Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will collect your biometrics if you are between the ages of 14 and 79 and are applying for, claiming, or requesting any of the following:
- Temporary residence in Canada (excluding U.S. citizens)
- Permanent residence in Canada (including U.S. citizens)
- Refugee protection
What Are Biometrics?
Biometrics is data used to verify your identity. When you provide biometrics, IRCC will collect:
- Biographic Data: Your name, date of birth, and other personal details as listed on the biographic data page of your passport or travel document.
- Fingerprints: Your fingerprints, which will be captured electronically during the biometrics collection session using an electronic fingerprint scanner.
- Photograph: A digital photo of you.
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Permanent Residence
You must provide your biometrics each time you apply for permanent residency, even if you've submitted them previously. According to IRCC, if you are between 14 and 79 years old, you need to submit biometrics when applying for:
- A permanent resident visa
- A request to remain in Canada as a permanent resident
- A new permanent resident card for the first time, if you were previously exempt due to being under 14 at the time of your application
Temporary Residence
Temporary residents are required to provide biometrics when applying for any of the following:
- A temporary resident visa
- An extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident
- A temporary resident permit
- Restoration of temporary resident status
- A work permit or its renewal
- A study permit or its renewal
If you've previously submitted biometrics, you may not need to do so again when applying for temporary residence. However, since IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit that extends more than 10 years from your last biometrics submission, you may want to voluntarily submit biometrics if you wish to extend your permit beyond this period.
How Much Does Biometrics Collection Cost?
- Individual applicant: $85
- Families applying together: Maximum total fee of $170
- Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff applying for work permits at the same time: Maximum total fee of $255
There is no fee for biometrics for a transit visa.
Where Are Biometrics Collected?
Biometrics are collected in person by appointment. After you pay your fee and receive your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you have 30 days to have your biometrics collected. You can book an appointment at one of the following locations:
- Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Service Canada (for applicants inside Canada)
- U.S. Application Support Centre (ASC) (for applicants inside the U.S.)
To avoid fraud, always use the official IRCC website to find a nearby location, and remember that the appointment will be free after you’ve paid the application fee.
Exemptions
You may be exempt from providing biometrics if you are:
- A Canadian citizen or citizenship applicant (including passport applicants)
- An existing permanent resident
- A visa-exempt national visiting Canada
- A head of state or government
- An applicant with a diplomatic or official visa
- A U.S. visa holder transiting through Canada
- An applicant for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit who has already provided biometrics for a pending permanent resident application
- A child under 14
- An applicant over 79 (unless claiming asylum)
How Will My Biometric Data Be Used?
Once you provide your biometrics, they will be encrypted and sent to a secure government database, where they will be deleted at the collection site. During the processing of your application, your biometrics will be shared with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency to verify your identity upon arrival in Canada.
IRCC may also share your information with:
- Other law enforcement agencies in Canada for legal enforcement
- Canadian government institutions or foreign governments, following privacy laws
Your fingerprints and photo may be shared with the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand in a manner that respects privacy, civil liberties, and human rights, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
What If I Can't Submit My Biometrics in Time?
If your ASC or VAC is open but you cannot get an appointment within 30 days of receiving your BIL, you can use the IRCC web form to request an extension. Note that IRCC does not guarantee that an extension will be granted.
If you need an extension for an appointment date beyond 30 days, you must provide a screenshot of your appointment confirmation and an explanation of why you couldn’t secure an earlier appointment.
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