An important part of the visa requirements for Australia is submitting recently taken identity pictures. Australian visa photo requirements are slightly different depending on whether you apply online for your visa or in person.
Australia Visa Photo Requirements
Your visa photo should follow these guidelines:
- Photos should not be older than six months.
- The photo size has to be 35mm to 40 mm wide and 45mm to 50 mm high.
- The photo background should be plain, preferably white background.
- The photo should be high quality. The lighting should be uniform with no shadows and reflections. Images have to be clear and focused, with no red eyes. No editing is allowed including removing a mole, scar, or background irregularities.
- Subject’s face must be centered and fully visible. You must hold a neutral expression without smiling, laughing, or frowning and your eyes should remain open and your mouth closed. You must stare directly at the camera. Your entire face should be clearly visible, meaning that your hair has to be off your face.
- Head or face accessories are not allowed. Sunglasses, tinted glasses, hats, and other head accessories are not allowed (unless for religious purposes).
Where can I take a photo for Australia visa?
You can get your high-quality photograph that complies with all the Australia visa photo requirements at MyBiometricPhotos. You simply need to choose “Australia Visa Photo” under ‘What type of photo do you need?” and upload your photo. The photo is then processed digitally to ensure it meets the requirements of Australian authorities. Since the entire process is completed online, you can print the photos yourself to a place of your choosing.
Australia Visa Photo Do’s and Don’t’s
(Photos taken from: https://www.passports.gov.au)
Online Application Australia Visa Photos Requirement
If you apply online for an Australia visa, you must attach scanned copies of your photos following these additional rules:
- The photo size should be up to 500Kb.
- It’s preferable to submit the photos in jpg format.
- Compressed or encrypted files will not be accepted.
- The photo shouldn’t be placed on top of a piece of paper before scanning.
How Do I Scan a Picture for an Australian Visa?
Follow these instructions when you scan your visa photos:
- Each photograph should be scanned separately.
- The front and the back should be clearly seen.
- The photo shouldn’t be placed on top of a piece of paper before scanning.
- The scan should be clear and coloured.
- The back of the photo showing the certification signature should be clear and focused.
You can attach your photos through your ImmiAccount in the same way you attach your other documents, just make sure you select the option “attach image”.
Are Prescription Glasses Allowed for Australian Visa Photo?
Prescription glasses are allowed as long as these conditions are met:
- You have a doctor’s report stating you must wear glasses.
- The frames don’t block your eyes.
- The lenses don’t reflect in the picture.
Australia Visa Photo Requirements for Infants
When you take a picture of your child the photos must follow these specifications:
- For children under three years old an open mouth, the photo is acceptable.
- No other person should be visible.
- The child has to be looking straight at the camera.
How Do I Take a Visa Photo of My Baby?
One of the best ways to take a picture of a baby is by laying the child down under a white background (sheet, cloth, changing table, etc.) and taking the photo from above. Be careful to avoid shadows as you lean over to take the photo.
Can I Take My Picture at Home for an Australia Visa?
Yes, you can take your visa pictures at home. However, the visa photos have to follow the criteria as set out by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and pictures with low quality will not be accepted. It’s always good practice to have a professional take your visa photos.
Do I Have to Take a New Photo if I Changed My Hair Color?
Generally speaking, changes in hair or lack thereof shouldn’t affect your biometric data, and you won’t be required to take a new photo. However, if it’s a significant change and you are not sure then contact the Australian authorities to get a confirmation of whether another photo is required or not.
What Is an Australia Visa Photo Guarantor?
A visa photo guarantor is an individual that can certify your pictures. This person should write on the back of the photos the following statement: “This is a true photograph of (insert your full name)”, and sign it.
Biometrics for Australia Visa
When you apply for an Australia visa you may be asked to submit your fingerprints alongside your photographs. This will depend on what visa you are applying for and whether you are from a country that has a biometric agreement with Australia.
Which Australia Visas Require Biometrics?
Submit your fingerprints when you apply for the following Australian visas:
- Transit visa- subclass 771.
- Visitor visa- subclass 600.
- Medical visa- subclass 602.
- Student visa- subclass 500.
- Student guardian visa- subclass 590.
- Temporary work visas- subclass 400. This includes other temporary work visas as well:
- Prospective Marriage Visa- 300.
- Partner (Provisional) Visa- 309.
- Dependent Child Visa- 445.
- Temporary New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa- 461.
- Sponsored Parent Visa- 870.
Which Countries Are in the Biometrics Program for Australia?
Visa applicants from these countries have to fulfill the biometrics agreement for Australia:
- Afghanistan *
- Albania
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cambodia
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- France
- Ghana
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Iran
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Qatar
- Russian Federation
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Somalia *
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Turkey
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
- Yemen *
- Zimbabwe
Regardless of your nationality, if you are applying for a visa for Australia from any of these countries you have to submit your fingerprints.
*Applying from these countries means that you have to turn to a biometrics collection centre nearest to you.
Where Do I Submit My Biometrics?
If you are outside of Australia, you have to submit your fingerprints at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC). In exceptional circumstances, you may apply for a waiver of the photo requirement and biometrics. You must contact the Immigration office to see how to apply for a waiver request, and you must have a very strong reason for your waiver.