It is essential to understand Biometrics 101 regarding Canadian immigration.
All foreign nationals between the age group of 14 and 79 must submit their biometrics to apply for, claim, or request permanent residence, refugee protection, or temporary residence in Canada (apart from U.S. nationals).
By comparing an applicant’s identity to Canadian criminal and immigration records, biometric information enables IRCC to improve authentication and security.
Biometrics 101 regarding Canadian immigration
At the biometrics collecting service location, an applicant provides the following information to the IRCC:
- Biographical information: Name, birthdate, and other personal information found on the applicant’s passport or other travel document’s biographic data page.
- Ten prints: The candidate’s fingerprints were electronically taken utilizing electronic fingerprint capture equipment during the biometrics collection session.
- Picture: A digital picture of the candidate.
Biometrics Submission – Who must do it?
Individuals who belong to the age group of 14 to 79 must submit their biometrics impression. Furthermore, Temporary Residence applicants must submit their biometrics if they will apply for the following:
- A temporary residence visa;
- Restoration of the status concerning a temporary resident;
- Extending the authenticity to be in Canada as a temporary resident;
- Renewal of the work permit or the work permit;
- A temporary resident permit; and
- A study permit or its renewal
PR applicants must do biometrics submission for the following:
- A visa for Permanent Residence;
- Requesting to reside in Canada as a Permanent Resident;
- A new PR card in situations where they were exempt from biometrics enrollment. This could be due to being under 14 years old at the time of application submission.
Claimants of the Refugee protection must submit their biometrics for the following:
- An In-Canada Asylum Claim (without any upper age limit);
- Refugee Resettlement Claim from Overseas.
Essentially, applicants qualifying for an Electronic Travel Authorization will not need to submit their biometrics while traveling to Canada as tourists.
Applicants aged between 14 and 80 years – Do they need to submit their biometrics?
In section R12.2(2), the IRPR provides that the age of the applicant on the date of the application, claim, or request determines whether biometrics are required.
Consequently, biometric data must be provided by applicants who were 13 years old at the time of application, claim, or request submission but became 14 years old upon application receipt by IRCC. Conversely, candidates who are 80 years of age or older must submit their biometric data if they were 79 years of age or under when they submitted their application.
The places for biometrics collection
Applicants will have to mark their presence at a biometrics collection service point, including:
- Visa application centers
- Select United States (U.S.) application support centers
- IRCC visa offices (in specific situations)
- Select Service Canada locations
- Select ports of entry
- Select Global Affairs Canada locations
Biometrics Submission Fees
The biometrics processing fees are as follows:
- Individual fees – $85
- Family Rate – $170
- Group performing Artists Fees – $255
Every time an applicant submits their biometric details, they must pay the fees. However, this can be ruled out only if they have been exempt from fee payment. PR applicants must enroll their biometrics with each application. However, applicants will not need to pay the fees for biometrics again if the application is the same, but the officer has asked them to redo the biometrics collection.
Biometrics 101 regarding Canadian immigration – Knowing about the 1 in 10 policy
In order to facilitate another application for temporary residence (including applications for the TR Visa, temporary resident status, work permit, study permit, or temporary resident permit), subsection 12.7(1) of the IRPR presents a temporary exemption from the obligation for submitting biometric information. This provision is referred to as “the 1 in 10 policy.”
The candidate must submit a fresh application within ten years of the date of biometric enrolment in order to be eligible for the exemption. The applicant must additionally possess pending applications for PR or temporary residence for which they have previously given biometrics.
Immigtoronto is dedicated to helping prospective immigrants find their path to permanent residency. Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries; simply get in touch by sending an email to [email protected]
