NEW DELHI: The Australian government on Monday expanded biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India from October 26, introducing fingerprint and facial image collection for certain new visa applications.The change covers applications filed on or after that date, while those submitted earlier and visas already issued remain unaffected, the Australian high commission said. The department of home affairs will inform applicants who need to complete the additional step and explain how to do so.Applicants may be directed to one of 16 biometric collection centres operated by VFS Global across India. Those who meet the eligibility criteria may instead be able to submit their biometrics through the Australian Immi App.The government said the move is intended to make identity checks more reliable, curb fraud and protect applicants from identity misuse. Australia already collects biometric data from visa applicants in nearly 60 countries, and the extension brings India into the programme.
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Visa processing times are not expected to be adversely affected if applicants provide their biometrics promptly after being notified.Applicants have been advised not to book an appointment or use the app until they receive an official notification from the department of home affairs.The Australian government said applicants’ personal information would be handled under relevant laws and transferred through encrypted channels.It also clarified that buying optional services from service providers would not affect either processing times or visa decisions.