Australia visa photo requirements and Home Affairs biometrics
The Australian Department of Home Affairs uses one shared photo specification across all major visa categories: 35 × 45 mm, plain light background, head 32 to 36 mm chin to crown. This pillar covers the shared photo standard, biometric capture handling, and links to dedicated pages for the 6 most common visa categories.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm, plain light background, head 32-36 mm
An Australian visa photo is 35 × 45 mm portrait orientation with the head measuring 32 to 36 mm chin to crown on a plain light grey or off-white, even illumination. Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Last reviewed .
The Australian visa photo specification
| Size | 35 × 45 mm portrait |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile preferred) |
| Glasses | Discouraged; banned at most VACs due to glare. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious or medical head coverings allowed; facial features must be visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 900 × 1200 pixels, file size around 500 KB |
Choose your Australian visa category
The photo specification is identical across these categories. The application route — fee, processing time and supporting evidence — varies by category.
Australian visa categories at a glance
| Visa | Fee | Processing | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD $190 (Tourist stream) | 50% within 21 days | Yes for certain nationalities — at a Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) |
| Student visa (subclass 500) | AUD $1,600 base fee | 50% within 4 weeks | Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC |
| TSS work visa (subclass 482) | AUD $1,575 (Short-Term stream) | Variable | Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC |
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) | AUD $4,640 base fee | 50% within 6-12 months from invitation | Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC |
| Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) | AUD $670 base fee | 50% within 18 days | Yes for some nationalities — at a VAC |
| Partner visa (subclass 820 / 801) | AUD $9,365 combined fee for 820 and 801 | 50% within 14 months for 820 | Yes — at a VAC |
Home Affairs biometrics
Biometric capture is mandatory for many Australian visa applicants. The Visa Application Centre (VFS Global in most markets) captures a biometric photo and 10 fingerprints. There is no separate biometrics fee — it is included in the visa application service fee.
Once captured, biometrics remain on file at Home Affairs. Subsequent visa applications within a reasonable window can reuse the existing data. The exact reuse policy depends on the time since the original capture and the visa category. Visitors using ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) generally do not need biometrics.
The biometric photo captured for an Australian Permanent Resident card stays on the card for 5 years. Choose a photo that will still match your appearance over that period.
Frequently asked questions
What size is an Australia visa photo?
An Australian visa photo is 35 × 45 mm — the same size as a Schengen and an Australian passport photo. The head measures 32 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown. Department of Home Affairs uses this specification across nearly every visa category.
Is the Australia visa photo the same as an Australian passport photo?
Yes — both use 35 × 45 mm with identical head ratio, background and expression rules. The DFAT passport photo specification and the Home Affairs visa specification are aligned.
Do I need biometrics for an Australian visa?
Most nationalities require biometric capture (photo and fingerprints) at a Visa Application Centre. Once captured, biometrics remain on file. Citizens of low-risk countries applying for ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) often skip biometrics.
Can I smile in an Australia visa photo?
No. Home Affairs requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. A subtle closed-lip smile is technically tolerated but biometric scoring penalises it — fully neutral is the safer choice.
Can I wear glasses in an Australia visa photo?
Glasses with clear lenses are permitted only if the eyes are fully visible without glare. In practice, biometric checks at the VAC reject most photos with glasses because of reflection risk. Remove glasses before the shot.
What if Home Affairs ImmiAccount rejects my photo?
ImmiAccount runs an automated geometry check on upload. Common rejection causes: head not centred, wrong head ratio, background not uniform, file format issues. Reshoot under natural light against a plain wall, then re-upload through ImmiAccount.
Related cross-country guides
Prepare your Australian visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the Home Affairs 35 × 45 mm format automatically.