If you’re aged 14 to 79 and applying for Canadian temporary or permanent residence, including U.S. nationals, or seeking refugee protection, IRCC will require your biometrics. This applies to those requesting a Canada visa extension or other immigration services. Ensure you provide your fingerprints and photo as part of your application.

Understanding Biometrics – The Key to Modern Identity Verification 

In biometrics, information is gathered to confirm your identity. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) collects the following kinds of data when you provide biometrics:

  • Biographic Data: This includes personal details such as your name, date of birth, and other key information as listed on the biographic data page of your passport or travel document.
  • Fingerprints: During your biometrics collection session, your fingerprints are electronically captured using a specialized fingerprint-capture device. This process ensures that your unique fingerprint patterns are recorded accurately.
  • Photograph: A digital photograph of you is also taken as part of the biometrics process. This image will be used to help confirm your identity in conjunction with your biographic data and fingerprints.

Who Needs to Provide Biometrics for Canadian Immigration?

Permanent residence

Even if you have already submitted your biometrics, you will still need to present them each time you apply for permanent residency.

Biometrics are required if you are applying for any of the following applications and are between the ages of 14 and 79, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

  • A Permanent Resident Visa: When seeking to obtain a permanent resident visa, biometrics are necessary to verify your identity.
  • A Request to Remain in Canada as a Permanent Resident: If you are applying to extend or finalize your status as a permanent resident in Canada, you will need to provide biometrics.
  • A New Permanent Resident Card: If you are applying for your first permanent resident card and were exempt from biometrics enrollment because you were under 14 years old at the time of your original PR application, you will now need to provide them.

Temporary residence

If a temporary resident applies for any of the following, they must submit biometric information:

  • A Temporary Resident Visa: Biometrics are necessary when applying for a visa to enter Canada as a temporary resident.
  • An Extension of Authorization to Remain in Canada: If you are seeking to extend your stay in Canada as a temporary resident, you must submit your biometrics.
  • A Temporary Resident Permit: When applying for a temporary resident permit, biometrics are required as part of the application process.
  • A Restoration of Temporary Resident Status: If you are applying to restore your status as a temporary resident after it has lapsed, you will need to provide biometrics.
  • A Work Permit or Renewal of a Work Permit: Biometrics must be provided when applying for a work permit or renewing an existing work permit.
  • A Study Permit or Renewal of a Study Permit: When applying for or renewing a study permit, biometrics are also required.

It might not be necessary for you to resubmit your biometrics if you have already done so when applying for temporary residency. However, if you want to extend your permission beyond that period, you may choose to voluntarily submit your biometrics again, as the IRCC is unable to issue a visa or permit that is valid for more than ten years from the day you last submitted them.

How Much Does It Cost to Provide Biometrics for Canadian Immigration? 

The cost of providing biometrics for Canadian immigration varies depending on the type of application:

  • Individual Applicant: The fee for an individual to have their biometrics collected is $85.
  • Families Applying Together: If a family is applying at the same time, the maximum total fee for biometrics is capped at $170.
  • Groups of Performing Artists and Staff: For groups of three or more performing artists and their staff who are applying for work permits at the same time, the maximum total fee for biometrics is $255.
  • Transit Visa: There is no fee required to provide biometrics if you are applying for a transit visa.

Where Can You Provide Biometrics for Canadian Immigration?

An appointment is needed and biometrics must be submitted in person. You have 30 days to finish the biometrics collection procedure after paying your biometrics fee and obtaining your biometric instruction letter (BIL). At any of the following locations, you can make an appointment:

  • Visa Application Centre (VAC): Available globally, VACs collect biometrics for Canadian immigration applications.
  • Service Canada (Inside Canada Only): If you are in Canada, you can visit a Service Canada location to have your biometrics collected.
  • United States Application Support Centre (ASC) (Inside U.S. Only): If you are in the U.S., you can visit an ASC to provide your biometrics.

Keep in mind not to pay for the appointment itself and make sure you choose a local location using the official IRCC website to prevent fraud. The biometrics appointment is free once the application price has been paid.

Exemptions from Providing Biometrics According to IRCC

IRCC states that some people are excluded from having to provide biometric information in certain situations:

  • Canadian Citizens and Citizenship Applicants: Individuals who are Canadian citizens or who are applying for Canadian citizenship, including those applying for a passport, do not need to provide biometrics.
  • Existing Permanent Residents: Individuals who are already permanent residents of Canada are not required to submit biometrics.
  • Visa-Exempt Nationals Visiting Canada: Nationals from countries that do not require a visa to enter Canada and who are visiting solely for tourism purposes do not need to provide biometrics.
  • Heads of State or Government: Individuals serving as heads of state or heads of government are exempt from this requirement.
  • Diplomatic or Official Visa Holders: Applicants who qualify for or currently hold a diplomatic or official visa are not required to submit biometrics.
  • U.S. Visa Holders Transiting Through Canada: Individuals holding a valid U.S. visa who are merely transiting through Canada do not need to provide biometrics.
  • Applicants with Pending Permanent Resident Applications: If you are applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit and have already provided biometrics for a permanent resident application that is still being processed, you are exempt from submitting biometrics again.
  • Children Under 14 Years Old: Applicants who are under the age of 14 are not required to provide biometrics.
  • Applicants Over 79 Years Old: Individuals who are over the age of 79 do not need to submit biometrics, unless they are claiming asylum.

How Your Biometric Data Will Be Used in Canadian Immigration?

Your biometric information will be encrypted and forwarded to a secure government database when you submit it. The biometrics will be removed from the collection site following transmission to the IRCC.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will receive access to your biometric data while your application is being processed. When you arrive in Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will also receive your fingerprints and photo for the purpose of verifying your identity.

Your information might be shared, under the IRCC, with:

  • Other Canadian law enforcement organizations to uphold federal or local legislation.
  • Institutions of the Canadian government or foreign governments in accordance with the privacy laws of Canada.

In order to ensure compliance with privacy laws, civil freedoms, and human rights, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, your fingerprints and photos may also be shared with the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

What to Do If You Can’t Submit Your Biometrics on Time?

You can utilize the IRCC web form to request an extension if your ASC and VAC are open but you are unable to schedule a biometric submission appointment within 30 days of receiving your biometric instruction letter (BIL). IRCC does not, however, promise that the request for an extension will be granted.

You must submit a screenshot of your appointment confirmation and the appointment date if you require an extension for an appointment that is longer than 30 days. You will also have to provide an explanation for why you were not able to get an earlier appointment.