Biometrics for Canadian Immigration: Complete Guide

What Are Biometrics in Canadian Immigration?

Biometrics refers to the collection of your fingerprints and a digital photograph for identity verification purposes. The Government of Canada uses biometrics to confirm the identity of applicants, screen for criminal records, enforce immigration law, and facilitate border processing. Since 2018, Canada has expanded its biometric collection program to include nationals of most countries applying for visitor visas, work permits, study permits, and permanent residence. The biometrics program is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in collaboration with international service providers.

When you submit an application to IRCC that requires biometrics, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) directing you to provide your biometrics at a designated collection point. You must provide your biometrics within 30 days of receiving the BIL if you are in Canada, or within the timeframe specified in the letter if you are outside Canada. Your application will not be processed until your biometrics are received. For a broader understanding of Canadian immigration programs, see our Express Entry comprehensive guide.

Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?

Most foreign nationals applying to visit, work, or study in Canada, or applying for permanent residence, must provide biometrics. This includes citizens of nearly every country except US nationals applying for temporary residence. Specifically, biometrics are required for applicants for temporary resident visas (visitor visas), work permits, study permits, permanent residence (all categories including Express Entry, family sponsorship, and Provincial Nominee Programs), and refugee or asylum claims in some circumstances.

Who Is Exempt From Biometrics?

Several groups are exempt from the biometrics requirement. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, do not need to provide biometrics. US citizens applying for temporary residence are exempt (though US permanent residents who are not US citizens must provide biometrics). Children under 14 years of age and applicants over 79 years of age are exempt. Heads of state, government officials, and diplomats accredited to Canada with official business are also exempt. If you are applying from within Canada and already have valid biometrics on file, you may not need to provide them again.

Where to Give Biometrics

Outside Canada: Visa Application Centres (VACs)

If you are outside Canada, you will provide your biometrics at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs are operated by service providers contracted by the Government of Canada and are located in most countries around the world. The primary VAC network is operated by VFS Global. To find your nearest VAC, use the location finder on the VFS Global website or the IRCC website. VAC locations are available in major cities in most countries, though in some countries you may need to travel to a specific city.

In the United States: Application Support Centres (ASCs)

If you are in the United States, biometrics are collected at US Application Support Centres operated by the US government. Your BIL will provide instructions on how to schedule an appointment at a US ASC. The process is similar to that at a VAC, involving fingerprint collection and a digital photograph.

Within Canada: Service Canada and Designated Locations

If you are within Canada and need to provide biometrics, you can do so at designated Service Canada locations that offer biometric collection services. Not all Service Canada offices provide this service, so you must check the IRCC list of designated biometric collection sites in Canada to find a location near you. Appointments may be required at some locations, so plan accordingly.

How Much Do Biometrics Cost?

The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per individual applicant. For families applying at the same time (two or more people), the maximum fee is $170 CAD. For groups of three or more performing artists and their family members applying together, the maximum fee is $255 CAD. The biometrics fee is paid at the time of your application submission, not at the collection point. It is a separate fee from the application processing fee. Make sure to include the biometrics fee in your payment when submitting your application, or your application may be delayed.

What to Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment

When attending your biometrics appointment, you must bring several documents to ensure the process goes smoothly. The most important document is your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC, which contains a barcode that the collection centre uses to link your biometrics to your application. Without this letter, the collection centre cannot process your biometrics. You also need to bring a valid passport or travel document that matches the one used in your immigration application. Some centres may also require a printed copy of your application confirmation.

Preparing for the Appointment

Ensure that your fingertips are clean, dry, and free of any substances that might affect the quality of the fingerprint scan. Cuts, abrasions, or skin conditions on your fingertips can sometimes make fingerprint collection difficult. If you have temporary skin conditions, it may be advisable to wait until they heal before attending your appointment, though this must be balanced against the deadline in your BIL. For the photograph, dress as you normally would and remove any head coverings unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons. Glasses must be removed for the photograph. For more on what to expect during the immigration process, see our travel document guide for new immigrants.

The Biometrics Collection Process

The actual biometrics collection process is straightforward and typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes. When you arrive at the collection centre, you will check in with your BIL and identification. A staff member will verify your identity and scan the barcode on your BIL. You will then have your fingerprints collected using a digital scanner. All 10 fingerprints are captured in a single session. After fingerprints, a digital photograph will be taken. This photograph is used for identity verification and will appear on your visa, permit, or travel document.

After Collection

Once your biometrics are collected, the data is transmitted securely to IRCC. You will receive a confirmation receipt at the collection centre. Keep this receipt for your records. The biometric data is added to your application file, and processing of your application continues. In most cases, the biometric results are available to IRCC within one to two business days of collection. However, during peak periods, there may be slight delays.

Biometrics Validity and Reuse

For most applicants, biometrics are valid for 10 years from the date of collection. This means that if you apply for a second visa, permit, or immigration benefit within 10 years of your last biometric collection, you may not need to provide biometrics again. Your BIL will indicate whether new biometrics are required. For applicants for permanent residence who have already been approved as permanent residents, biometrics may not need to be recollected for subsequent applications. However, if you become a Canadian citizen, you will never need to provide biometrics for Canadian immigration purposes again.

Biometrics for Permanent Residence Applications

Permanent residence applicants follow the same biometrics process as temporary residence applicants, but the biometrics are used throughout the PR application process and at the final landing stage. When you arrive in Canada as a new permanent resident, your fingerprints will be verified against the biometrics on file. This is part of the identity confirmation process. For more on the permanent residence process, see our Provincial Nominee Program guide.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Several issues can arise during the biometrics process. One of the most common is difficulty with fingerprint quality. If the scanner cannot capture clear fingerprints due to dry skin, cuts, or wear, the technician may apply moisturizer or ask you to return on another day. Elderly applicants and those who work extensively with their hands sometimes experience this issue. Another common problem is not receiving the BIL in a timely manner. If you have submitted your application and paid the biometrics fee but have not received your BIL within a reasonable time, check your IRCC online account for updates or contact IRCC directly.

Technical Difficulties

Occasionally, technical issues at the collection centre can cause delays. If the equipment is not functioning or there are connectivity issues, you may be asked to reschedule. In such cases, document the issue and keep records of your attempts to comply with the deadline. If the delay was caused by the collection centre and not by you, IRCC may grant an extension. For settlement support while navigating immigration processes, explore our guide to settlement services for newcomers.

Privacy and Security of Biometric Data

The Government of Canada takes the privacy and security of biometric data seriously. Biometric information collected for immigration purposes is stored securely and is governed by the Privacy Act and related regulations. Your biometric data is shared with the immigration authorities of Canada's Five Country Conference partners (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand) for immigration purposes. This means that biometric data collected by Canada may be checked against databases held by these partner countries to verify identity and screen for security concerns.

Final Thoughts on Biometrics for Canadian Immigration

Providing biometrics is a mandatory step in most Canadian immigration applications. While the process is straightforward, it requires planning and attention to deadlines. By understanding who needs to provide biometrics, where to go, what to bring, and how the process works, you can ensure that this step does not delay your application. The $85 CAD fee and the visit to a collection centre are small investments in a process that helps keep Canada's immigration system secure and efficient. Plan ahead, gather your documents, and attend your appointment promptly to keep your immigration application on track.

WelcomeAide is here to guide you through every step of the Canadian immigration process. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on biometrics and immigration applications. Explore our blog for more immigration guides and newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.