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IMPACT – LOW
What is the change? Australia will add Sponsored Family Visitor Visas to its biometrics programme on 6 May.
What does the change mean? Affected applicants will have to visit an Australian Visa Application Centre or Australian Biometrics Collection Centre to have biometrics (fingerprints and facial image) taken after they submit visa applications.
Background: Australia’s biometrics programme only covers designated subclasses of visas and only covers applicants from designated countries. Even after Sponsored Family Visitor Visas are added to the programme, the visa applications will continue to be lodged and processed in Australia. However, biometrics collection will be able to be completed at the closest Australian Visa Application Centres or Australian Biometrics Collection Centres abroad.
The biometrics programme covers a number of subclasses of visas in the Permanent Family, Temporary Family, Visitor and Student visa categories. The countries covered by the programme are:
Applicants filing applications from the countries above will be required to have biometrics taken regardless of nationality.
BAL Analysis: Once implemented, applicants for Sponsored Family Visitor Visas from countries covered by the biometrics programme will have to leave additional time in the visa application process in order to meet all requirements.
This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.
MARN: 9683856
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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