Do you have to submit biometrics to be in Canada? Well, IRCC will college your biometrics if you are aged between 14 and 79 and applying for, claiming/ requesting:

  • Canadian temporary residence 
  • Canadian permanent residence 
  • Refugee protection 

What Are Biometrics? 

Biometrics refers to data that will help confirm your identity. When giving biometrics, IRCC will collect: 

  • Biographic Data: Name, date of birth, and other personal details of the candidate as listed on the biographic data page of the candidate’s passport or travel document  
  • Fingerprints: Fingerprints of the candidate captured electronically during the biometrics collection session by using an electronic fingerprint-capture device
  • Photograph: A digital photograph of the candidate 

Who Needs To Get Biometrics? 

Do you have to submit biometrics to be in Canada? Well, the answer is yes, but before that one needs to know who requires biometrics. 

Permanent Residence 

You will be asked to provide your biometrics each time you apply for permanent residence, even if you have already provided them. 

According to IRCC, you will be expected to provide biometrics if you are between the ages 14 and 79, and you are applying for one of the following: 

  • A permanent resident visa 
  • A request to stay in Canada as a permanent resident 

A new permanent resident card for the first time, in cases where you were exempt from biometrics enrolment because you were under the age of 14 years at the time of your PR application.

Temporary Residence 

Temporary residents should give biometrics if they apply for any of the following: 

  • A study permit or renewal of a study permit 
  • A temporary resident visa 
  • A restoration of temporary resident status 
  • An extension of authorization to stay in Canada as a temporary resident 
  • A temporary resident permit
  • And lastly, a work permit or renewal of a work permit 

If you have already provided your biometrics, you might not need to provide them again when applying for temporary residence. 

However, since IRCC cannot issue you a visa or permit for more than ten years from the date you last provided biometrics, you might wish to voluntarily submit biometrics if you wish to extend your permit past this date. 

How Much Does It Cost To Have Biometrics Collected? 

  • Individual applicant: $85
  • Families who are applying at the same time: Maximum total fee of $170
  • Groups of three or more performing artists and their staff who will apply for work permits at the same time: Maximum total fee of $255 

Where Are Biometrics Collected? 

One needs to submit biometrics to be in Canada. Biometrics are collected in person by appointment. Once you have paid your fee and received your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you will have 30 days to have your biometrics collected. You can book an appointment to have your biometrics collected at one of the following locations: 

  • Visa Application Center (VAC)
  • Service Canada (from inside Canada only)
  • United States Application Support Center 

To avoid fraud, use the official IRCC website to find a location near you, and do not pay for an appointment. Once you have paid the application fee, the biometrics appointment will be free of charge. 

Exemptions 

According to IRCC, there are certain exceptions under which you will not be required to submit biometrics: 

  • A Canadian citizen or citizenship applicant
  • An existing permanent resident 
  • A visa-exempt national coming to Canada to visit only   
  • A head of state or head of government 
  • An applicant who qualifies or holds a diplomatic or official visa 
  • A US visa holder transiting through Canada
  • An applicant applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit who has already provided biometrics for a permanent resident application that is still being processed
  • A child under the age of 14
  • An applicant over the age of 79

How Will My Biometrics Be Used? 

Upon providing your biometrics, they will be encrypted and sent to a secure government database. Once they have been sent to IRCC, they will be deleted at the collection location. 

While processing your application, your fingerprints and photo will be shared with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Your fingerprints as well as photo will also be shared with the CBSA, i.e., Canada Border Services Agency so that they might verify your identity upon arrival in Canada.  

According to IRCC, they might also share your information with: 

  • Other law enforcement Canadian agencies to enforce any Canadian or provincial law
  • Canadian government institutions or foreign governments, by Canada’s privacy laws 

Your fingerprints and photo might also be shared with the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand in a way that respects: 

  • Privacy laws
  • Civil liberties
  • Human rights 

What If I Can’t Get My Biometrics Submitted In Time? 

One needs to submit biometrics to be in Canada. If your ASC and VAC are open but cannot get an appointment date to give your biometrics within 30 days of obtaining the BIL, you can use the IRCC web form to explain why you require an extension. IRCC does not guarantee that one will be granted. 

Moreover, if you do not need to get an extension for an appointment date that falls past the 30-day mark, you will be expected to provide a screenshot of your appointment confirmation and appointment date. 

You will also be expected to explain why you could not get an earlier appointment. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you also can drop us an email at [email protected].