Australia has expanded access to its Immi App, enabling travellers from 34 countries to submit biometric information via smartphone and significantly speed up visa processing. The move, announced in late 2025 by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), is part of the government’s ongoing effort to streamline visa procedures, reduce costs, and improve convenience for international applicants.
The Immi App, first launched in select countries, allows eligible applicants to complete key identity verification steps, including passport scans and facial biometrics — without needing to visit a physical biometric collection centre. With the latest expansion, citizens of Australia’s key visa markets, including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Pakistan, can now use the app to submit their biometric data directly from their smartphones.
For applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, which include holding a valid passport, possessing a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) beginning with “AUI” or “AUH,” and having previously submitted fingerprints and facial images to DHA, the Immi App offers a faster and more convenient alternative to in-person biometric appointments. Using an NFC-enabled smartphone or a device with a good camera, applicants can scan their passport, take a live selfie for facial biometrics, and submit the information securely through the app. Once processed, the applicant’s ImmiAccount is updated within approximately 24 hours, reducing the overall visa processing timeline.
The expansion addresses a long-standing challenge for visa applicants in countries where travel to biometric collection centres is costly or logistically difficult. Previously, many applicants had to travel long distances to reach centres in major cities, resulting in delays and additional expenses. With the Immi App, those obstacles are largely removed, allowing travellers to complete the biometric step from home or another convenient location.
Authorities emphasise that while the Immi App facilitates biometric submission, it does not guarantee visa approval. All other eligibility requirements for the relevant visa category still apply, and the final decision remains with the DHA. Additionally, applicants must ensure their smartphones meet technical requirements, including camera quality, NFC capability for chip-enabled passports, and stable internet connectivity, to successfully complete the submission process.
The Australian government describes the move as a significant step toward digital transformation in immigration management. By enabling remote biometric submissions, the Immi App not only accelerates processing times but also reduces administrative pressure on visa offices and streamlines resources. Analysts suggest that the technology-driven approach could set a model for other countries seeking to modernise visa processing systems while maintaining security and identity verification standards.
The 34-country expansion is part of a broader plan to eventually make the Immi App available worldwide. Officials have indicated that by early 2026, nearly all international applicants will be able to submit their biometrics remotely, representing a major shift in how the Australian visa system operates. The timing is also notable, as global demand for Australian visas remains strong due to increasing migration for education, work, and tourism purposes.
For applicants in the newly eligible countries, the app offers not only convenience but also flexibility. Instead of rearranging travel plans or incurring extra costs to attend biometric appointments, users can complete this critical step on their own schedule. The DHA advises eligible applicants to carefully follow instructions for passport scanning and capturing facial biometrics to ensure the information is submitted correctly and accepted without delay.
Experts note that while the Immi App improves efficiency, it also highlights the importance of digital literacy and access to technology in the immigration process. Applicants without access to compatible devices or reliable internet may still need to visit a biometric collection centre. The government encourages such individuals to contact their nearest Australian visa office for guidance.
The expansion of the Immi App demonstrates Australia’s commitment to leveraging technology for more efficient and accessible immigration processes. By integrating smartphone-based biometrics, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of digital immigration solutions, benefiting both applicants and administrative agencies. For travellers from India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Pakistan, the process of applying for an Australian visa has become faster, safer, and more convenient than ever before.
