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The process of applying for an Australian visa often raises many questions for applicants, especially regarding the waiting time after completing steps such as biometric fingerprinting. This article will provide clear information on the common concern: “How long does it take to get an Australian visa after biometrics?” as well as a detailed guide on how to effectively and accurately check your visa status.
Biometrics is an important part of the Australian visa application procedure, which includes fingerprint collection (finger scanning) and facial photography. The Australian Government requires biometric data collection in order to::
Verify the applicant’s identity
Prevent identity fraud
Strengthen border security
Speed up the immigration process at airports
Fingerprinting in the Australian visa application process
Most Australian visa applicants are required to provide biometrics, which includes:
Tourist visa applicants
Student visa applicants
Work visa applicants
Permanent residency visa applicants
Family reunion visa applicants
However, certain groups are exempt from providing biometrics, such as:
Children under 5 years old
Applicants with physical difficulties preventing fingerprint collection
Diplomats and their families
New Zealand citizens applying under visa subclass 444
The fingerprinting process when applying for an Australian visa:
Book an appointment: After submitting your visa application, you will receive an instruction letter to schedule your biometrics appointment at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or at the Department of Home Affairs office.
Prepare documents: Bring your original passport, the biometric appointment letter, and any other required documents as instructed.
Biometrics collection:
Capture 10 fingerprints using an electronic scanner
Take a facial photograph
The process usually takes only about 5–10 minutes
You will be given a confirmation receipt once the biometric collection is completed.
The time from providing biometrics to receiving the Australian visa result depends on various factors, particularly the type of visa you are applying for:
The waiting time for an Australian visa after biometrics depends on various factors.
Tourist Visa (Subclass 600):
Average processing time: 20–30 days after biometrics
Fastest cases: 5–7 business days
Longest cases: 1–2 months
Student Visa (Subclass 500):
Average processing time: 4–6 weeks after biometrics
Priority processing before course commencement date
Recommended to apply 2–3 months in advance
Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 482):
Average processing time: 4–8 weeks after biometrics
Priority cases may be processed faster
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188, 132):
Average processing time: 6–9 months after biometrics
May take up to 12–18 months in some cases
Family Reunion Visa (Subclass 309/100, 820/801):
Average processing time: 12–18 months after biometrics
Usually the longest processing time among visa types
Completeness of the application: The more complete and accurate the documents, the faster the processing time.
Peak seasons: Processing may take longer during peak travel and study periods (May–July and November–January).
Additional checks: If further information needs to be verified or additional medical examinations are required.
Applicant’s nationality: Citizens of certain countries may undergo more thorough security checks.
Current circumstances: Policy changes, pandemics, or special events may affect processing times.
Submit a complete application from the start: Make sure all documents are accurate and fully prepared.
Respond quickly: Provide additional information to the Australian Department of Home Affairs as soon as requested.
Request urgent processing: In certain cases (humanitarian reasons, medical needs, important work commitments), you may apply for priority processing.
Use a reputable visa agent: Experienced agents can help track progress and handle procedures more effectively.
ImmiAccount is the official and most reliable way to check the status of your Australian visa:
There are several ways to check your Australian visa status
Step 1: Log in to your ImmiAccount at: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
Step 2: After logging in, select "My applications" to view the list of applications you have submitted.
Step 3: Click on the visa application you want to check for more details.
Step 4: Here, you can see the current status of your visa application:
"Received": your application has been received and is awaiting processing
"Initial assessment": your application is undergoing an initial assessment
"Further assessment": your application is under further review
"Finalised": your application has been completed (either approved or refused))
In addition, you may also see notifications about requests for additional documents, information about the officer assigned to your application, and other updates.
VEVO (visa entitlement verification online) is a system that allows you to check the details of a granted visa:
Step 1: Visit: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/overview
Step 2: Select "check your own visa details with VEVO"
Step 3: Log in using one of the following methods:
ImmiAccount
Visa grant number
Passport number and personal details
Step 4: After logging in, you can view:
Type of visa granted
Expiry date
Visa conditions
Number of permitted entries
Vevo only works once your visa has been granted, and is not applicable for applications still under processing.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs will send notifications via email in the following cases:
Request for additional information or documents
Notification of visa outcome
Updates on the processing progress
Note: Please check your spam/junk folder as important emails may sometimes be directed there.
If you submitted your application through a registered migration agent (MARA agent):
Check Australian visa through a migration agent such as NVK Travel
Agents have special access to the Department of Home Affairs system
They can check more detailed application status
They can contact case officers directly
In urgent cases or when other methods are not accessible:
Within Australia: Call 131 881
Outside Australia: Call +61 2 6196 0196
Notes:
Prepare information in advance: application number, passport number, date of birth
Waiting times can be long, especially during peak seasons
Some detailed information may not be provided over the phone due to security reasons
The visa application has been submitted and received into the system
Not yet allocated to a case officer
Usually accompanied by an acknowledgement receipt and application number
The application has been assigned to a case officer
Undergoing more detailed assessment
May include background, security, and health checks
The application is actively being assessed
Undergoing more detailed assessment
May include background, security, and health checks
The application is actively being assessed
Often the longest stage of the process
The visa has been granted
A visa grant notification letter will be issued
Visa details will be updated in the VEVO system
The visa application has been refused
A letter explaining the reasons for refusal will be provided
The applicant may have the right to appeal (depending on visa type)
Additional documents or information are required
Must respond within the specified timeframe
Failure to provide requested information may result in refusal
Monitor your ImmiAccount 1–2 times per week
Set up email notifications for your ImmiAccount
Avoid checking excessively, which may cause unnecessary stress
While waiting for your Australian visa after biometrics, it is important to check regularly
Keep your contact details updated in ImmiAccount
Check your email frequently (including the spam/junk folder)
Have supporting documents ready in case further evidence is requested
Only book flights once your visa has been granted
If you must book in advance, choose tickets that are changeable or refundable
Purchase appropriate travel insurance
Check the estimated processing times on the official Department of Home Affairs website
Processing times are updated monthly
Be prepared if your application falls within the 25% of cases that take longer than usual
Only contact the Department of Home Affairs when truly necessary
Frequent contact does not speed up the processing of your application
Contact should only be made in cases such as: change of circumstances, urgent issues, or if your application has exceeded the normal processing timeframe
Processing time has exceeded the standard: your application has gone beyond 90% of the published processing timeframe on the Department of Home Affairs website.
No response to requests: you have submitted an inquiry via ImmiAccount but have not received any reply after 2–3 weeks.
Unusual status updates: your application status changes repeatedly or reverts to a previous stage.
Duplicate document requests: you are asked to resubmit documents that you have already provided.
Recheck your ImmiAccount to ensure you haven’t missed any notifications.
Contact the Department of Home Affairs helpline to ask about your application status.
Request your registered migration agent (if applicable) to follow up with the case officer on your behalf.
Submit a status inquiry form through the official website if your application has exceeded the standard processing time.
Waiting for your Australian visa after biometrics can be a stressful period for many applicants. However, understanding the process, knowing how to check your visa status, and being well-prepared can help reduce anxiety and increase your chances of approval. Processing times may range from a few weeks to several months depending on the visa type and other factors, but with thorough preparation and patience, you are more likely to receive the outcome you are hoping for.
If you need professional assistance with the Australian visa application process or advice on pathways to Australian citizenship, contact the expert team at Second Citizenship for personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
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