Australia Extends the Immi App for Visa Biometrics to 47 Countries; Complete Rollout in 2026
Now available in 47 countries, Australia's Immi App allows qualified visa applicants to submit passport information and face biometrics via smartphone without having to go to a biometric center.
Australia is discreetly altering the biometric submission process for visa applicants. Many travelers can now use the Australian Immi App on their phone to finish the process instead of going to a visa office.
In the most recent launch, the Department of Home Affairs added 13 new areas, bringing the app's reach to 47 countries. The other nations in the biometric program are anticipated to be included in early 2026, according to authorities, bringing the system closer to becoming entirely digital.
Examine their passport.
For face biometrics, take a selfie.
Send in your identity information safely
Finish the biometric process at home.
The objective is straightforward. Cut down on paperwork, save time, and eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings.
On October 2, 2024, the app was initially made available to candidates in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Australia has progressively increased access globally since then.
Timeline of Expansion: From 5 to 47 Countries
The rollout has taken place in stages:
October 2024: Five Pacific countries launch the app
December 2025: Increased to 34 nations
2026 update: 47 countries are now accessible
Early 2026: All biometric nations are anticipated to receive a full rollout.
This consistent growth demonstrates Australia's transition to a more digital immigration system.
Complete List of 47 Nations Accepting the Australian Immigration App
If invited by the Department of Home Affairs, qualified candidates in the following nations may utilize the app:
Step 1: Enter the VLN (Visa Lodgement Number).
From the biometric request letter, applicants input the VLN. Typically, the number starts with AUI. There are two methods to add the VLN:
Examine the letter's barcode.
Manually enter the number.
Every applicant will have their own VLN, including family members.
Step 2: Scan and chip the passport data page
The program uses NFC technology to read the electronic chip after scanning the passport photo page. Candidates need to:
Go to the personal details page by opening the passport.
Put your phone over your passport.
Steer clear of shadows and brightness.
Make sure the entire page is viewable.
If the passport has a chip, the phone scans it by placing the device on the passport cover, and the app verifies that the scan was successful.
Step 3: Verify Passport Information
Passport details show up on the screen after scanning. Candidates need to check that the details match those on their passport. The passport needs to be scanned again if it is inaccurate.
Step 4: Capture a Biometric Image of Your Face
Candidates must follow the on-screen directions to shoot a selfie. Some useful advice is as follows:
Position yourself in front of a light-colored, basic wall.
Look straight into the camera.
Keep your eyes visible and open.
Take off your glasses if you can.
Steer clear of facial shadows
Make sure the picture doesn't include any other persons.
Once the face is positioned appropriately, the software immediately takes the picture.
Step 5: Send in the Identity Verification
The software safely transmits passport information and facial biometrics to the Department of Home Affairs once all procedures have been completed.
After submission, personal information is not stored by the app. Additionally, applicants can opt to receive an email confirmation. ImmiAccount is often updated in a day.
Important Advantages for Travelers
One of the most laborious processes in the visa application process is eliminated by the app.
Among the main benefits are:
No requirement to go to biometric collection facilities
Quicker processing of applications for visas
Free to utilize
Easy-to-follow directions
Safe identity confirmation
Beneficial for tourists that reside far from visa offices
This can save waiting times and travel expenses for a lot of applications.
Who Is Able to Utilize the Australian Immi App?
At the moment, the app is primarily accessible to candidates who:
obtained a formal invitation to utilize the digital method, or already submitted biometrics at an Australian collecting center
The kind of visa and the country of application may determine eligibility.
What This Means for Upcoming Applications for Australian Visas
It is evident that Australia is heading toward digital identification verification. Many nations already have similar systems in place for mobile passport control and airport eGates.
The majority of visa applicants might not even need to visit physical biometric centers after the global rollout is finished.
This might speed up and ease the visa application process for travelers, students, and skilled workers.
