Visa applicants in Australia must schedule biometrics appointments

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Applicants in Australia applying for visas to India must schedule an appointment online with a visa center to sit for fingerprints and digital facial imaging.

What does the change mean? As of Jan. 1, applications will no longer be accepted on a walk-in basis.

• Implementation timeframe: Jan. 1, 2015.
• Visas/permits affected: All visas to India and other consular services, including Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards and passports.
• Who is affected: Australian applicants for visas and other consular services.
• Impact on processing times: Applicants may have to wait for an appointment.
• Next steps: Affected applicants should plan to apply online and schedule an appointment with a visa center as soon as possible.

Background: The mandatory biometrics appointment is part of India’s Immigration, Visa and Foreigners’ Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) program. Visa applicants in Australia must schedule an appointment through the visa center’s website to submit their applications and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and digital photos.

BAL Analysis: Applicants should make an appointment as early as possible to avoid the rush. All visa applicants must first apply online and then appear in person, by appointment, at a visa center. Note that applicants for other consular services, such as OCI cards and passports, have the option of submitting their application by mail or courier.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.