Canada’s Biometrics Visa Requirements: Fingerprints and a Photo
Canada's expanded biometrics requirements mean that anyone applying for a visitor visa, work or study permit, permanent residence visa, or seeking refugee or asylum status will need to check if they are required to provide biometrics, which include fingerprints and a photo.
By collecting biometric data, the Government of Canada can process applications more efficiently and facilitate the entry of low-risk travelers into the country.
Table of Contents
- Biometrics Collection at Visa Application Centres
- Biometrics for Permanent Residence Applications
- Reducing Application Delays
- Applicants with Multiple Citizenships
- In-Canada Applications
- Exemptions
Biometrics Collection at Visa Application Centres
First-time applicants submitting their application from outside Canada must provide their biometrics at a Government of Canada-authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC). You can locate the nearest VAC by visiting the relevant page.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries entering Canada as tourists with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are not required to submit biometrics. For a complete list of exemptions from the biometrics program, click here.
Biometrics for Permanent Residence Applications
The Government of Canada mandates that all individuals applying for permanent residence must provide their biometrics and pay the associated fee, even if they have submitted biometrics previously for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or another permanent residence application. This requirement applies unless they qualify for an exemption listed below.
Reducing Application Delays
The Government of Canada offers the following tips to help minimize application delays:
1. Apply Online or In-Person: Avoid mailing your application. Instead, submit it online or in-person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
2. Pay Fees Upfront: Ensure you pay both the application fee and the biometrics fee when submitting your application.
3. Submit Biometrics Promptly: Provide your biometrics at the same time as your application at a VAC, or within a few days of receiving your Biometric Instruction Letter.
4. Plan for Travel Time: If you need to travel to a VAC or Application Support Centre (ASC) in the U.S. for your biometrics, factor in your travel time.
5. Group Appointments: If possible, ensure that all family members applying for a visa visit the same VAC or ASC together to provide their biometrics.
6. Wait for Healing: If you have a temporary injury or decoration (like henna) on your face or hands, wait until it has healed or faded before giving your biometrics. Temporary conditions can include bandages from minor cuts or burns, or skin rashes.
7. Permanent Conditions: If you have a permanent injury or condition affecting your face or hands, visit a VAC or ASC to have your photograph and available fingerprints taken. Bring any relevant documentation about your condition.
8. Age Consideration: If you’re nearing your 80th birthday, note that VACs cannot collect biometrics from applicants aged 80 and over. If you turn 80 before giving your biometrics, contact your Canadian visa office to arrange for collection. If you are in the U.S., you can still provide biometrics at the nearest ASC.
Applicants with Multiple Citizenships
Applicants with multiple citizenships must consistently use the same travel document (e.g., passport) throughout the entire application process. This includes using the same document when providing biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or an Application Support Centre (ASC) if applying from the United States.
If an applicant has already submitted an application but wishes to change the nationality on that application, they must withdraw the current application. This can be done by contacting the visa office responsible for their country or territory. Once the application is withdrawn, the applicant can submit a new application and pay the applicable fees. For more information, refer to the biometrics processing fees page.
In-Canada Applications
In-person applications for biometrics can be made at designated Service Canada locations throughout Canada.
Foreign nationals aged 14 to 79 must submit biometrics when applying within Canada for the following:
Work permits (including extensions)
Study permits (including extensions)
Visitor visas (including extensions)
Permanent residency
If the applicant’s previously submitted biometrics are no longer valid, they will need to provide new biometrics for extending their permits or visas.
Additionally, all permanent resident applications, whether from family, economic, or refugee classes, require biometrics.
Exemptions
Applicants exempt from providing biometrics to travel include:
Canadian citizens and existing permanent residents
Citizenship applicants (including those applying for a passport)
Visa-exempt nationals visiting Canada with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Children under 14 Individuals over 79 (note: there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
Heads of state and government officials Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats from other countries or the UN on official business U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
Refugee claimants or protected persons who have previously submitted biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit
Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics for a permanent resident application that is still in progress.
About The Millennium Immigration
The Millennium Immigration is a renowned Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of expertise. Our dedicated team consists of more than 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals focused on guiding individuals through their immigration journeys to Canada.
Since its inception in 2013, themillenniumimmigration.com has established itself as a reliable resource for Canadian immigration information. If you have questions or require legal assistance regarding your immigration options, feel free to contact us. We are here to support you every step of the way!