Biometric Data Collection

Overview

On 23 February 2010, the Australian Government announced the decision to start collecting biometrics from visa applicants applying in certain overseas locations as a part of a major strengthening of Australia’s border and national security measures. This is known as the Offshore Biometrics Programme (the Programme).

If you have lodged a visa application to travel to Australia and you are in Peru you will need to make an appointment to have your Biometrics collected at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre.

Most clients lodging a visa application for Australia will need to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in person to provide biometrics.

Some applicants who apply online may not need to provide biometrics. Clients that lodge online applications that are required to provide biometrics will be sent a letter informing them of this.

Australian citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens travelling on a New Zealand passport are excluded from providing biometrics.

To learn more about biometric collection click here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics.

To find out more information about the visa application process, please refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/overview.

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.

Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. This means that:

  • hair cannot cover the eyes
  • face, hair or neck obstructions, hats or scarves, cannot be present (with the exception of religious head coverings detailed below)
  • glasses may need to be removed

If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should also be displayed.

Note the following information for the 10-digit fingerprint scan:

  • If you have cut or damage on your fingertips, you should make an appointment with the ABCC when the injury has healed
  • Please notify ABCC staff of any temporary decoration, such as mehndi (henna painting), it may cause poor quality fingerprint scan

Note: If you refuse to submit your biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed and you will be referred to the Embassy in Chile.

Applicants who are under 5 years of age, incapable persons, or those physically unable to provide a fingerprint scan, will only need to provide a facial photograph.

A parent or legal guardian must be present and provide consent for the collection of biometric data for applicants under the age of 16.

Biometrics Collection Process

  1. Create an account on this web site
  2. Make an appointment to provide your biometric data at the ABCC.
  3. Pay Service fees at the ABCC. Please visit ABCC fees for details on the fee amount and payment method.