Biometrics Collection Outside Australia

07 Dec 2010

The Biometrics in Visa Processing Program (the program) is an Australian Government initiative that introduces biometrics collection into the overseas paper-based visa application process.

The first stage of the program will include paper-based visa applications processed at 10 Australian Immigration Offices across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) are located throughout the world. Affected clients will need to attend an AVAC in person to provide their biometrics and lodge their visa application. As of now, India is not included in the Biometrics in Offshore Visa Processing program.

Biometrics will be collected at Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

There will be no additional fee for the collection of biometrics; however clients will still need to pay the standard visa application charge. AVACs may offer additional optional services on a fee-for-service basis.

Facial images and fingerprint scans will be kept on secure departmental databases.

Those people who are unable to provide fingerprint scan will only need to provide a facial photograph.