Biometrics, specifically fingerprints, is used to establish the identity of applicants at the time of an application and as a program integrity tool. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced collection of biometrics last July 31, 2018. It became mandatory for people from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. It was extended to Asia, Asia-Pacific and the Americas on December 31, 2018.
An applicant between the ages of 14 and 79 needs to give biometrics if applying for:
- a visitor visa
- a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
- permanent residence
- refugee or asylum status
Unless you are otherwise exempted.
Starting December 3, 2019, biometrics is now required to foreign nationals applying within Canada as a foreign worker (including extending the work permit), international student (including extending the study permit), visa-required visitors (including extending the stay) and permanent resident.
According to IRCC, biometrics are used to allow visa officers to screen applicants for prior criminal convictions or Canadian immigration infractions. It is also used to confirm the applicant’s identity when they enter Canada.
Please note that you can only give your biometrics as part of your application to IRCC. You can refuse to give your biometrics (fingerprint and photo). However, if you decide not to give your biometrics, IRCC will REFUSE your application.
You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.
There is a fee to do the biometrics, it costs $85.00 CAD for an individual or $170.00 CAD for a family that is applying together.
You may give your Biometrics at:
- Visa Application Centres (VAC) worldwide
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Centres (ASCs)
- Designated Service Canada locations for applicants inside Canada
Exemptions
IRCC says the following are exempt from having to provide biometrics:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
- visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada to visit only
- children under the age of 14
- applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
- heads of state and heads of government
- applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit
- temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress
If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at [email protected]
Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR)
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
