Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Nov 2, 2026
The Australian High Commission in Delhi mandated biometrics for new Indian visa applications from October 26, 2026. The rule hits every Indian student targeting a Subclass 500 visa for the 2027 intakes. The expansion covers nearly 60 countries, with 16 VFS-run collection centres across India. It ends the earlier regime, where only flagged applicants gave fingerprints and a facial image.
- Over 130,000 Indian students currently in Australia stay untouched. Only applications lodged on or after October 26 trigger the biometric step.
- Applicants either visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) or submit via the Australian Immi App. The Department of Home Affairs picks the route per case.
- Returning applicants who gave biometrics earlier can resubmit via the Immi App at zero cost, provided their passport is still valid.
The biometric expansion lands in the middle of Australia’s Fall 2027 recruitment cycle. India is the second-largest source market for Australian universities after China.
Also Read: Australian Student Visa Rejection Rate for Indian Students
What Changed on October 26, 2026?
Before the rule, Home Affairs took biometrics only from flagged applicants. From October 26, every new Indian applicant may be asked for fingerprints and a facial image. The Department issues the request after application lodgement, not before.
The before and after sits like this:
| Factor | Before October 26, 2026 | From October 26, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Biometrics scope | Selective, case-by-case | Default for new applications |
| Collection channels | Limited VFS centres | 16 ABCCs plus Immi App |
| Immi App option | Not available | Open to returning applicants |
| Existing visa holders | No action required | No action required |
What it means for Indian Students: Students already holding a valid Subclass 500 visa, or those who lodged before October 26, do not redo biometrics. The rule bites only on fresh applications filed on or after the start date.
Which Indian Students Face Biometrics Now?
The requirement covers the full Australian visa stack, not just student visas. Indian student applicants form the biggest cohort hit by the new rule.
- Subclass 500 Student Visa applicants for Semester 1 and Semester 2, 2027 intakes
- Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa applicants switching from student status
- Subclass 600 Visitor Visa applicants, including dependants travelling with students
- Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa applicants in the Indian quota
The Department of Home Affairs sends the biometrics request by email after application lodgement. Applicants then have a defined window to attend their ABCC or use the Immi App.
How Do Indian Students Submit Biometrics?
The process splits into two routes. Home Affairs tells each applicant which one applies to them.
Route 1: In Person at a VFS-Run ABCC
Applicants book a slot at the nearest Australian Biometrics Collection Centre. The visit covers a 10-finger scan and a digital facial image. Appointments usually clear within one working day.
Route 2: Digital Submission via Immi App
Returning applicants with valid biometrics on file can skip the in-person visit. The Immi App captures a facial image through the phone camera. This route is free and open only to repeat applicants with unexpired passports.
Important Distinction: First-time Indian applicants cannot use the Immi App shortcut. Only those with prior ABCC biometrics and a current passport qualify for the digital route.
Australian Student Visa Costs After the Biometrics Rule
The biometrics fee stacks on top of the student visa charge. Live FX sits near ₹55 per AUD in October 2026.
| Cost item | Amount (AUD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 500 visa charge | AUD 2,500 | ₹1.37 lakh |
| Biometrics fee at VFS | AUD 85 to 400 | ₹4,700 to ₹22,000 |
| Immi App submission | AUD 0 | ₹0 |
| Medical examination | AUD 300 to 500 | ₹16,500 to ₹27,500 |
The visa charge rose from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on July 1, 2026. The biometrics layer adds a smaller but real cost. Returning applicants save the full biometric fee by using the Immi App.
VFS Global Collection Centres Across India
VFS Global runs 16 Australian Biometrics Collection Centres nationwide. The network spans every major Indian metro and several Tier 2 cities.
- North: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar
- West: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune
- South: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
- East: Kolkata
Each centre handles biometrics for both visitor and student applicants. Student applicants should book slots in the first week after lodgement to avoid the December backlog.
What Indian Applicants Should Do Next
Students in the current Fall 2027 cycle face a tight compliance window. The Immi email arrives within days of lodgement.
- Check your Immi email every 48 hours after lodging the Subclass 500 application
- Book a VFS appointment within 14 days of receiving the biometrics request
- Carry your passport, Immi reference number and appointment letter to the ABCC
- Keep the biometric receipt for airport entry and university enrolment checks
Indian applicants targeting Australian universities now face one extra step before departure. Any Subclass 500 application lodged from October 26, 2026 triggers the biometrics requirement. Over 130,000 Indian students already in Australia stay untouched by the shift. The next cohort to feel the full process is the Semester 1, 2027 intake.
Next Key Date for Semester 1, 2027 Applicants: Keep an eye on mid-January 2027. Indian students targeting the February 2027 intake must lodge their Subclass 500 applications and clear biometrics well before that date. VFS slots fill fastest in December and early January.
Comments