To apply for immigration to Canada, you could be required to submit biometric data. This condition applies to those between the ages of 14 and 79 applying for refugee protection, permanent residency, or temporary residence. For Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), biometrics is a crucial means of identification verification.

What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics include data that confirm your identity. This procedure entails gathering three essential components:

Firstly, biographic data is gathered by IRCC. This contains your name, birthdate, and other private information from your passport or other travel document. Second, a fingerprint-capture gadget uses electronic technology to collect your fingerprints electronically. Your biometrics procedure concludes with the taking of a digital snapshot.

Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?

Even if you have already submitted your biometrics, you must do so each time you apply for permanent residence. This qualification applies to anyone seeking: between the ages of 14 and 79.

• A permanent resident visa
• A request to remain as a permanent resident
• A new permanent resident card if you were previously exempt due to age

If you seek a work or study permit, an extension of temporary status, or a temporary resident visa, you must provide biometrics. If you have already submitted your biometrics, you might not have to do so again unless it was over a decade ago.

The price of collecting biometric data varies. Applicants individually must pay 85 CAD. The maximum application fee for families applying jointly is 170 CAD. Concurrently, groups of three or more performers can receive up to 255 CAD. When requesting a transit visa, biometrics are not subject to a cost.

How and Where Are Biometrics Collected?

Biometrics are collected in person, by appointment only. You have 30 days from when you pay the cost and receive your biometric instruction letter (BIL) to schedule your biometrics. You can make an appointment at a U.S. Application Support Center (ASC) if you are in the United States, a Visa Application Center (VAC), or Service Canada (for individuals within Canada).

Staying away from fraud is vital. When looking for a collection site, always visit the official IRCC website. Recall that after you pay the application fee, the appointment is free.

There are some exclusions for the submission of biometrics. If you are a visitor to Canada without a visa, an established permanent resident, or a citizen of Canada, you do not have to supply biometric information. Applicants over 79 and minors under 14 are free from further requirements unless they seek asylum.

Your biometric information is transmitted to a safe government database securely. This information is shared with the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to verify your identification during the application processing. Under privacy restrictions, sharing may even be permitted with foreign governments and other law enforcement organizations.

You can use the IRCC web form to request an extension if you cannot schedule an appointment within the allotted 30-day period. When requesting an extension, include a screenshot of your appointment confirmation, as the IRCC cannot promise it will be granted.

FAQS

How long will it take for my biometrics to be valid after I submit them?

Biometrics are usually valid for ten years when used for applications for temporary residence. Nevertheless, even if they have already provided biometrics, applicants for permanent residence must provide them with each application.

What is the price of biometrics provisioning?

The cost of biometrics is $85 per application. The maximum cost for families applying jointly is $170, and the maximum for groups of three or more performing artists is $255. Should you be seeking a transit visa, there is no charge for the biometrics.