tracking Updates Post Australia Student Visa Application

A few practical checks will keep the process smooth for subclass 500 applicants and their dependants.

• Watch your ImmiAccount and registered email for any Home Affairs correspondence.
• Have a valid passport.
• Rely on Home Affairs or High Commission updates, not agent claims, to confirm whether your case is covered.

What it Means for Indian Applicants?

The move is aimed at tightening identity checks as more Indians visit, study and work in Australia. Biometrics help shield genuine applicants from identity misuse and cut down on fraud. Australia already collects this data from applicants in nearly 60 countries; including India aligns its process with established global practice. Fingerprints and facial images may be checked again on arrival in Australia or during a later visa application.