Staying in Canada, whether temporarily or permanently, often involves completing a range of official steps to confirm your identity and fulfill Canada’s security and administrative protocols. One of these steps is submitting biometrics—essentially a fingerprint scan and photograph, which help Canadian immigration authorities verify the identities of foreign nationals. But who exactly needs to submit biometrics, and what’s involved in the process? Let’s dive into the essentials for anyone planning to remain in Canada.
What Are Biometrics and Why Are They Required?
Biometrics are unique identifiers—like fingerprints and photos—that help ensure accurate identity verification for immigration purposes. Canada requires biometrics for various types of applications to enhance security, prevent identity fraud, and streamline entry and exit processes.
Through biometric submission, the Canadian government confirms applicants' identities and cross-checks this information with security databases. This process also makes future travel easier since biometrics only need to be provided once within a specific validity period.
Who Needs to Submit Biometrics in Canada?
If you’re between the ages of 14 and 79 and applying for any of the following, you’re generally required to submit biometrics:
Work Permits - Both new and renewal applications.
Study Permits - Essential for most international students.
Visitor Visas - For those applying to stay as tourists or short-term visitors.
Permanent Residency - Anyone seeking to settle in Canada permanently.
However, Canadian citizens, permanent residents already in Canada, and applicants for specific types of visas may be exempt from providing biometrics. This includes:
Citizens of Canada or those seeking citizenship.
Individuals applying for certain temporary resident permits for humanitarian reasons.
Diplomatic or official visa holders.
Costs and Validity Period for Biometrics
Submitting biometrics does come with a fee. For most individual applicants, the biometric fee is $85 CAD. For families applying together, the combined fee is capped at $170 CAD. These fees cover the cost of capturing and storing biometric data securely.
Biometrics remain valid for 10 years from the date of submission for most temporary residents (like work or study permit holders). This means that if you’ve submitted your biometrics recently, you may not need to resubmit them if you’re applying for a new permit within that 10-year period. However, those applying for permanent residency must submit their biometrics, even if they’ve previously done so for temporary status.
How and Where to Submit Biometrics
Canada offers several options for submitting biometrics depending on where you’re currently located:
Visa Application Centers (VACs) - Commonly used by applicants abroad.
Service Canada Centers - Available for those applying within Canada.
U.S. Application Support Centers (ASCs) - An option for applicants in the United States.
To schedule a biometrics appointment, you’ll generally need to wait until you receive a request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once received, you should book an appointment at an approved center. During the appointment, both your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, ensuring the quality and security of the data.
Biometrics Collection Process: What to Expect
Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens when you arrive for your biometrics appointment:
Identity Verification: Staff will confirm your identity using a valid passport or other acceptable forms of identification.
Fingerprints and Photograph: You’ll place your fingers on a scanner to record your fingerprints, and a quick photo will be taken.
Confirmation: After completing the process, you’ll receive a confirmation that your biometrics have been recorded and are securely stored.
The entire process generally takes a few minutes, though you may need to wait in line depending on your appointment location.
Privacy and Security of Biometrics
Canada is committed to the secure and private handling of biometric data. All biometric information collected is stored securely, and the Government of Canada uses this data strictly for identification and security checks. Information sharing is conducted only with specific international partners as part of Canada’s international agreements, and this data is kept confidential under strict privacy regulations.
Biometric data helps Canada detect identity fraud and streamline border security. This approach ensures that your personal information is used responsibly and solely for immigration and border-related purposes.
Exemptions from Biometrics Submission
Some applicants are exempt from submitting biometrics, including:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Refugee claimants or protected persons already in Canada.
Children under 14 years of age and applicants over 79.
Visa applicants with diplomatic or official status.
Certain visa types, such as specific visitor visas for officials.
If you fall under one of these categories, you may not need to complete this step for your application.
Renewal and Reapplication: Do You Need to Submit Biometrics Again?
For most temporary residents, biometrics are valid for 10 years, so they generally don’t need to be re-submitted within this timeframe for visa renewals or reapplications. However, for those applying for permanent residency, a new set of biometrics is required, even if provided previously for a temporary stay.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for Biometrics Submission
Whether you’re renewing a work permit, applying for a study permit, or aiming to settle in Canada permanently, understanding the biometrics process is a key step in your journey. Biometrics not only enhance security but also ensure a smoother immigration process and simplify future travel in and out of Canada.
To avoid delays, applicants should budget for the biometrics fee, check the validity of previously submitted biometrics if applicable, and book an appointment promptly when requested by IRCC. This step is a small yet essential part of ensuring that Canada remains secure while welcoming individuals from around the world.
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