Navigating the biometrics requirement for an Australian visa can be a logistical headache, especially if you face a long journey to get to an official collection center. The good news is that the Australian Government has radically simplified this process via the Australian Immi App, allowing thousands of applicants to skip physical appointments entirely.

However, whether you can use it depends entirely on where you are located, the visa letter you received, and your biometric history.

The Quick Eligibility Check

You can only bypass an in-person appointment at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC) and use the app if you tick every single box below:

• Location: You must be physically located in one of the 47 approved offshore countries where the app is supported.
• The “AUI” Code: Your official Requirement to Provide Personal Identifiers letter must feature a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) that starts with the letters “AUI”. If it doesn’t start with AUI, you are legally required to book an appointment with a local provider like VFS Global or TLScontact.
• Biometric History: Because the app only scans facial structures, adult applicants must have previously provided their fingerprints and photo to the Department of Home Affairs on a past visa application. (Exception: All children under 5 can use the app even if it is their first time).
• Hardware: You need a smartphone with an working camera, an active internet connection, and NFC (Near-Field Communication) enabled to read your passport’s electronic e-chip.

Is Your Country on the Approved List?

The Department of Home Affairs expanded the digital footprint of the Offshore Biometric Collection Program to 47 countries.

Approved Countries (Alphabetical)

Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Fiji, France, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand (third-country nationals), Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia (third-country nationals), South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Türkiye, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

How the Digital Submission Workflow Operates

If you meet the criteria, the process is asynchronous and takes less than 10 minutes from your smartphone:

1.Download & Enter the VLN:

Get the official Australian Immi App (free via iOS or Android). Use your phone’s camera to scan the barcode on your official immigration letter, or type in the “AUI” code manually.

2.E-Chip Passport Scan:

Remove your phone case. Open your passport to the data page and rest the back of your phone directly on top of the passport cover. The app will utilize NFC to extract your secure biometric data page details from the internal e-chip.

3.Capture Your Live Facial Image:

Stand completely flat against a light-colored, plain wall. Ensure no hair covers your eyes and remove your glasses. Look straight into the highlighted screen frame until the red boundary turns green to auto-capture your live portrait.

4.Confirm and Submit:

Review your details on the summary screen and click submit. The data transmits securely to the Department of Home Affairs, and your ImmiAccount status will instantly update to indicate your requirements are satisfied.

What Happens if You Aren’t Eligible?

If your country isn’t supported, you haven’t given biometrics before, or your letter lacks an “AUI” prefix, you must follow the standard route:

[ Letter Missing “AUI” Prefix / No Biometric History ]

                          │

  [ Book Appointment with VFS Global / TLScontact ]

                          │

  [ Attend Centre in Person for Facial + 10-Fingerprint Scan ]

Warning on Deadlines: Do not delay your submission. Standard visa rules specify you must satisfy a biometrics request within 14 days of receiving your letter. Failing to do so or letting the app timeframe lapse can cause an immediate visa refusal.