Biometrics are mandatory for foreign nationals aged 14-79 applying for Canadian temporary residence, permanent residence, or refugee protection, excluding U.S. nationals. IRCC uses biometric information to bolster identity management, conducting rigorous identity verifications against Canadian criminal and immigration records. Explore the crucial details of Biometrics 101 for Canadian immigration, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the process.
At a biometrics collection service point, the IRCC gathers the following information from an applicant.
- Biographic Information: This includes the applicant’s name, date of birth, and other personal details from the biographic data page of their passport or travel document.
- Fingerprint Set: The specialized device electronically captures the applicant’s fingerprints during the biometrics collection session.
- Digital Portrait: A digital photograph of the applicant is taken as part of the biometrics collection process.
Who is required to submit biometrics?
Biometrics are mandatory for individuals aged 14 to 79. Those seeking temporary residence must undergo biometric submission if applying for:
- Mandatory biometrics for a temporary resident visa application.
- Biometrics is required for extending authorization to stay in Canada as a temporary resident.
- Submission of biometrics necessary for a temporary resident permit application.
- Biometrics are needed for restoring temporary resident status.
- Mandatory for work permit applications or work permit renewal.
- Required for study permit applications or study permit renewal.
Biometrics are a requisite for permanent residence applicants when applying for:
- Biometrics are obligatory for applicants seeking a permanent resident visa.
- Those applying to stay in Canada as a permanent resident must submit biometrics.
- Individuals previously exempt from biometrics, if under 14 during the initial application, must provide them for obtaining a new permanent resident card.
When submitting an application for refugee protection, applicants must provide biometrics.
- Mandatory biometrics for an in-Canada asylum claim, applicable to all age groups.
- Compulsory biometrics for those making an overseas refugee resettlement claim.
It is imperative to emphasize that visitors to Canada for tourism who are eligible for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) are free from having to submit their biometrics.
What if the applicant is nearing the age of 14 or 80 years?
Section R12.2(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) states that the requirement to provide biometrics is contingent upon the age of the applicant at the time the application, claim, or request is submitted. Therefore, biometric data is required if applicants were 13 at the time of application but became 14 by the time their application was received by the IRCC. Likewise, those who are 80 years of age or older and were 79 years of age or younger at the time of application must submit their biometrics.
Where is the collection of biometrics conducted?
Applicants must personally appear at a designated biometrics collection service point. These points encompass:
- Select Service Canada locations
- IRCC visa offices (in limited situations)
- Select United States (U.S.) application support centers
- Visa Application Centers (VACs)
- Select Global Affairs Canada locations
- Select ports of entry
What are the charges for undergoing biometrics?
The biometrics processing fees are as follows:
- $85 for individuals
- $170 as a family rate
- $255 for a group of performing artists
The biometric fee is mandatory with each biometric information submission, unless exempt. Permanent residence applicants must provide biometrics with each application, and if directed by an officer to repeat the collection within the same application, the biometric fee does not apply again.
1 in 10 Policy – What is it?
Subsection 12.7(1) of the IRPR, also known as the “1 in 10 policy,” allows a temporary waiver from submitting biometrics for upcoming applications for temporary residence. Moreover, this includes submitting an application for a work permit, study permission, temporary resident permit, temporary resident visa, or temporary resident status.
The applicant must have a pending application for permanent residence or have previously provided biometrics for a temporary residence application in order to be eligible for the exemption. Furthermore, the new application needs to be submitted no later than ten years from the biometric enrollment date.
