Biometric Collection for clients in France

Introduction of Biometrics Collection in France

From 31 May 2011, applicants in France, regardless of nationality, lodging paper-based visa applications may be required to provide their biometrics. In line with current visa application lodgement requirements, applicants should continue to send their visa application to the Australian Embassy Madrid, Spain. The Visa Office of the Australian Embassy Madrid will then notify applicants in writing of the requirement to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Paris, in person, to provide their biometrics. A 10-digit fingerprint scan and a digital facial photograph will be collected.

For a list of visa subclasses that require biometrics to be collected from visa applicants, see the Inclusions list on the DIAC website.

Some persons are exempt from providing biometrics, for example Heads of State and accredited diplomats. For categories of applicants exempt or excluded from biometric data collection, see the Exemptions and exclusions list on the DIAC website.

For more information on the biometric collection process:
See: Biometrics Collection Process
The Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Paris is located at:

WorldBridge Service
18 rue de Prony,
92600 Asnières Sur Seine,
France

Notes

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 DIAC website.

French citizens who hold French passports are eligible to apply for electronic visas.

Clients lodging applications for Resident Return and Australian Declaratory visas, or for Australian Citizenship by Descent will not need to provide their biometrics.

Visa Application Process

Step 1

Select a visa subclass that is appropriate for the purpose of your travel to Australia and download the relevant visa application form from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website

Step 2

Your visa application may require supporting documentation. Please refer to the relevant application form to determine the list of supporting documentation required for your visa.

Step 3

Organise payment of the visa fees by credit card (VISA and MASTERCARD only). Visa fees can be found on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website.

Step 4

Post your completed and signed application form, visa application fee and any supporting documentation to the Australian Embassy Madrid:

Australian Embassy Madrid
Torre Espacio
Level 24
Paseo de la Castellana, 259 D
28046 Madrid
Spain

Important note: Do not include your passport with your application. If your passport is required, the Visa Office in Madrid will notify you in writing.

Step 5

The Visa Office in the Australian Embassy Madrid may notify you in writing of the requirement to attend the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) in Paris, in person, to provide your biometrics.

If you are required to provide biometrics, make an appointment with the ABCC in Paris to have your biometrics collected.

Step 6

Attend the ABCC in Paris and have your biometrics collected. It is essential you take your letter from the Australian Embassy Madrid and your passport (for identification purposes) with you to the ABCC. Any other applicants identified in the letter from the Embassy will also need to provide their passport for identification purposes.

The ABCC will collect a 10-digit fingerprint scan and a digital facial photograph.

Note: The Visa Office in the Australian Embassy Madrid may request additional information, which must be submitted directly to the Australian Embassy Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions         

Fact Sheet

Apply early and travel on time