| Q.1 |
What is the Biometrics in Offshore Visa Processing Program (the program)? |
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| Ans |
The program is an Australian Government initiative that introduces biometric collection into the offshore visa application process. |
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| Q.2 |
What are biometrics? |
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| Ans |
The term 'biometrics' commonly refers to measurable physical characteristics or personal behavioural traits that are unique to an individual such as fingerprints, facial structure, the iris or a person's voice. |
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| Q.3 |
Why is biometric data collection being introduced? |
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The government is undertaking this program to strengthen Australia's national security by increasing its capacity to identify overseas clients. |
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| Q.4 |
What biometrics will be collected? How will they be collected? |
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| Ans |
Biometrics will be collected 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. |
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| Q.5 |
When will the program start? Which countries are included in the first stage of the program? |
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Biometrics collection will commence at selected locations from late 2010. The first stage of the program will include visa applications processed at ten posts across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Locations will be announced as they are rolled out. |
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| Q.6 |
How will biometrics collection be implemented in the offshore visa application process? |
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Australia and the UK have signed an agreement to share a global network of Visa Application Centres (VACs) with biometrics collection facilities.. |
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| Q.7 |
What are Visa Application Centres (VACs)? |
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VACs are offices run by commercial service delivery partners contracted to the Australian Government to provide visa application lodgement and biometrics collection services to clients. |
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| Q.8 |
Does the Visa Application Centre (VAC) make a decision about my visa application? |
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| Ans |
No. All applications will be assessed and decided by the visa and immigration office at the Australian Mission in accordance with Australian migration legislation and policy. |
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| Q.9 |
Will it be necessary to make an appointment to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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| Ans |
Yes. Appointments at a VAC are necessary for biometrics collection.
Please note that each person included in the visa application must attend the VAC in person to have their biometrics collected. |
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| Q.10 |
Will the Visa Application Centre (VAC) offer services in languages other than English? |
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VACs provide services in English and in the main language of the region. You can contact your relevant VAC for more information on languages spoken by staff. |
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| Q.11 |
Who is required to provide biometrics? |
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If you lodge a paper-based visa application in selected locations, regardless of your nationality, you will need to attend a Visa Application Centre to lodge your application and provide biometrics.
For a list of included visa subclasses see Attachment A and for exempt clients see Attachment B.
Clients who apply online and meet the requirements for an electronic visa or Electronic Travel Authority are excluded from the program.
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| Q.12 |
Who might be exempt from providing biometrics? |
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Some people are exempt from providing biometrics, for example Heads of State and accredited diplomats. For a list of exempt clients, see Attachment B..
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| Q.13 |
Will biometrics be collected from Australian citizens? |
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No. Australian citizens and permanent residents will not be required to provide their biometrics.
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| Q.14 |
Will biometrics be collected from minors, incapable persons or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan? |
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Clients under 15 years of age or those who are physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan will need to provide a facial photograph.
Minors aged between 15 and 18 years of age will need to provide both fingerprint scans and a facial photograph.
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| Q.15 |
What is the definition of an incapable person? |
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The Migration Act 1958 (the Act) defines an incapable person as someone who is incapable of understanding the general nature, effect and purpose of a requirement to provide a personal identifier such as biometrics.
The definition of an incapable person includes (but isn’t limited to) persons with an intellectual disability and persons with a medical condition.
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| Q.16 |
Can a parent or legal guardian be present when biometrics are collected? |
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Yes. If a client is under 18 years of age or is incapable according to the Act, a parent or legal guardian must give consent and be present when the client provides their biometrics. |
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| Q.17 |
Will I be charged an additional fee for the collection of my biometrics? |
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No. The biometrics collection process will be free of charge; however you will still need to pay the visa application charge.
Visa Application Centres (VAC) may offer additional optional services, such as courier or photocopying, which you may choose to use on a fee-for-service basis.
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| Q.18 |
How long does it take to have my biometrics collected and to lodge my application? |
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Biometrics collection should only take a matter of minutes for each person. The average appointment at a Visa Application Centre, including time for biometrics collection and application lodgement, is around 10 minutes.
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| Q.19 |
Will biometrics collection increase the processing time for my visa application? |
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The introduction of biometrics is a new step in the visa application process, however in the majority of cases it will not increase the overall processing time.
Processing time may be reduced if you lodge a complete application, including supporting documentation, and provide your biometrics as required.
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| Q.20 |
Will I have access to mobile biometrics collection devices? |
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No. Mobile biometrics collection facilities will not be available during the first stage of the program.
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| Q.21 |
What will happen to my biometrics? |
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The department values your privacy. Facial images and fingerprint scans will be kept on secure departmental databases.
Only authorised officers under the Migration Act 1958 and the Privacy Act 1988 may access clients’ biometrics. |
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| Q.22 |
Who has access to biometric records? |
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Under the Act, the department is allowed to provide clients’ biometrics for permitted purposes to certain Australian Government departments, agencies and countries.
The purposes may include verifying identity, combating identity fraud or determining if a client has a criminal history. |
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| Q.23 |
How long will biometrics be kept by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
(the department)? |
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The department retains client files, which may include information such as fingerprints and photographs, for over 80 years. Storage and disposal of biometric data is regulated by the Migration Act 1958 and the Archives Act 1983. |
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| Q.24 |
I am a regular visitor to Australia. Will I need to provide my biometrics each time I apply for a visa? |
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Yes. Each time you apply for an Australian visa you will need to provide your biometrics. If you visit Australia on a regular basis, you may consider applying for a multiple entry visa. |
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| Q.25 |
What are the benefits of biometrics collection? |
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Collecting biometrics:
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better protects clients from identity fraud
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makes travel to Australia safer |
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strengthens Australia’s border security, and |
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improves national security. |
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| Q.26 |
Are there restrictions on what I can wear for the digital photograph? |
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Yes. Your face must be clearly visible for a digital photograph to be taken. This means that you cannot:
Collecting biometrics:
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have hair that covers the eyes
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wear a hat or scarf or any other item that obscures the face, hair or neck (with the exception of religious head coverings detailed below). |
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You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken. If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should also be displayed. |
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| Q.27 |
Will I still be required to provide finger scans if any of my fingers are missing, decorated or injured? |
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Yes. If you have fingers missing, you will still need to provide scans of your remaining fingers. Staff at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) will make a record on your file of any missing scans.
If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, you should make an appointment with the VAC when the injury has healed.
If you have a temporary decoration, such as mehendi, you should advise the VAC when booking your appointment to determine whether a scan will be possible. |
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| Q.28 |
I have an injury to my face. Can I still apply for a visa? |
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If you have a non-permanent facial injury, you are advised to wait until the injury has healed before having your photograph taken and lodging your visa application. |
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| Q.29 |
What if my religious beliefs do not allow me to have my fingerprints scanned or my photograph taken? |
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It is widely accepted that most religious beliefs permit finger scans and the taking of photographs for official and legal purposes. |
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| Q.30 |
Is the fingerprint scanning machine safe? |
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Yes. The fingerprint scanning machine complies with all relevant international and Australian safety standards. It does not use ink, liquids or chemicals |
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| Q.31 |
Can I pick up germs from the scanning machine? |
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No. The machine used to collect fingerprint scans does not use ink, liquids or chemicals. The glass scanning surface will be cleaned after each use. |
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| Q.32 |
What if I refuse to provide my biometrics? |
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If an officer directs you to provide biometrics and you refuse to do so, your application may be invalidated. |
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| Q.33 |
Do I have to make an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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Yes. You will need to make an appointment with a VAC to lodge your visa application and/or provide your biometrics.
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| Q.34 |
Who might be exempt from providing biometrics? |
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Some people are exempt from providing biometrics, for example Heads of State and accredited diplomats. For a list of exempt clients, see Attachment B..
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| Q.35 |
Where are the Visa Application Centres (VACs) located? |
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VACs will usually be located in the capital cities of the countries participating in the program.
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| Q.36 |
Can I lodge my visa application at any Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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No. You can only provide your biometrics and lodge your visa application at VACs participating in the program.
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| Q.37 |
Will I need to travel to a Visa Application Centre (VAC)? Will this increase my costs? |
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Yes. You are required to attend a VAC in person to provide your biometrics and/or lodge your visa application. This travel will be at your own cost.
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| Q.38 |
Can I still lodge my visa application through an agent? |
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You may continue to lodge your visa application through an agent only if you are exempt from biometrics collection. However, if you apply for an included visa subclass (see Attachment A) you will need to provide your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. |
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| Q.39 |
Can I go directly to the Australian Mission and lodge my visa application? |
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If you are lodging a paper-based application for an Australian visa, you will be required to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to provide your biometrics. Therefore it will be quicker for you to provide biometrics and lodge your application at the same time at a VAC.
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| Q.40 |
I want to lodge my visa application electronically. Do I still have to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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If you apply online and meet the requirements for an electronic visa or Electronic Travel Authority you will not have to provide biometrics. However, if your online lodgement is unsuccessful then you may be required to attend a VAC to lodge a paper-based application and provide biometrics.
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| Q.41 |
Where do I collect my visa and passport? |
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You will be able to pre-arrange your preferred visa and passport collection method when attending the relevant Visa Application Centre.
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| Q.42 |
I will be lodging a visa application that includes my family. Will all my family members have to attend the Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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Yes. All persons included in the visa application must attend the VAC to provide their biometrics unless exempt (see Attachment B).
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| Q.43 |
Can someone accompany me when attending a Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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VACs will only admit clients with an appointment, especially during peak times. If you have special requirements, you should check with the VAC when you make your appointment. |
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| Q.44 |
Where can I direct feedback about the service at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)? |
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You can provide direct feedback to a VAC through their local complaints handling process.
Feedback regarding the services provided by the department can be provided through:
http://feedback.immi.gov.au/prod/feedback.htm.
Or, you can post written feedback to:
The Client Feedback Coordinator
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia. |
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| Q.44 |
Will additional information be available? |
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If you would like more information on the program please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au. |
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