The Biometrics Collection Process
On this page:
Where will biometrics be collected?
Biometrics will be collected at Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) or Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs) 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.
A video on how biometrics are collected is available.
See: Biometrics collection at Australian Visa Application Centres
Affected clients will need to attend an AVAC in person to provide their biometrics and lodge their visa application or attend an ABCC to provide their biometrics only.
See: Contact an Australian Visa Application Centre
How much will it cost?
There will be no additional fee for the collection of biometrics, however clients will still need to pay the standard visa application charge. AVACs and ABCCs may offer additional optional services on a fee-for-service basis.
Safekeeping and use of biometric data
Facial images and fingerprint scans will be kept on secure departmental databases. Only authorised officers under the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) as regulated by the Privacy Act 1988, may access the biometrics of applicants.
Under the Act, the department is allowed to provide the fingerprints and photographs of applicants to certain Australian Government departments and agencies in addition to international organisations and countries for a permitted purpose. This includes, for the purpose of verifying identity, checking whether a client has effective protection in another country, combating identity fraud or determining if the client has a criminal history. In all cases where biometric data is provided to other agencies or countries, the department will take steps to protect the client’s privacy.
Minors and incapable persons
Applicants under 15 years of age, incapable persons, or those who are physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan will only need to provide a facial photograph.
Minors 15 years of age and over and less than 18 years of age will need to provide both fingerprint scans and a facial photograph.