Biometric capturing has become a popular step in visa application – many countries now collect biometrics of travellers and immigrants who are coming into the country, especially those coming by air.
The Australian government isn’t left out, they have implemented biometric technology to enhance the security of its visa application process.
If you are coming into the country from most countries of the world, you have to undergo the biometric capturing process before your visa application will be approved.
It is compulsory for citizens of some countries including South Africa. If you wish to travel to Australia from South Africa, you have to go for biometric capturing and we are here to show you where you can go for your biometric and what you need while going.
We will also share some mistakes you should avoid and how you can make the process faster.
When you go for your biometric, your fingerprinting and facial recognition will be captured.
The Australian government employs biometrics as an additional layer of security to verify the identity of visa applicants.
Steps to get your an Australian Visa biometrics done in South Africa
Before you go for the biometrics, make sure you’ve submitted a complete visa application.
This usually involves filling out the relevant forms online and providing the necessary documentation.
Biometrics request
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a biometrics request. This will outline the need for your fingerprint and facial recognition data.
The request will also contain the date you are expected to go for your biometric capturing.
Where can I get biometrics for an Australian visa in South Africa?
In South Africa, you can do your biometrics for an Australian visa at an authorized Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC), the Australian government has designated specific biometric collection centres to make the process easier and faster.
To ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of your biometric data, you need to make sure that you visit any of these authorized centres and do it with them.
If you want to find the nearest authorized biometric collection centre in South Africa, you can visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
They have an updated list of authorized biometric service providers.
If you don’t want to go through all that stress of searching by yourself on the website above, we have other options below for you to get your biometrics done.
Biometrics in South Africa through TLScontact
TLScontact is one of the authorized agents that can assist you in handling your biometrics for an Australian visa.
TLScontact operates in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth, and offers biometric collection services as per the department’s contract.
Please note that there is a separate fee for this service, in addition to the visa application charge.
To schedule an appointment for the collection of your biometrics for your Australian visa, visit TLScontact.
It’s important to be aware that TLScontact does not address inquiries made before or after the lodgement of your application.
For additional details, refer to the information on biometrics collection.
You can also contact the Australian immigration Global Service Centre (GSC) between Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
The phone number is Phone: +61 2 6196 0196
Visit the Australian High Common in South Africa
In addition, you can also visit the Australian High Common in Pretoria
Australian High Commission – Pretoria
South Africa
You can also contact the Australian embassy in South Africa through the website http://www.southafrica.embassy.gov.au
Furthermore, you can refer to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for a list of approved service providers and to schedule an appointment.
Book an appointment before going for your biometric collection
Most biometric collection centres operate on an appointment basis.
You need to book an appointment in advance to avoid delays. The appointment scheduling process is usually managed through the service provider’s website.
Go with the required documentation
When attending your biometric appointment, make sure you bring the necessary documentation, such as your passport and appointment confirmation.
If you fail to come to the centre with these documents – the required documents, your biometric capturing may be delayed or rescheduled.
Biometric process
During your appointment, trained staff will guide you through the biometric process.
- A picture of your face will be taken with a digital camera.
- Scans of all 10 fingertips will also be collected using a digital finger scanner.
If you are:
- Under 16 years old and unable to understand the biometrics collection process, make sure to have a parent or guardian with you.
During the biometrics, if your face or fingerprints are injured:
- Wait until any temporary injury to your face or fingerprints has healed before going for the biometrics.
If you’re missing a finger:
- The immigration officers will collect fingerprints from your remaining fingers.
For mehndi or temporary decoration on your hands or fingers:
- Check with your ABCC to see if you can still provide fingerprints.
If you wear glasses or a religious head covering:
- They’ll still take your photo.
Make sure your face is visible from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows, including both cheeks and ears.
If you have a head covering or class, you need to remove it during the process.
If you do:
- Your photo and fingerprints will be collected privately.
- If you are not comfortable with someone of the opposite gender collecting your date, you can request to have them collected by someone of the same gender.
The collected data during the process will be securely transmitted to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The Australian immigration authorities will store the data collected about you and use it to verify you when you enter the country.
They can also take your biometrics again when you enter the country or compare it with what they already have on their system.
Confirmation of Biometric Submission
After completing the biometric process, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt. Keep this document safe because you will need it for future reference.
Conclusion
If you are applying for an Australian visa from South Africa, biometrics is a necessary step depending on your type of visa.
Once you receive a biometric request notification from the immigration authorities, go through the request, and you will find details about various areas where you can go for your biometric.
Read also:
- Is it easy to get an Australian visa from Nigeria?
- How do I report someone who lied to immigration UK?
- Why students choose Canada for study
- What happens when you report someone to immigration Australia
If your request doesn’t have such information, you can submit your biometrics at any authorized Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC).
Make sure you rely on official channels and authorized Biometrics Collection Centres to ensure the accuracy and security of your biometric data.