CANADA’S NEW BIOMETRICS RULE WILL SOON APPLY TO TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT RESIDENT APPLICANTS FROM ASIA, ASIA PACIFIC, AND THE AMERICAS
The Biometrics Program
In the Summer of 2018, the government introduced biometrics requirements for citizens wishing to come to Canada for the purpose of visiting, working, or studying. The biometrics program was initially applied to those individuals arriving from a set list of countries. Changes to the biometrics requirements were enforced gradually throughout the year. The most recent changes, effective as of December 31st, 2018, require applicants from other regions, such as Asia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas to provide their biometrics upon submitting their application.
According to the Government of Canada, “having biometrics makes it easier for immigration and border services officers to stop individuals who pose a risk to the safety and security of Canadians.” Furthermore, it “helps officials verify travellers’ identities, makes processing applications easier and simplifies entry for legitimate travellers.”
How to Give Your Biometrics
Pay the biometrics fee.
Get the instruction letter. You will need to bring this letter when you give your biometrics.
Go to an official biometrics collection service point.
Biometrics Exemptions
Some parties are exempt from the biometrics expansion, meaning they do not have to provide their biometric information to government officials when submitting an application for a work permit, visitor visa, study permit, or permanent residence.
Some of these exemptions include:
Canada citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
Children under the age of 14 and applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);
Heads of state and heads of government;
Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business;
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; and
Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress
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.
