AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION, PRETORIA

INTRODUCTION OF BIOMETRICS TRIAL IN NIGERIA

On 29 July 2013, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (department) will commence a trial collecting biometrics (fingerprints and facial image) from visa applicants in Nigeria. Visa applicants, regardless of their nationality, who are physically in Nigeria when applying for a visa to enter Australia, will need to provide their biometrics unless they are exempted or excluded from doing so by departmental policy.

The department has an existing agreement with VFS Global to provide Australian visa lodgement services in Nigeria at Australian Visa Application Centres (centres) in Abuja and Lagos. From 29 July 2013, biometrics collection will commence at existing centres.

Visa applicants can go in person to the Australian Visa Application Centres in Lagos or Abuja to lodge their visa application and provide their biometrics at the same time. If visa applicants in Nigeria submit their application by mail or courier, they will be sent a letter requiring them and any dependant applicants to attend one of the Visa Application Centres in person to provide their biometrics, before the application can be finalised.

Biometrics is collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

All family members included in a visa application need to attend in person to have their biometrics collected at the same time.

For detailed information on how to apply at the Australian Visa Application Centres in Nigeria please refer to their website (below). This website includes links to lodgement procedures, application checklists, the current visa application charges and process to provide biometrics.

Contact Details:

Abuja Lagos No:38, Lobito Crescent, Wuse-2. Abuja No. 16, Billings Way, Oregun Industrial Area, Ikeja, Lagos Working Hours: 0800 - 1500 Hours Working Hours: 0800 - 1500 Hours Working Days : Monday to Friday Working Days : Monday to Friday

Helpdesk Number: 098701519 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vfsglobal.com/australia/nigeria/