What size photo do I need for an Australian visa from India?

35×45mm — this is the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). Even so, take a fresh photo for the visa: Australia has stricter rules on background colour and bans glasses outright.

Can I use my Indian passport photo for an Australian visa?

Only if it was taken to the new ICAO 35×45mm spec (September 2025 onwards) and meets Australia's stricter rules: no glasses, neutral expression, white or light grey background. The pre-2025 Indian passport photos at 51×51mm cannot be used.

Can I wear glasses in my Australian visa photo?

No. Australia does not permit glasses in visa photos. India's new ICAO rules also ban glasses for passport photos, so the rules are now aligned — remove all glasses before taking your photo.

Where do I apply for an Australian visa in India?

Most applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). For biometrics, visit VFS Global centres in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. The Australian High Commission is in New Delhi.

What are the digital photo specs for ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, and PDF files up to 5MB per file. Compressed files and encrypted PDFs are not accepted. The photo must be a colour photo — not a scan of a printed photo.

How much does an Australian visa photo cost in India?

Photo studios near VFS centres charge ₹200-500. Our online tool costs ₹83 ($1 USD) and produces both the digital file for ImmiAccount and a printable 35×45mm sheet.

What Australian visa types do Indians commonly apply for?

Student visa (subclass 500) is the most popular — India is the top source of Australian student visas. Others include Skilled Worker (subclass 482/494), Tourist (subclass 600), and Partner visa. All use the same 35×45mm photo.

Australia Visa Photo Requirements for Indians: Size & Specs (2026)

Size	35 × 45mm (same as the new ICAO Indian passport)
Background	White or light grey
Glasses	Not permitted
Expression	Neutral only — no smiling
Digital upload	JPEG/PNG, up to 5MB (ImmiAccount)
Recency	Less than 6 months old

Same Size, Different Rules

The Australian visa photo is 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). If your Indian passport photo predates September 2025, however, it was the older 51×51mm square and cannot be reused.

Beyond the size, Australia has stricter rules on a few points:

No glasses at all. Both Australia and India’s new ICAO rules now ban glasses, so this is aligned.
No smiling. Australia requires a completely neutral expression with your mouth closed. Not even a slight smile.
Background may be light grey. Australia accepts white or light grey; India requires plain white.

Don't reuse a pre-September 2025 Indian passport photo

India’s old 51×51mm square photos cannot be cropped into a 35×45mm rectangle without losing compliance. Take a fresh photo in the new ICAO format.

What Australia Accepts and Rejects

Will be rejected

✕ Glasses of any kind (prescription or sunglasses)
✕ Smiling or open mouth
✕ Old 51×51mm Indian passport size (pre-September 2025)
✕ Shadows on face or background
✕ Hats, caps, or non-religious headwear
✕ Photo older than 6 months
✕ Filters or digital editing

Accepted

✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed
✓ White or light grey background
✓ Religious headwear (face must be fully visible)
✓ Natural minimal makeup
✓ Hair pulled back from face

ImmiAccount Digital Photo Requirements

Most Australian visa applications from India are submitted online through ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). Upload requirements:

Accepted file types: JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, PDF
Maximum file size: 5MB per file
Not accepted: compressed files (e.g. zip), encrypted PDFs
Orientation: Portrait (taller than wide)
Background: White or light grey, no patterns or shadows
Colour only — black and white photos are not accepted

ImmiAccount accepts the file at upload; a case officer evaluates whether the photo itself meets DFAT specs. An off-spec photo won’t fail the upload but can trigger a request for replacement, delaying your visa. Our tool outputs an ImmiAccount-ready JPEG with correct 35×45mm framing.

Popular Australian Visas for Indians

India is the number one source country for Australian student visas. Here are the most common visa types Indian applicants apply for:

Student Visa (subclass 500) — The most popular route. Requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution. Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks.
Skilled Worker Visa (subclass 482/494) — Employer-sponsored work visas for skilled professionals. Requires employer nomination and skills assessment.
Tourist Visa (subclass 600) — For visiting family or travel. Processing from India takes 20-40 days on average.
Partner Visa (subclass 309/100) — For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents. Long processing times — plan 12-24 months.

All visa subclasses use the same 35×45mm photo requirement.

Where to Apply: VFS Global in India

Online (most applications): Lodge through ImmiAccount — Australia’s online visa portal. Upload your digital photo here.

VFS Global centres handle biometrics collection and document submission. Locations across India:

New Delhi — Primary centre, closest to the Australian High Commission
Mumbai — Serves western India
Chennai — Serves southern India
Bengaluru — Serves Karnataka region
Hyderabad — Serves Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Kolkata — Serves eastern India

Book your VFS appointment through the VFS Global website. Slots fill up quickly during student visa season (June-August), so book early.

Student visa tip

If you’re applying for a student visa (subclass 500), submit your application as soon as you receive your CoE. Processing times spike during peak season. Having your compliant photo ready before you start the application saves time.

Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make

Reusing an old 51×51mm Indian passport photo. Indian passport photos taken before September 2025 used the 2×2 inch square format. Even though India and Australia now share the 35×45mm size, an old square photo cannot be used.
Using a studio that defaults to the wrong format. Some Indian studios still default to the legacy 51×51mm size. Specifically ask for “35×45mm Australian visa size.”
Smiling in the photo. Australia requires a strictly neutral expression with mouth closed.
Background colour mismatch. India requires plain white. Australia accepts white or light grey — but cream or off-white may be flagged.
Photo studio giving the wrong format. Some Indian studios provide photos in HEIC or other formats that ImmiAccount doesn’t accept. Ask for JPEG or PNG. Verify the file opens on your phone before paying.

Where to Get Your Photo in India

Method	Price	Time
Online tool + self print	~₹83 ($1)	3 minutes
Photo studio (near VFS centre)	₹200-500	15-30 min
VFS Global photo service	₹300-500	At appointment

If you go to a local studio, tell them explicitly: “Australian visa photo, 35×45mm, no glasses, neutral expression, white or light grey background.” Confirm they’re using the new ICAO 35×45mm size and not the legacy 51×51mm square some studios still default to.

Timeline reminder

Start your photo and visa application well in advance. Student visa (subclass 500) processing from India takes 4-8 weeks on average. Tourist visas take 20-40 business days. Skilled worker visas can take several months. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs — Photo Requirements, VFS Global India

Australia Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants