As of today, biometrics collection services are available at 58 designated Service Canada locations across Canada.

Foreign nationals will need to give their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) when applying from within Canada for permanent residence, or as a

• foreign worker (including extending a work permit)
• international student (including extending a study permit)
• visa-required visitor (including extending their stay)

This means applicants in Canada will now save time and money by being able to stay in Canada to give their biometrics.

Canada has been collecting biometrics from most foreign nationals applying from outside the country for a visitor visa, a study or work permit, or for permanent residence since December 31, 2018. There are some exemptions to the biometrics requirement. Service Canada is providing the biometrics collection services on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IRCC and Service Canada will closely monitor the impact of the biometrics requirement on applicants in Canada to ensure that the designated Service Canada locations meet the needs of applicants.

What if I already provided biometrics?

If you’ve already provided biometrics for a previous visitor visa, or study or work permit application, your biometrics are valid for 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics for any future visitor visa, or work or study permit application until the 10-year period expires. However, if you’re applying for permanent residence, you’ll need to give your biometrics each time you apply until you’re approved.

Giving your biometrics at a designated Service Canada location

If you’re in Canada and receive a biometrics instruction letter, you can give your biometrics as of December 3, 2019, at any designated Service Canada location from this list. Not every Service Canada location collects biometrics.

To receive a biometrics instruction letter, you must pay the biometrics fee (CAD $85) when submitting your application online or by mail.

If you apply online and pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application, you can get the biometrics instruction letter within 24 hours of applying.

Once you receive your biometrics instruction letter, you have up to 30 days from the date indicated in the letter to give your fingerprints and photo.

Unlike Canada’s visa application centres (VACs), Service Canada locations do not accept immigration applications or payments for the biometrics fee.

You’ll need to book a biometrics appointment

You’ll need to book a biometrics appointment with the Service Canada location in advance.

Service Canada will begin accepting online appointment requests starting December 3, 2019, through an easy online tool found at canada.ca/biometrics.

What to bring

You should arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time.

To give your biometrics, you’ll need to bring your

• biometrics instruction letter
• email from Service Canada confirming your biometrics appointment time
• valid travel document (such as your passport) that you used in support of your application

Other biometrics collection services options

If you’re planning to travel outside of Canada, you can go to a VAC in any country that you are legally allowed to enter, including your home country. To find the closest VAC, visit canada.ca/biometrics.

Please Contact Us for more information.

People can now give their fingerprints and photo right here in Canada

As of today, foreign nationals applying from within Canada for temporary or permanent residence, or to extend or renew their visitor visa or work or study permit, will need to have their fingerprints and photo taken and can do so at any of the 58 designated Service Canada locations across the country. This means individuals will now save time and money by being able to give their biometrics within Canada.

Canada has collected biometrics (fingerprints and photos) on most foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residence since December 31, 2018.

Having biometrics helps immigration officers verify people’s identity, which makes processing applications easier and simplifies entry for legitimate travellers. It also makes it easier for officers to stop individuals who pose a risk to the safety and security of Canadians.

People can apply online or by paper as they have always done. Applicants who receive a biometrics instruction letter will be able to give their fingerprints and photo at designated Service Canada locations across the country by appointment. The appointment must be made in advance through an easy online booking tool at canada.ca/biometrics.

Applicants, including those in Canada who will be travelling outside the country, can also give their biometrics at a visa application centre (VAC) in any country that they are legally allowed to enter. Canada has one of the most extensive networks of VACs worldwide, with 160 locations in 108 countries.

* There are some exemptions to the biometrics requirement, including applicants under 14 or over 79 years of age; U.S. nationals coming to visit, work or study temporarily in Canada; and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. coming to visit only.

Please Contact Us for more information.