Biometrics in Offshore Visa Processing
Frequently asked questions for clients - France
What is the Biometrics in Offshore Visa Processing Program (the program)?
The program is an Australian Government initiative that introduces biometric collection into the offshore visa application process.
What are biometrics?
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.
Why is biometrics collection being introduced?
The government is undertaking this program to strengthen Australia's response to national security and identity fraud risks by increasing its capacity to identify overseas visa applicants.
How will biometrics be collected? What biometrics will be collected?
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.
When will the program start?
Which countries are included in the program?
The program has already commenced in Bahrain, Bangladesh, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
Biometrics collection will commence in France on 31 May 2011.
How will biometrics collection be implemented in France?
Australia and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement to share a global network of biometrics collection facilities. Clients in France must first send their completed visa application to the Australian Embassy in Madrid. You may then be notified in writing by the Visa Office in Madrid to provide your biometrics at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in France.
For more information about lodging your application in Madrid please visit Australian Embassy Madrid
Where is the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in France?
The Australian Biometrics Collection Centre is located at:
18 rue des Prony,
92600 Asnieres-sur-Seine.
The nearest Metro station is Gabriel Peri on Line 13.
Who is Australia’s Service Delivery Partner in France?
WorldBridge Service, a division of the Computer Sciences Corporation, has been contracted by the Australian Government to provide biometrics collection services in France.
Does the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre make a decision about my visa application?
No. All visa applications will be assessed and decided by the Visa Office at the Australian Embassy in Madrid in accordance with Australian migration legislation and policy.
Will it be necessary to make an appointment to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre?
No. However it is strongly recommended that you do make an appointment to avoid any unnecessary delays at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre.
Please note:
• You should not make an appointment or attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre until you have been notified by the Visa Office in Madrid. You will receive a letter or email from the Visa Office in Madrid, after you have lodged your application, advising you that you are required to provide your biometrics.
• Each person included in the visa application must attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person to have their biometrics collected.
Will the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre offer services in languages other than English?
The Australian Biometrics Collection Centre will provide services in English and French.
Who needs to provide biometrics?
If you are in France when you lodge your visa application, regardless of your nationality, you may be required to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre to provide your biometrics, unless you are excluded or exempt. If you are required to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre, you will receive a letter or email from the Visa Office in Madrid, after you have lodged your application, advising you that you are required to provide your biometrics.
For a list of included visa subclasses see Attachment A.
Who is excluded or exempt from providing biometrics?
Applicants who apply online and meet the requirements for an electronic visa or Electronic Travel Authority are excluded from the program. French citizens can apply online for an electronic visa or Electronic Travel Authority. For more information please visit www.immi.gov.au
Some people are exempt from providing biometrics, for example Heads of State and accredited diplomats.
For a list of excluded and exempt people see Attachment B.
I want to lodge my visa application electronically. Do I still have to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre?
If you apply online and meet the requirements for an electronic visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) you will not have to provide biometrics ETA and E Visas
However, if your online lodgement is unsuccessful then you will need to send a paper-based application to the Australian Embassy in Madrid. You will receive a letter or e mail from the Visa Office in Madrid, after you have lodged your application, advising you that you are required to provide your biometrics.
Will biometrics be collected from Australian citizens?
No. Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need to provide their biometrics.
Will biometrics be collected from minors, incapable persons or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan?
Applicants less than 15 years of age, incapable persons, or those who are physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan will only need to provide a facial photograph.
Minors aged 15 or more but less than 18 years of age will need to provide both fingerprint scans and a facial photograph.
What is the definition of an incapable person?
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 is not limited to, persons with an intellectual disability.
Can a parent or legal guardian be present when biometrics are collected?
Yes. If an applicant is less than 18 years of age or is incapable according to the Act, a parent or legal guardian will be asked to give consent and be present when the applicant provides their biometrics.
Will I be charged an additional fee for the collection of biometrics?
No. The biometrics collection process will be free of charge.
How long does it take to collect biometrics?
Biometrics collection should only take a matter of minutes for each person. The average appointment time at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre is less than 10 minutes.
Will biometrics collection increase the processing time for visa applications?
The introduction of biometrics collection is a new step in the visa application process and may increase processing time in some cases. Applicants will need to lodge a complete visa application with the Visa Office in Madrid, including all supporting documentation, and provide biometrics at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Paris.
What will happen to my biometric records?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) values your privacy. Your facial images and fingerprint scans will be kept on secure departmental databases.
Only authorised officers under the Act, as regulated by the Privacy Act 1988, may access biometric records.
Who has access to biometric records?
Under the Act, the department is allowed to provide biometrics for permitted purposes to certain Australian Government departments, agencies and other countries.
The purposes may include verifying identity, combating identity fraud or determining if an applicant has a criminal history.
How long are biometric records kept by the department?
The department retains client files, which may include information such as photographs and fingerprints, for over 80 years. Storage and disposal of biometric data is regulated by the Act and the Archives Act 1983.
I am a regular visitor to Australia.
Will I need to provide my biometrics each time I apply for a visa?
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.
What are the benefits of biometrics collection?
Collecting biometrics:
• better protects you from identity fraud
• makes travel to Australia safer
• strengthens Australia’s border security
• improves national security.
Are there restrictions on what I can wear for the photograph?
Yes. Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. This means you cannot:
• have hair that covers the eyes
• 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).
If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to above the eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should be displayed. You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken.
Will I still be required to provide fingerprint scans if any of my fingers are missing, decorated or injured?
Yes. If you have fingers missing, you will still need to provide scans of your remaining fingers. Staff at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre 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 Australian Biometrics Collection Centre when the injury has healed.
If you have a temporary decoration, such as mehndi, you should advise the Visa Section at the Australian Embassy in Madrid before lodging your visa application to determine whether a scan will be possible.
I have an injury to my face. Can I still apply for a visa?
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.
What if my religious beliefs do not allow me to have my fingerprints scanned or my photograph taken?
It is widely accepted that most religious beliefs permit fingerprint scans and the taking of photographs for official and legal purposes.
Is the fingerprint scanning machine safe?
Yes. The fingerprint scanning machine complies with all relevant international and Australian safety standards.
Can I pick up germs from the scanning machine?
The glass scanning surface is cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
What if I refuse to provide my biometrics?
If an immigration officer requires you in writing to provide your biometrics under Section 46 of the Act and you fail to comply with the requirement, your application will be invalidated.
Will I need to travel to the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre? Will this increase my costs?
Yes. You need to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person to provide your biometrics. This travel will be at your own cost.
Can I still lodge my visa application through an agent?
You may continue to lodge your visa application at the Australian Embassy in Madrid through an agent. If you have applied for an included visa subclass (see Attachment A), you will need to wait for written advice from the Visa Office in Madrid to provide biometrics before making an appointment at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre.
Who will send me my passport and Australian visa?
If the Visa Office in Madrid has possession of your passport, they will return it directly to you by mail or courier to the postal address you specified in your application.
I will be lodging a visa application that includes my family. Will all my family members have to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre?
Yes. All persons included in the visa application must attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre to provide their biometrics unless excluded or exempt (see Attachment B).
Can someone accompany me when attending the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre?
The Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Paris will generally only admit clients who have lodged applications and have been notified by the Visa Office in Madrid to provide their biometrics, and parents or legal guardians of applicants less than 18 years of age.
Where can I direct feedback about the service at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Paris?
You can provide direct feedback to an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre through their local complaints handling process.
Feedback regarding the services provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship can be provided through:
www.immi.gov.au/contacts/forms/services/services-form.htm
Or, you can post written feedback to:
The Client Feedback Coordinator
GPO Box 241
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia
Is there any additional information available about the biometrics program?
If you would like more information on the program please visit: www.immi.gov.au/allforms/biometrics
ATTACHMENT A
List of visa subclasses that require biometrics to be collected from visa applicants
Permanent Family Visas
100 Partner
101 Child
102 Adoption
114 Aged Dependent Relative
115 Remaining Relative
116 Carer
117 Orphan Relative
Temporary Family Visas
300 Prospective Marriage
309 Partner (Provisional)
445 Dependent Child
461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (Temporary)
Visitors and Other Temporary Visas
302 Emergency (Permanent Visa Applicant)
303 Emergency (Temporary Visa Applicant)
406 Government Agreement
411 Exchange
415 Foreign Government Agency
417 Working Holiday*
419 Visiting Academic
421 Sport
423 Media and Film Staff
426 Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic or Consular
427 Domestic Worker (Temporary) Executive
428 Religious Worker
456 Business (Short Stay) *
457 Business (Long Stay)*
462 Work and Holiday
675 Medical Treatment (Short Stay)
676 Tourist *
685 Medical Treatment (Long Stay)
771 Transit
Student Visas
570 Independent ELICOS Sector*
571 Schools Sector*
572 Vocational Education and Training Sector*
573 Higher Education Sector*
574 Postgraduate Research Sector*
575 Non-Award Sector*
576 AusAID or Defence Sector
580 Student Guardian
People who will need to provide biometrics in France
* Applicants who are eligible for and are then granted an electronic visa will not need to provide biometrics. For a list of eligible passports for electronic visas, please see www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/
- Applicants lodging paper-based visa applications in France for any of the visa subclasses above will need to provide biometrics.
ATTACHMENT B
Persons and categories of visa applicants exempt or excluded from having their biometrics collected
Applicants lodging paper-based visa applications (as listed in Attachment A) in the selected participating countries will need to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph) at an Australian Visa Application Centre unless exempt or excluded.
Persons Excluded from the First Stage of the Biometrics in Offshore Visa Processing Program
Australian citizens and Australian Permanent Residents
Applicants for an Australian Declaratory Visa or Australian citizenship
New Zealand citizens
Applicants who are eligible to apply for, and have been granted, an Australian visa online (including Electronic Travel Authority)
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders
Persons Exempt from Biometrics Collection
Sovereigns, Heads of State and members of their families forming part of their household, whether travelling officially or privately
Heads of Government, Cabinet Ministers and their immediate family members travelling to Australia, whether travelling officially or privately
Diplomats and consular officers accredited to Australia and their dependants (dependants must also be accredited and hold a subclass 995 visa)
Senior government officials and senior officials of international inter-government organisations (including the Commonwealth) and accompanying family members
Diplomatic Passport Holders visiting Australia on official business for their government and Diplomatic Couriers
Special Purpose Visa (SPV) holders