Biometrics in Ontario
In most cases, you must give your biometrics if you apply for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, permanent residence, an extension of your stay in Canada (i.e. visitor record, work permit extension, or study permit extension).
Previously, most temporary visa applicants could not get their fingerprints done in Canada. Only certain students and workers were eligible to apply at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). Those who were ineligible had to leave the country to have their fingerprints/biometrics collected, which could create issues for those whose current status in Canada was approaching expiry.
The Government of Canada recently announced that select Service Canada offices will now collect biometrics for in-Canada applications.
Do I need to get fingerprints done?
As of December 3rd, 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that you must give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if you apply within Canada as a foreign worker, international student, visa-required visitor, or a permanent resident. That includes those who are applying for extensions of their application as a worker, student, or visitor.
Where can I get my biometrics done?
You can give your biometrics at any official location, including visa application centres (VACs), application support centres (ASCs), and Service Canada offices (SCOs). It’s important to note that you must make an appointment to give your biometrics.
Service Canada locations across the country will now collect biometrics. Office locations in Ontario include:
Brampton
Hamilton
Kitchener
London
Mississauga
North York
Ottawa
Prescott (only for certain students and workers)
Scarborough
St. Catharines
Sudbury
Toronto
Whitby
Windsor
For a full list of biometric collection points, visit IRCC’s directory.
How to Give Your Biometrics in Canada
Pay the biometrics fee. You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application to avoid processing delays. • Individual applicant: $85 CAD • Families applying at the same time: $170 CAD maximum • Groups of 3+ performing artists and staff who apply for work permits at the same time: $255 CAD
Get the instruction letter. Once you pay the biometrics fee, you will get a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. Bring this letter and your passport when you give your biometrics.
Go to an official biometrics collection service point. Use the link to the directory (above) to find a biometrics collection service point near you and schedule an appointment.
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.
