Australia has introduced another step in its visa application process for Indian applicants. From 26 October 2026, people lodging new Australian visa applications in India may be required to provide fingerprints and a facial image.
This change comes just weeks after Australia introduced new Student visa rules on 2 October 2026, restricting applications from within Australia and limiting the inclusion of family members.
For Indian students planning to study in Australia in 2027, both developments deserve attention. Here is what has changed, how the process works and what you should do before applying.
1. New biometric requirements from 26 October 2026
The Australian Government has extended its biometric collection programme to India. The programme already operates in nearly 60 countries.
Under the new requirements, applicants lodging a new Australian visa application in India on or after 26 October 2026 may be asked to provide:
- Fingerprints: Digital recording of fingerprints for identity verification.
- Facial image: A digital photograph used to confirm the applicant’s identity.
The requirement can apply to different visa categories, including Student visas (subclass 500).
Does everyone need to provide biometrics?
No. The Department of Home Affairs decides which applicants must provide biometrics and sends an official notification with instructions.
Applications lodged before 26 October 2026 and visas already granted are not affected by this expansion.
The purpose is to prevent identity fraud and strengthen the security of Australia’s visa system. For genuine students, this is an additional identity verification step, not a new visa eligibility requirement.
2. How to provide biometrics: The process
You do not need to arrange biometric collection before lodging your visa application.
Follow these steps:
- Lodge your application: Submit your Australian visa application online through ImmiAccount.
- Wait for notification: The Department will send a biometric requirement letter if you need to provide biometrics.
- Follow the instructions: The letter will explain how to complete the process.
- Visit a collection centre: If required, book an appointment at one of the 16 Australian Biometrics Collection Centres across India, operated by VFS Global.
- Carry your passport: Take the valid passport linked to your application and any other documents mentioned in the letter.
- Explore the digital option: Eligible applicants may use the Australian Immi App to complete the required identity check without visiting a centre.
The Australian Immi App provides an option to submit passport details and a live facial image. Its availability depends on the Department’s eligibility requirements.
A service fee may apply when you visit a collection centre. The eligible digital option does not require a biometric collection centre service fee.
Important: Wait for the official biometric request before booking an appointment or attempting to use the app. Complete the requirement promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Australia expects the expansion to have no adverse impact on visa processing times if applicants respond within the specified timeframe.
Providing biometrics does not guarantee visa approval.
3. The other major change: Student visa rules from 2 October 2026
While biometric collection is an additional procedural requirement, the changes introduced on 2 October 2026 have a more direct impact on students’ study and family plans.
These changes apply to:
- Student visa (subclass 500).
- Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
A. Restrictions on applying from within Australia
Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while remaining in Australia.
The restriction also affects existing Student visa holders who want to apply for another Student visa, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions for current Student visa holders include:
- Students who need up to 12 additional months to complete their main course with the same education provider.
- PhD applicants.
- Primary and secondary school students.
- Students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence.
- Eligible students progressing to a higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level.
- Certain students whose education provider has defaulted.
If you are required to apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when your new visa is granted.
B. New restrictions on bringing family members
This is a significant change for Indian students planning to travel with their spouse or children.
Most Student visa applicants can no longer include their partner or dependent children in their application unless an exemption applies.
The exemptions include:
- PhD students.
- DFAT or Defence-sponsored students.
- Recipients of foreign government scholarships.
- Eligible students from Pacific countries and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries.
There is another important restriction.
Students can no longer add family members as subsequent entrants after their Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule.
Some existing Student visa holders may be able to include family members already listed on their current visa when applying for another Student visa, subject to specific exemptions.
C. What about applications already lodged?
Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the rules that applied on the date of lodgement.
These changes do not cancel existing Student visas.
4. What should Indian students do now?
Your next step depends on where you are in the application process.
| Your situation | What you should do |
| Planning to study in Australia in 2027 | Select your course and provider, prepare complete documents and check current visa requirements. |
| Lodged a visa application on or after 26 October | Monitor your email and ImmiAccount for a biometric request. |
| Received a biometric request | Follow the instructions and complete the process promptly. |
| Lodged before 26 October | The new biometric expansion does not apply retrospectively. |
| Planning to take your spouse or children | Check the family inclusion exemptions before making financial or travel commitments. |
| Already studying in Australia | Understand the new rules before applying for another Student visa or changing your study plans. |
Frequently asked questions
Is biometric submission compulsory for every Indian student?
No. You need to provide biometrics only if the Department requests them.
Do I need to provide fingerprints before lodging my visa application?
No. Lodge your application first and follow the official biometric notification.
Can I provide biometrics from home?
Eligible applicants may use the Australian Immi App. The Department will determine your eligibility.
Will biometrics affect my chances of getting a visa?
Biometrics are used for identity verification. They do not replace the Genuine Student requirement, financial capacity, English language or other visa criteria.
Will the new biometric requirement increase the visa application fee?
The biometric announcement does not introduce a separate increase in the visa application charge. A service fee may apply at a collection centre.
Final word: Plan your Australian education carefully
Australia continues to welcome genuine international students, but applicants must pay closer attention to visa procedures and changing eligibility rules.
Biometric collection is an additional step that students can complete by following the Department’s instructions.
The more significant planning issues are the restrictions on applying for another Student visa from within Australia and the changes to family inclusion. These can affect your course progression, future visa applications and family arrangements.
If you are planning to study in Australia, understand the rules before paying your tuition deposit, making travel arrangements or committing to a course.
Planning to study in Australia?
Innovative Future Steps guides Indian students through course selection, admission, visa documentation and application preparation.
Contact our team before lodging your application to understand the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
Official sources and further reading
- Australian High Commission – Expansion of biometric collection requirements in India (26 October 2026)
- Department of Home Affairs – Biometrics requirements
- Australian Immi App – Official information
- Student visa application rule changes (subclasses 500 and 590)
- Official Student visa fact sheet
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute migration advice. Visa rules and individual circumstances may vary. Check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements or consult a registered Australian migration agent before making visa decisions.