About Canada's Biometrics

Biometric identification consists of determining the identity of a person. The aim is to capture an item of biometric data from this person. It can be a photo of their face, a record of their voice, or an image of their fingerprint.

International students will need to give their biometrics (fingerprints and a facial recognition photo) when applying to visit, study, work or settle as a permanent resident in Canada.

1. Who needs to give biometrics?

According to IRCC, if Candidates are applying for a study or work permit, a visitor visa, or permanent residence in Canada for the first time, Candidate will need to provide his/her biometrics (unless candidates are not liable).

If one has already submitted his/her biometrics information as part of a previous application, his/her information may still be valid.

IRCC says biometric verification will be required, from non-exempt applicants, once every 10 years in order to make easy multiple entries into the country.

If one of the following cases applies to anybody, biometric data may not be required:

�       Candidates are a visa-exempt national coming to Canada as a tourist and candidates have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

�       candidates have already provided biometrics in support of his/her  permanent resident application that is under review.

�       candidates are a U.S. national applying to study in Canada.

This temporary exemption for applicants in Canada is expected to end once biometrics service points become available.

2. Why does the Canadian government collect biometrics?

Biometrics collection can help the government prevent identify fraud/theft, entry of criminals, re-entry of deportees and false identity claims.

IRCC says that by confirming the identity of individuals entering the country, it can maintain the health, safety and security of Canadians and residents in the country.

3. When do one need to give fingerprints and photo?

When submitting a study permit application, IRCC says that biometric details may be given after an application is submitted, fees are paid and a biometric instruction letter is obtained. Otherwise, one can submit His/her biometric data at the same time one submit His/her application at a Visa Application Centre.

IRCC says that biometric data should not be provided before an application is submitted.

4. Where Applicant give fingerprint and photo?

The process of giving biometrics is fast and secure. It may take only a few minutes to complete when done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or authorized service point.

There are currently 137 VACs worldwide that provide biometric collection.

5. Will application take longer?

IRCC encourages all applicants to give their biometrics information as soon as a Biometric Instruction Letter is obtained.

Generally, IRCC can start processing candidate study permit application as soon as its complete and having his/her biometrics submitted will only help the process.

6. Is Applicant information kept safe and secure?

The Government of Canada says biometrics information is handled with the highest level of security and privacy. On their website,

IRCC states that all biometrics data collected at a service point is deleted once it has been sent to the Canadian Immigration Biometrics Identification System, where they will be checked by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

7. How much does the Biometrics procedure cost?

In addition to application fees, providing biometrics costs CAD $85 for an individual or CAD $170 for a family that is applying at the same time.

8. Who is free from the biometrics requirement?

IRCC says the following are exempt from having to provide biometrics:

�         Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;

�         visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization(eTA) 

�         children under the age of 14;

�         applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);

�         heads of state and heads of government;

�         cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business;

�         U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada;

�         refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;

�         temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress.