Biometrics are collected for all foreign nationals aged 14 & 79 who are applying for, claiming, or requesting Canadian temporary residence, permanent residence, or refugee protection. Well, here’s all you need to know about biometrics for Canadian immigration.
Biometric information enables IRCC to strengthen identity management, thus enhancing security by checking the applicant’s identity against Canadian criminal & immigration records.
IRCC collects the following information from an applicant at the biometrics collection service point:
- Biographic Data: Name, DOB, & other personal details of a candidate as listed on the biographic data page of the candidate’s passport/ travel document.
- 10 Fingerprints: Fingerprints of the candidate captured electronically using an electronic fingerprint-capture device during the biometrics collection session.
- Photograph: A digital photograph of the candidate.
Who Has To Provide Biometrics?
If you are between the ages of 14 & 79, you must provide your biometrics for Canadian immigration.
Temporary residence applicants must provide biometrics in case they are applying to:
- A temporary resident visa
- An extension of authorization to stay in Canada as a temporary resident
- A temporary resident permit
- A restoration of temporary resident status
- A work permit/ renewal of a work permit
- A study permit/ renewal of a study permit
Permanent resident applicants should provide biometrics for Canadian immigration if they are applying for:
- A permanent resident visa
- A request to stay in Canada as a permanent resident
- A PR card for the first time in cases where candidates were exempt from biometrics enrolment as they were under the age of 14 years at the time of their application.
Refugee protection claimants should provide biometrics if they are applying for:
- An in-Canada asylum claim
- An overseas refugee resettlement claim
It is vital to note that applicants who are eligible to apply for an ETA, i.e., electronic travel authorization, do not need to provide their biometrics if they are traveling to Canada as a tourist.
What If The Applicant Is Approaching 14/ 80 Years Old?
As per section R12.2(2) of the IRPR, the requirement to provide biometrics depends on the candidate’s age on the date the application, request, or claim.
Thus, candidates who were 13 years old when their application, request, or claim was submitted but turned 14 years old when IRCC obtained the application need to provide their biometric information. Similarly, candidates who are 80 years of age or older must provide their biometric information if they were 79 years old or younger during the time of their application.
Where are Biometrics Collected?
Candidates are required to present themselves in person at the biometrics collection service point. Service points include:
- Visa Application Centres
- Select US application support centers
- Select Service Canada locations
- IRCC visa offices
- Select ports of entry
- Select Global Affairs Canada locations
Where Are The Fees For Having Biometrics Done?
The Processing Fee For Biometrics are:
- $85 individual
- $170 family rate
- $255 group of performing artists
Candidates must pay the biometric fee upon providing biometric information unless they are exempt from paying fees. Permanent resident applicants need to enroll their biometrics with each application.
Moreover, applicants do not have to pay the biometric fee again if an officer need them to repeat biometrics collection.
What Is a 1 In 10 Policy?
Known as ‘1 in 10 policy’, subsection 12.7(1) of the IRPR offers a temporary exemption from the requirement to give biometric information to support a subsequent application for temporary residence.
In order to be eligible for the exemption, the candidate must have previously provided/ offered biometrics to support a temporary residence application or have a pending PR application & they must submit the new application within ten years of the date of biometric enrolment.