Thailand Joins Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, South Africa, And More As Australia Expands Immi App For Streamlined Travel Visa Process Across 34 Countries

Thailand joins Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, South Africa, and more as Australia enhances the visa application process by expanding the Immi App to 34 countries. This new development allows eligible travellers in these nations to complete biometric identity checks directly from their phones, saving them the time and expense of visiting biometric collection centres. By scanning their passports and submitting live photos, applicants can now streamline their visa application process, making travel to Australia more accessible and efficient for many.

Australia’s Immi App now allows travellers from 34 countries to complete biometric identity checks directly from their smartphones. This new feature offers a more convenient and time-saving method for visa applicants, especially those located far from biometric collection centres. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative update.

Streamlining Visa Application with Immi App

The Immi App allows eligible visa applicants to scan their passport, take a live photo, and submit personal details to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), eliminating the need to visit a biometric-collection centre in many cases. This development is especially beneficial for travellers who previously faced the inconvenience and cost of travelling long distances to provide their biometric data.

Who Qualifies for the Immi App

To use the Immi App, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Visa Lodgement Number (VLN): Your VLN must begin with either AUI or AUH, as listed on your “Requirement to provide personal identifiers” letter.
• Previous Biometrics: You must have already provided biometric details (fingerprints and facial images) to DHA in a previous application.
• Device Requirements: Your phone must run on iOS or Android, have NFC enabled, and support a camera. Additionally, a steady mobile or Wi-Fi connection is necessary to complete the process.
• Passport: A valid passport is required, and it must be scanned through the app for verification.

How to Use the Immi App

The process to use the Immi App is straightforward:

1. Download the App: First, download the Immi App from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
2. Enter Your VLN: After installation, enter your Visa Lodgement Number (VLN), which can be scanned from the barcode or entered manually.
3. Scan Your Passport: Open the data page of your passport, ensuring there are no covers or wallets. Hold your phone over the page until the red outline turns green, and use NFC to scan the chip if your passport has one.
4. Take a Live Photo: Stand against a plain wall, remove glasses if possible, and face the camera with your eyes open. Ensure that no other people or objects are in the frame.
5. Submit: Once you’re satisfied with your passport scan and live photo, submit the details to DHA through the app. You’ll receive confirmation that your submission was successful or be prompted to retry if something went wrong.
6. Track Application: After submission, your ImmiAccount should be updated within 24 hours, allowing you to monitor the progress of your visa application.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the biometric check via the Immi App brings multiple advantages:

• Saves Time and Travel: If you live far from a biometric centre, this update offers a significant reduction in both time and travel expenses.
• Reduces Costs: By skipping the visit to a biometric centre, you avoid additional costs associated with travel and accommodation.
• Speeds Up Processing: Completing the biometric step from home can speed up the overall visa process, allowing other steps to proceed without delays.
• Convenience for Applicants: The app allows you to complete the process from the comfort of your home, making it more convenient, especially for busy applicants.

Key Limitations

Despite its convenience, there are a few important caveats:

• Technical Requirements: If your device doesn’t meet the required technical specifications (camera, NFC), you’ll need to visit a biometric collection centre in person.
• Not a Full Visa Application: The app only handles the biometric part of the visa process. If further documentation or steps are needed, you’ll still need to follow the instructions from DHA.
• Eligibility: Just because you’re from an eligible country doesn’t automatically mean you can use the app. You must have completed the necessary biometric steps in the past, and meet all of the app’s requirements.

Countries Covered by the Immi App

While DHA hasn’t published a comprehensive list of all 34 eligible countries, as of late 2025, several nations are known to be included:

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

Applicants are advised to verify their eligibility with DHA or the nearest Australian visa office.

Australia’s decision to extend the Immi App’s biometric feature to 34 countries is a step forward in simplifying the visa application process. This update helps applicants bypass the need to travel to biometric centres, making it easier for them to complete their applications more efficiently. However, it’s essential to ensure you meet all the app’s requirements and to check your eligibility before relying on it to complete your visa application.

Thailand joins Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, South Africa, and more as Australia enhances its visa process by expanding the Immi App to 34 countries. This update allows eligible travellers to complete biometric checks from their phones, saving time and travel.

For those eligible, the Immi App offers a convenient, time-saving alternative to traditional visa processing. But for those who aren’t eligible, it’s important to plan accordingly and prepare to visit a biometric centre. Keep your ImmiAccount details handy and follow the official guidelines for a smooth visa application process.

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