staff 28/05/2018 0 comments

Biometrics Expansion in Canada

Starting in the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you will need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

How to give your fingerprints and a photo

Make sure you need to give your biometrics

If you apply for the first time, you need to give your biometrics unless you are exempt
- see who needs to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
If you gave them before as part of an application for a visitor visa, study or work permit
- your biometrics data is probably still valid
- if so, you don’t have to give your biometrics again for a new application

Go to an official location to give your biometrics

Once you receive the letter from us that says you need biometrics, you have to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.

Outside Canada

Application Support Centersacross the United States
Visa Application Centres (VACs)around the world
- you must schedule an appointment at the VAC first
- VACs are managed by private companies who are approved to provide specific services to IRCC applicants

Canadian port of entry

Only available for
- asylum claimants, and
- workor studypermit applicants who are eligible to apply at the port of entry

In Canada

If you are applying for a visa, study or work permit or permanent residence in Canada – you are exempt until the in-Canada service is established in 2019.