In Summer of 2018, the Government of Canada expanded their biometrics program. When you apply for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence, you are required to provide your biometrics.
BIOMETRICS AND FINGERPRINTING
Many of our clients ask us about the meaning of the term biometrics. For those who aren’t familiar, the term biometrics simply refers to the fingerprints and photos of an individual.
Biometrics are collected and used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to confirm your identity. Biometrics make it more difficult for someone’s identity to be stolen, forged, or used. The collection of Biometric information also helps resolve problems and errors that may occur if your name, date of birth, and/or place of birth are similar to those of someone else. They will also confirm your identity the next time you apply, making it easier for you to re-enter Canada.
WHO NEEDS TO GIVE BIOMETRICS?
There are some exemptions, but generally, you will need to give biometrics if you apply for:
Work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
Refugee or asylum status
WHERE TO FIND CANADIAN FINGERPRINTING SERVICES
It’s important to note that for most temporary visa applicants, you cannot get your fingerprints done in Canada. Only certain students and workers are eligible to apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). You should check if you are eligible to provide your biometrics in Canada before leaving your country of current residence/citizenship.
If you are ineligible and you come to Canada before having your biometrics collected, you will be required to leave the country to have your fingerprints/biometrics collected. Some applicants find themselves in a situation where they’re unable to give their biometrics at a POE and they discover they needed to leave the country to have them collected.
As such, we recommend that you plan your immigration case well in advance so that you aren’t stuck in a compromising situation at the last minute.
HOW TO GIVE YOUR BIOMETRICS
To give your biometrics, you need to do the following:
Pay the biometrics fee. You must pay this fee when you submit your application.
Get the instruction letter. After you have paid the biometrics fee, you will receive a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. Bring this letter and your passport with you.
Go to an official biometrics collection service point. You must give your biometrics in person.
BIOMETRICS & FINGERPRINTING PROCESSING TIME
For permanent resident applicants, the time it takes you to give your biometrics is included in the application processing time.
For visitor visa, study, or work permit applicants, the time it takes you to give your biometrics isn’t included in the application processing time.
As such, IRCC encourages applicants to submit their biometrics as soon as possible upon receipt of their Biometrics Instruction letter.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
