What is a 189 Visa?
If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, you might have come across several visa options available. One of them is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which is, by far, the most popular and highly sought-after visa among skilled migrants.
The 189 Visa allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. You don’t need any sponsorship from an Australian employer, territory, or state government to apply for this visa. Instead, it relies on the applicant’s skills, experience, and qualifications.
However, before you apply for this visa, you should be aware of the biometric requirement and how it impacts the application process. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about 189 Visa biometrics.
What are Biometrics, and Why are They Required?
Biometrics refer to the collection of personal data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. The Australian Government requires this data from all visa applicants to add a layer of security and improve the integrity of the visa program.
The biometrics data helps the government verify the identity of applicants and makes it harder for people to use fraudulent identities to enter or remain in Australia illegally. Biometric data is collected at Visa Application Centers (VACs) worldwide and can be conveniently scheduled with the visa application submission.
When Must Biometrics Be Collected?
If you are planning to apply for a subclass 189 visa, you must have your biometrics collected by the Department of Home Affairs before a decision is made on your visa application. The biometric collection process will not start until the department has received your visa application, which needs to be submitted first.
If you make arrangements to collect your biometrics with a VAC after submitting your visa application, the department may not start processing your application until the biometric collection has been completed.
What is the Process of Collecting Biometrics?
When applying for a 189 Visa, you will be notified by the Department of Home Affairs when and where to get your biometrics collected. The biometric collection process is straightforward and takes around 30 minutes to complete. The process includes:
– Providing your passport
– Taking a digital photograph
– Providing your fingerprints (all ten digits)
– Providing your relevant visa application details
Once the biometrics collection process is complete, the VAC staff will provide you with a confirmation receipt. The Department of Home Affairs will electronically receive your biometric data and use it to verify your identity.
What Happens After Biometrics Collection?
The Department of Home Affairs will use your biometric data to verify your identity throughout the visa application process. Once your application is assessed, the department will make a decision to grant or refuse your visa application. This process may take several months depending on your circumstances, and you should be aware of the processing times.
If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification with detailed instructions on how to activate and use your visa. Your biometric data will not be shared with any third-party entities unless authorized or required by law.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the collection of biometric data is a necessary and non-invasive part of the visa application process for Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) applicants. Providing biometric data improves the security and integrity of the visa program and helps the Australian government in preventing fraudulent identities from entering or remaining in Australia.
Remember that biometrics must be collected before a decision is made on your visa application, and the process is straightforward and usually takes around 30 minutes. Once collected, the department will use your biometric data to verify your identity throughout the application process and visa grant notification.
