information - BIOMETRICS requirements

BIOMETRICS

Canada's expanded biometrics requirements mean everyone interested in applying for a visitor visa, work or study permit, a permanent residence visa or claiming refugee/asylum status will need to review whether or not they are required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
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The collection of biometrics identification (fingerprints and a facial recognition photo) is considered an efficient tool for correctly identifying individuals. Biometrics collection enables the Government of Canada to facilitate application processing and simplify entry into Canada for low-risk travellers. 

Biometrics Collection at Visa Application Centres

Individuals submitting an application outside Canada for the first time will need to submit their biometrics at a Government of Canada-authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Visa-exempt Vistors to Canada

Travellers from visa-exempt countries who are coming to Canada as tourists with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will not be required to provide biometrics.

Biometrics for Permanent Residence Applications

The Government of Canada says anyone applying for permanent residence will need to give their biometrics and pay the fee regardless of whether they have provided biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application or a different application for permanent residence (provided they do not meet the requirement for exemption listed below).

Applicants with Multiple Citizenships

Applicants with multiple citizenships must use the same travel document (e.g. passport) for the entire application process. This same document should be used when giving biometrics at a Visa Application Centre or at an Application Support Centre (ASC) if you applying from the United States.

Applicants who have already submitted an application and would like to change the nationality on that application must withdraw the application. To do this, contact the visa office responsible for your country or territory. After doing this, such applicants may submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.

In-Canada Applications

In-person applications are available at specified Service Canada locations across Canada.

Foreign nationals between ages 14 and 79 must submit biometrics if they are applying within Canada as a:

• foreign worker (including work permit extension)
• international student (including study permit extension)
• visa-required visitor (including extending stay)
• permanent resident.

Biometrics are required to extend permits and visas if the applicant's previously given biometrics are no longer valid.

All permanent resident applications from family, economic, and refugee class require biometrics.

Exemptions

Applicants in the following categories are not required to give biometrics to travel:

• Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
• visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA);
• children under the age of 14;
• 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;
• temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress.