Australia Expands Immi App Access to 34 Countries for Faster Visa Processing

Exciting news for Australian visa applicants, the country has just made it easier to apply for the visa by extending the Immi App to 34 countries. This makes it easier for eligible visa applicants to skip the visit to a biometric-collection centre in many cases.

If you live in one of those countries and you already provided biometric details, such as fingerprints or a facial image, to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) before, you may be able to use your phone to finish part of your visa process.

Who Qualifies

The Immi App removed the need for applicants to visit the biometric centres in person if they meet the following requirements.

• You must have a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) that begins with AUI or AUH listed on your “Requirement to provide personal identifiers (biometrics)” letter.
• You must hold a valid passport.
• You must have already given your fingerprint and facial photo to DHA in the past. Otherwise, the app can’t replace the in-person biometric centre.
• Your phone must be iOS or Android, have NFC enabled, have access to the camera, and have a steady mobile or Wi-Fi connection.
• The app will ask you to scan your passport’s data page and chip (if applicable), confirm your passport info, and take a live photo of yourself.

It is worth mentioning here that if your VLN doesn’t begin with AUI/AUH, you’ll still have to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC).

Step-By-Step: How to Use the Immi App

Using the Immi App to submit your information for a visa application is easy. You just need to follow these steps:

1. Receive your DHA letter: Receive the letter from DHA telling you that you need to provide your biometrics, and that you’re eligible to use the app.

2. Download the Immi App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

3. Enter your VLN (scan the barcode or type it manually). Make sure each person in your visa application (for example, family members) uses their own VLN.

4. Scan your passport:

• Open the personal data page.
• Remove any covers or wallets.
• Hold your phone over the page until the red outline turns green.
• If your passport has a chip (look for the symbol), use NFC to read it.

5. Review the passport information displayed by the app. If anything looks wrong, you’ll need to scan again.

6. Take your photo:

• Stand against a plain wall.
• No other people or objects in the frame.
• Remove glasses if possible.
• Face forward with eyes open.
• Avoid shadows, face coverings, or heavy makeup.

7. Submit your check. Once submitted, your passport details and facial photo go to DHA. The app doesn’t store your data after submission. You’ll get confirmation that the submission was successful, or you’ll be asked to retry if something failed.

8. Check your ImmiAccount: Your ImmiAccount (online visa account) should be updated within about 24 hours.

Why It Matters

• Saves time and travel. If you live far from a biometric centre, this could be a big relief.
• Reduces the cost and inconvenience of visiting a physical centre just for biometrics.
• Could speed up processing of your visa, because the biometrics step can be done earlier, from home.
• Helps with planning: if you’re applying from one of the eligible countries, you can factor this into how you prepare.

Important Caveats

Just because you’re in an eligible country doesn’t guarantee you can use the app. You must have done the prior biometric steps (fingerprint + facial image) and meet all app criteria.

Having the app doesn’t mean your visa is granted; it only handles the biometric part of the process.

If your device doesn’t meet the technical requirements (camera, NFC, and latest phone settings), you’ll still need to attend in person.

If, after submission, DHA requests more information, you’ll still have to follow those instructions; the app doesn’t remove all further checks.

DHA has not publicly published the full list of the 34 eligible countries in a fully detailed table, so if you’re uncertain, check with your local Australian visa office or via your ImmiAccount.

Where the App Is Live

According to multiple immigration sources, as of late 2025, the app covers countries such as:

• Fiji
• Samoa
• Tonga
• Papua New Guinea
• Hong Kong (SAR)
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu

It is worth noting that there is no single official list showing all 34 countries, so applicants should verify the latest update through DHA or their nearest visa office.

What You Should Do If You’re Applying

• Check your “Requirement to provide personal identifiers” letter. Does your VLN start with AUI or AUH?
• Confirm you’ve already submitted fingerprints and a facial image for a previous visa.
• Ensure your phone meets technical requirements (camera, NFC, internet).
• Download the Immi App only after receiving an official invitation.
• Keep your ImmiAccount login details handy to track your application.
• If you’re not eligible, plan to visit a biometric centre instead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re applying for an Australian visa from one of the roughly 34 countries now covered by the Immi App, this update offers a real practical benefit: you may avoid travelling to a biometric centre and submit your identity data from your phone.

But what this really means is you need to check your eligibility carefully, get your tech ready, and use the app only if all the criteria line up. It doesn’t replace the full visa process, just one important step.