Canadian Biometric requirements apply to all aspiring applicants who seek to apply for a visitor visa or permanent resident visa, or work or study permit. It even applies to the ones seeking refugee or asylum status. Hence, they will have to check if they need to submit their biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs.
Hereafter, the Canadian government gathers biometrics data to productively process applications and better integrate travelers with a lower risk percentage to enter Canada.
Canadian Biometrics requirements and collection at visa application centers
Those candidates who will need to submit their applications outside Canada will require to submit them at a VAC authorized by Canada. Also, they will have to search for the Visa Application Center nearest to them.
Additionally, travelers coming to Canada as tourists from countries exempt from visa requirements, holding an authentic Electronic Travel Authorization, won’t need to provide biometrics.
Canadian Biometric requirements for PR applications
According to the Canadian government, those applying for permanent residence must submit their biometrics and also make the fee payment. This applies to individuals irrespective of whether they possessed a biometric in the past for their visitor visa, work, or study permits. It is applicable even if they had applied for a separate PR application earlier.
Application delays- reducing the processing time
Often candidates face unnecessary application delays, which in turn involves a lot of time and energy. However, the Canadian government has the following recommendations to further reduce application delays:
- Individuals must avoid submitting their applications via mail. Furthermore, they must either apply online or visit the application center physically.
- When you submit your application, ensure to pay the biometric as well as the application fee.
- You must make sure that you submit your biometrics at the same time as submitting your application. If not, then ensure to submit it within a few days of receiving the letter of instructions.
- Calculate your traveling time before physically visiting the VAC or ASC (for those in the U.S.A.).
- Try to submit your family member’s application at the same VAC or ASC where you submitted your own biometrics.
- In the case of a visible injury to your face or hands, take your time to heal the injury before visiting to submit your photo and fingerprints at the center. Notably, a temporary injury is something that is curable and will certainly heal over time. Also, it might include the following:
-Face or fingers wrapped in a bandage due to slight burns or cuts.
-Any other temporary skin condition, or even rashes.
Permanent Injury
In the case of a permanent injury, you must visit the VAC or ASC and get a photograph clicked, and check for any other available fingerprints. Essentially, a permanent injury concerns a medical condition in which a person will not heal or recover even after some time. Therefore, in such a scenario, it is better to present the officers with a valid medical document justifying the condition. In a situation where you are about to reach the age of eighty, you must note that individuals who turn 80 or are above 80 will not be applicable to submit their biometrics per the norms. Moreover, it might also happen that you submit your application at the age of 79 years, but before submitting your biometrics, you complete 80 years. Hence, in such a circumstance, you must contact the Canadian visa office so that they collect your biometrics from there itself. Also, if you’re from the U.S., you must visit the nearest Application Support Center in the U.S.
Biometric requirements for multiple citizenship holders
Applicants who hold multiple citizenship will need to submit one travel document throughout the application procedure. Furthermore, they must present the same travel document for application submission at the VAC or at an ASC (for U.S. citizens).
Now, if an applicant has sent the application but seeks to change the nationality on that application, he must withdraw the application first. To withdraw the application, applicants will need to reach out to the visa office on duty for their territory or country. Hereafter, the applicants will have to submit a fresh application and make the application payment.
Biometric applications within Canada
If foreign nationals between the age group of 14 and 79 require to submit their biometrics, they must apply within Canada. They must apply under the following categories:
- International student (extension of study permit).
- Permanent Resident
- Foreign worker (extension of work permit).
- Visitors require a visa (staying extension).
Supposedly, if an applicant’s previous biometrics hold no validity, he will have to submit his biometrics for a visa or permit extension.
Additionally, PR applications under family, economic, and refugee classes also require applicants to submit their biometrics.
Categories exempt from providing biometrics
There are specific categories that don’t require them to submit their biometrics to travel; they’re as follows:
- Existing permanent residence and Canadian citizenship holders, and passport applicants.
- Foreign nations coming from visa-exempt countries holding a valid eTA.
- Children who’re below the age of 14 years.
- Applicants who are beyond 79 years. (Asylum claimants do not have any upper-age exemption).
- State and government heads.
- Those visiting Canada for business purposes, including accredited diplomats, cabinet ministers from different countries, and the United Nations.
- Applicants who already gave their biometrics and will now be applying for a study or work permit, including refugee claimants and protected individuals.
- Temporary residents who submitted their fingerprints and photographs along with their PR application, which is still under process.
Conclusion
After you submit your biometrics, you will also receive a biometric confirmation letter. Furthermore, you will need to present this letter at the collection center.
FAQs
What is the use of Biometrics?
Canadian immigration requires applicants to provide their identity in the form of a photograph and fingerprints.
Why does the Canadian government demand biometrics from applicants?
Canadian immigration officials need to verify the identity of those coming to Canada. They could be permanent residents, visitors, students, workers, refugee claimants, or asylum seekers. Additionally, the Biometric screening ensures the integrity of Canadian immigration. It will be helpful in safeguarding Canadians. Hence, identifying individuals becomes easier with the help of biometrics, including a photograph and fingerprints. Moreover, low-risk travelers can easily enter Canada by fulfilling Canadian biometrics requirements.
How frequently will an applicant require to submit their fingerprints and photo by visiting physically the VAC?
Applicants must note that they will require to submit their biometrics once every ten years. They will not need to submit their biometrics again until the expiry of the ten-year period.
What if an applicant belongs to a country where there is no VAC available?
Canadian immigration officials usually recommend applicants (where VAC is not available) visit the nearest point where there is a VAC providing biometric services.
Which applicants need to submit their biometrics?
Foreign nationals applying for a visitor visa, study, or work permit, and those who are refugee claimants and asylum seekers will require to provide their biometrics.
When do applicants submit their biometrics?
Foreign nationals seeking to visit Canada will first need to verify their biometrics validity through IRCC’s official website. In the case of an online application, they will have thirty days to submit their biometrics post receiving the instructions letter. Essentially, the department can send this letter via mail or online. When the applicant visits the VAC to submit his biometrics, he will have to show them a copy of the letter.
What is the estimated cost of biometrics submission?
The Canadian government asks the applicants to pay additional fees for processing and screening of biometrics. Also, the fee largely relies on the fact whether the applicants will apply individually, with family members, or within a group.
Is it secure to submit the fingerprint or photograph in terms of privacy?
The Canadian government assures a safe and secure internal biometrics identification system for Canadian immigration applicants. Also, after the transfer, personal information no longer exists in the database.
