Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires individuals between the ages of 14 and 79 to submit biometrics when applying for or requesting certain immigration statuses. These include:
- Canadian temporary residence (excluding U.S. nationals)
- Canadian permanent residence (including U.S. nationals)
- Refugee protection
What are Biometrics?
Biometrics are data used to confirm your identity. IRCC collects the following during your biometrics submission:
- Biographic Data: Name, date of birth, and other personal details from your passport or travel document.
- Fingerprints: Electronically captured fingerprints.
- Photograph: A digital photograph.
Who Needs to Submit Biometrics?
- Permanent Residents: Individuals applying for permanent residency must provide biometrics each time they apply. This applies to those aged 14 to 79, regardless of whether biometrics were submitted in a previous application. Applicants must provide biometrics when applying for a permanent resident visa, a request to remain in Canada as a permanent resident, or a new permanent resident card if they were exempt from biometrics previously.
- Temporary Residents: Biometrics are required for applications such as temporary resident visas, work or study permits, and extensions of temporary resident status. Those who provided biometrics previously may not need to resubmit them unless their prior submission is older than 10 years.
Biometrics Collection Fees
- Individual: $85
- Families applying together: Maximum of $170
- Groups of 3 or more performing artists: Maximum of $255
- Transit visas do not require a fee.
Where Are Biometrics Collected?
Biometrics must be submitted in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), Service Canada (for those in Canada), or a U.S. Application Support Centre (ASC). Once you receive your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you have 30 days to schedule an appointment. Use only official IRCC websites to find locations and avoid any additional fees.
Exemptions from Biometrics Submission
Some individuals are exempt from biometrics, including:
- Canadian citizens and citizenship applicants
- Existing permanent residents
- Visa-exempt nationals visiting Canada
- Heads of state or government officials
- Diplomats and those holding diplomatic visas
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- Children under 14 and individuals over 79 years of age (except asylum seekers)
How Will Your Biometric Data Be Used?
Once collected, biometrics are encrypted and sent to a secure database. They will be shared with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to verify your identity during the application process and upon entry into Canada. IRCC may also share your data with Canadian and foreign law enforcement agencies, as well as governments in the U.S., UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while adhering to privacy and human rights laws.
What Happens If You Can’t Submit Biometrics on Time?
If the collection centers (VACs and ASCs) are open, but you are unable to secure an appointment, it’s essential to contact IRCC immediately to address the issue. Delays in biometrics submission can impact your application processing times.