Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require biometrics from individuals aged 14 to 79 who are applying for, claiming, or requesting any of the following:
- Temporary residence in Canada (excluding U.S. nationals)
- Permanent residence in Canada (including U.S. nationals)
- Refugee protection
Table of Contents
What Are Biometrics?
Biometrics are data used to verify your identity. When you provide your biometrics, IRCC will collect the following information:
- Biographic Data: This includes your name, date of birth, and other personal information as listed on the biographic data page of your passport or travel document.
- Fingerprints: Your fingerprints will be electronically captured during the biometrics session using a fingerprint-capture device.
- Photograph: A digital photo of you will also be taken.
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Permanent Residence
You are required to submit your biometrics every time you apply for permanent residency, even if you have done so previously. According to IRCC, individuals aged between 14 and 79 must provide biometrics when applying for any of the following:
- A permanent resident visa
- A request to remain in Canada as a permanent resident
- A new permanent resident card for the first time, particularly if you were exempt from biometric enrollment due to being under 14 years old at the time of your PR application
Temporary Residence
Temporary residents must give their biometrics when applying for:
- A temporary resident visa
- An extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident
- A temporary resident permit
- Restoration of temporary resident status
- A work permit or its renewal
- A study permit or its renewal
If you have previously submitted your biometrics, you may not need to do so again when applying for temporary residence. However, since IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit that extends more than 10 years from your last biometrics submission, it may be beneficial to voluntarily provide your biometrics if you wish to extend your permit beyond this time frame.
How Much Does It Cost to Collect Biometrics?
- Individual applicant: $85
- Families applying simultaneously: maximum total fee of $170
- Groups of three or more performing artists and their staff applying for work permits simultaneously: maximum total fee of $255
- Transit visa applicants: No fee for biometrics
Where Are Biometrics Collected?
Biometrics are collected in person by appointment. After paying your fee and receiving your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you have 30 days to have your biometrics collected. You can schedule an appointment at one of the following locations:
- Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Service Canada (available only from within Canada)
- United States Application Support Centre (ASC) (available only from within the U.S.)
To prevent fraud, always use the official IRCC website to find a nearby location, and do not pay for an appointment. Once you have settled the application fee, the biometrics appointment will be at no extra charge.
Exemptions
IRCC outlines several exemptions for individuals who are not required to submit biometrics:
- Canadian citizens or citizenship applicants (including passport applicants)
- Existing permanent residents
- Visa-exempt nationals visiting Canada
- Heads of state or government
- Applicants qualifying for or holding a diplomatic or official visa
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- Applicants for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit who have already provided biometrics for a pending permanent resident application
- Children under the age of 14
- Applicants over the age of 79 (unless claiming asylum)
How Will My Biometric Data Be Used?
Once you provide your biometrics, they will be encrypted and sent to a secure government database, where they will be deleted from the collection site after transmission to IRCC.
During the application processing, your biometrics will be shared with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Your fingerprints and photo will also be shared with the Canada Border Services Agency to verify your identity upon your arrival in Canada.
According to IRCC, they may also share your information with:
- Other law enforcement agencies in Canada for the enforcement of Canadian or provincial laws
- Canadian government institutions or foreign governments, in compliance with Canada’s privacy laws
Your fingerprints and photo may also be shared with the U.S., the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring that this sharing respects:
- Privacy laws
- Civil liberties
- Human rights (including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)
What If I Can’t Submit My Biometrics on Time?
If your ASC and VAC are operational, but you cannot secure an appointment to submit your biometrics within 30 days of receiving your biometric instruction letter (BIL), you can use the IRCC web form to request an extension. However, IRCC does not guarantee that an extension will be granted.
If you require an extension for an appointment that exceeds the 30-day deadline, you must provide a screenshot of your appointment confirmation along with the appointment date. Additionally, you will need to explain why you were unable to obtain an earlier appointment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON : https://esseindiacomplaints.com/
About Author
