The Home Affairs & Immigration Ministry and the Australian Department of Home Affairs have released a joint statement announcing the launch of the Australian Immi App to make visa applications for Pacific countries simpler. 

The app simplifies the visa application process for Fijians by reducing the need to travel to collection centres – cutting processing times. 

Fiji, along with Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and third-country nationals from New Zealand, will trial the app before its rollout early next year.

The app is created to improve access and migration opportunities for Pacific Island nations all whilst being cost-effective. It will allow users to scan their passport’s biographic page, read the passport e-chip (if available) and capture a facial image, eliminating the need for multiple trips to Australian Biometrics Collection Centres in Suva or Lautoka.

Home Affairs and Immigration Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Fiji’s goals for better connectivity and economic opportunities. The app has no associated costs and is expected to decrease visa processing times.

“We look forward to seeing how this technology will benefit our people and further promote the strong ties between Fiji and Australia.”

Eligible applicants must have previously provided biometrics at an ABCC and hold a valid passport. Children under five can also submit their details through the app, even if they haven’t attended an ABCC before.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald, stressed the app’s role in facilitating travel and economic development, reinforcing the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia. 

“We have heard the calls for greater access and easier movement around the region and understand how important facilitating travel is to economic development and staying connected. This app delivers on our shared goal of improving mobility across the region. We are pleased to be working with Fiji on this under our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.”

After submitting a visa application, applicants will receive options to use the app or visit an ABCC for their information submission.