Biometric submission becomes essential for Canada PR applicants.
IRCC recently updated the biometrics submission policy for Canadian Permanent Residence applicants.
Regardless of whether they have already provided them with a temporary residence permit, biometrics are mandatory as of June 14 for anyone asking for permanent residency.
The revised policy indicates that IRCC is going back to the application processes in place before the epidemic for permanent residents. During the COVID-19 epidemic, IRCC implemented a rule in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that exempted PR applicants who had previously submitted their biometrics with a request to become a temporary resident during the preceding ten years from having to do so again.
Standard process gaining normalcy after the pandemic
If newcomers have provided IRCC with their biometrics within the previous ten years, IRCC enabled them to apply for PR in September 2020. This measure was a response to pandemic limitations that resulted in the temporary closure of numerous VACs.
At the time, IRCC acknowledged that needing biometrics made it impossible for applicants to proceed because many PR applicants already had, or had previously had, status as temporary residents in Canada.
IRCC has been working to resume pre-pandemic service levels ever since pandemic limitations started to loosen. The department is back operating at full capacity and can process applications rapidly, which was one of the main roadblocks.
The reuse of biometrics for a PR application was a temporary procedure introduced in a pandemic situation, according to an IRCC representative. Since the pandemic scenario is no longer a concern, the standard practice is getting back to normal.
Furthermore, it implies that the applicants must provide their biometric data supporting any PR applications. This is regardless of whether their primary biometric data is still valid.
For persons requesting temporary resident status via a work, visiting, or student visa, the modifications do not apply. Additionally, the fingerprints of temporary residents requesting an extension do not need to resubmit them.
Biometric submission becomes essential for Canada PR applicants – what is it exactly?
As part of their initial application for any permission to live, work, or visit Canada, applicants must submit their fingerprints and photo to IRCC. The cost to submit biometrics is now CAD 85.
The security of Canadians and the integrity of the immigration system partially rely on biometrics. It is thought to be non-intrusive for candidates while facilitating their identification. All immigration petitions must include these, albeit there are rare exceptions.
For instance, citizens of more than 60 nations must not submit biometrics to enter Canada. However, all nationalities, except for Americans, need an eTA.
In addition, applicants for the following groups are exempt from providing biometric data to enter Canada:
- Citizens of Canada, aspirants to citizenship (including those seeking passports), or current permanent residents;
- Children under 14 years old;
- Applicants older than 79 (asylum seekers are not exempted based on age);
- Government and cabinet ministers, as well as accredited representatives of foreign nations and the UN, who are visiting Canada on official business;
- Travelers with U.S. visas passing through Canada;
- Applicants for a study or work permit who are refugees or protected individuals who have already given biometric information;
- Applications for temporary residents who have already submitted biometrics in support of an active application for permanent residency.
