Biometric data collection guidelines for potential permanent residents have been modified by IRCC. As per this modification, biometrics submission is compulsory for all PR applicants.
As of June 14, biometrics are required for anyone applying for permanent residency (PR), regardless of whether they have already given them a temporary residence permit.
In its revised policy, IRCC reiterates its commitment to returning to the application processes that existed before the epidemic. A rule implemented by the IRCC during the COVID-19 epidemic exempted PR applicants who had previously submitted their biometrics with a request to become a temporary resident during the previous ten years from submitting their biometrics again.
Post-pandemic, regular processes resume
IRCC opened the door for newcomers to apply for PR in September 2020 if they supplied IRCC with their biometrics within the past ten years. A number of Visa Application Centers (VACs) were temporarily closed due to pandemic limitations.
Many PR applicants already had temporary residency status in Canada or had previously held it, so IRCC acknowledged the need for biometrics would make it impossible for them to proceed.
Since pandemic limitations began to ease, IRCC has worked to restore pre-pandemic service levels. Having overcome the main roadblocks, the department is once again operating at full capacity and processing applications quickly.
A representative of the IRCC told the Immigration Section of the Canadian Bar Association that the reuse of biometrics for PR applications was a temporary procedure. We are returning to our standard procedure in light of the fact that the pandemic scenario is no longer a concern, and we require applicants to provide their biometric data for PR applications regardless of the validity of their prior biometric data.
The modifications do not apply to temporary residents seeking temporary residence on a work, student, or visiting visa. Extending temporary residents’ documents does not require them to resubmit their fingerprints.
About Biometrics submission
Applicants must submit their fingerprints and a photo of their face with any request for permission to live, work, or visit Canada. CAD $85 is now the fee for submitting biometrics.
The technology of biometrics contributes to the security and integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Despite facilitating candidate identification, it is non-intrusive. Even so, there are rare exceptions to the requirement to include these in an immigration petition.
Those from more than 60 nations do not have to submit biometrics to enter Canada (but Americans are the only ones who must have an electronic travel authorization).
Additionally, in order to enter Canada, visitors who fall into one of the following categories are exempt from providing their biometric data:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants, and existing permanent residents are required to submit biometrics.
- Children under the age of 14 need to provide biometrics.
- Applicants over the age of 79 are not exempt from biometrics, except for asylum claimants.
- Heads of state, heads of government, cabinet ministers, and accredited diplomats visiting Canada on official business are exempt from biometrics.
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada are exempt from biometrics.
- Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics are exempt when applying for a study or work permit.
- Temporary resident applicants who have previously submitted biometrics for an ongoing permanent resident application are exempt from providing them again.
