What Has Happened

On 27 July 2026, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) circulated information regarding temporary disruptions affecting Indian Consular Application Centre (CAC) services and the potential impact on certain visa applicants who are required to complete identity or biometric-related steps.

For some Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa applicants, particularly those outside Australia, delays in accessing CAC services may affect their ability to respond to Department of Home Affairs requests within expected timeframes.

The Department may consider circumstances outside an applicant’s control when assessing delays. Applicants affected by these disruptions should ensure they keep clear evidence and respond appropriately to any Department requests.

What Are Indian CAC Service Disruptions?

Indian Consular Application Centres (CACs), operated through authorised service providers such as VFS Global, support certain visa-related services, including biometric collection and identity verification where requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Temporary service disruptions or limited appointment availability may prevent some applicants from completing required steps within the usual timeframe.

These issues may particularly affect applicants who:

• Are currently residing in India
• Have received a request from the Department to complete biometric or identity-related requirements
• Need to attend an Indian CAC as part of their visa processing

Who May Be Affected?

The situation may be relevant to certain Subclass 186 visa applicants, including:

• ENS applicants who are offshore and have been requested to complete biometric or identity verification at an Indian CAC
• Applicants whose visa processing has been delayed because they cannot access available CAC appointments
• Applicants who have attempted to comply with Department requests but have been unable to complete the required steps due to service disruptions

Each application will depend on the individual circumstances, including the Department’s requests, the timing of the disruption, and the evidence available.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

The Department does not automatically grant approval or extensions because of CAC disruptions. However, where an applicant experiences delays outside their control, these circumstances may be taken into consideration.

Applicants should consider:

• Keeping records of unsuccessful appointment attempts
• Retaining emails, screenshots, or notices showing CAC service limitations
• Providing explanations and supporting evidence if requested by the Department
• Responding to Department correspondence as soon as possible once services become available

A well-documented explanation can help demonstrate that the applicant has made genuine efforts to comply with visa processing requirements.

What Employers Should Do Now

Employers sponsoring workers through the ENS program should continue to monitor the progress of the associated visa application.

Where a nominated employee is affected by CAC disruptions, employers should:

• Confirm with their migration professional that the nomination and visa strategy remain appropriate
• Keep records showing how the disruption has affected the employee’s ability to complete requested steps
• Avoid making unnecessary changes to employment arrangements while the visa application remains ongoing
• Monitor updates from the Department of Home Affairs and relevant service providers

Employers should also ensure that their own nomination obligations continue to be met throughout the visa process.

What Applicants Should Do Now

If you are an ENS Subclass 186 visa applicant affected by Indian CAC service disruptions, you should:

• Record the dates when you attempted to arrange biometric or identity-related appointments
• Keep evidence of unavailable appointments or service interruptions
• Notify your migration professional about any delays affecting your application
• Prepare supporting information explaining why you were unable to complete the requested step within the expected timeframe

Do not ignore Department correspondence while waiting for CAC services to resume. Other visa requirements and deadlines may still apply.

Key Takeaways

• Temporary Indian CAC service disruptions may affect some offshore Subclass 186 ENS visa applicants.
• The Department may consider circumstances outside an applicant’s control when assessing delays.
• Applicants should keep detailed evidence showing their attempts to comply with visa processing requirements.
• Employers and applicants should seek professional advice if CAC disruptions are affecting an ongoing ENS application.
• Staying proactive and maintaining clear records can help reduce unnecessary risks during visa processing.

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The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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