Australia Trials New Biometrics App for Visa Applicants
Starting from September 30, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australia's immigration authority, has expanded the use of the innovative "Australian Immi App" to cover 10 additional countries.
This new application is a significant step forward, allowing visa applicants to submit biometric data—including fingerprints, facial biometrics, and passport/travel document images—directly from their mobile phones.
The major implication of this update is that applicants will no longer be required to physically visit an Australian Biometric Collection Centre every time they apply for a new visa.
Expanded Global Reach
The application is already operational in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and for third-country nationals residing in New Zealand. The recent expansion now includes:
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Key Benefits of the Australian Immi App
The introduction of this streamlined process offers several clear advantages for applicants:
- Time Savings: Applicants can submit facial images immediately after lodging their visa application, reducing waiting times.
- Cost Reduction: It eliminates the need for travel expenses or appointment fees associated with attending a separate biometric collection session.
- Faster Processing: By enabling earlier submission of biometric data, the app can potentially contribute to shorter overall visa processing times.
The Australian Immi App is set to continue its global rollout, with full worldwide deployment anticipated by early 2026. The app is freely available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, promising an easy-to-use interface.
Source: AN10 News
