Canada’s Biometrics

Biometrics are physical identifiers, such as fingerprints and facial photos, used by the Canadian government to confirm an applicant’s identity. They help enhance security, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate processing of immigration to Canada applications.

What Is Biometric?

Biometrics are your unique physical identifiers, including:

• Fingerprints: Electronic scan of all 10 fingers.
• Photograph: Digital photo of your face.

This information is collected to confirm your identity, screen applicants, and help assess your application.

Why Biometrics Are Important?

Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are essential because they provide a unique, unchangeable link to an individual’s identity, which is critical for security and system efficiency.

1. Enhance Security: They allow government agencies to check applicants against law enforcement and national security databases to identify and stop individuals with criminal records or security risks from entering the country.
2. Prevent Fraud: Biometrics are virtually impossible to forge, which eliminates identity fraud. They ensure the person applying for a visa or permit is the same person who gets the document and the same person who arrives at the border.
3. Streamline Travel: They facilitate faster and more accurate identity verification at the port of entry (like airports), helping to efficiently process legitimate travelers.
4. Supporting the Integrity of the Immigration System: Biometrics ensure that immigration rules are applied fairly by establishing a reliable identity from the outset.

When Does IRCC Ask for Biometrics

Whether applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residency, providing biometrics is an essential step that applicants must complete carefully and on time.

Most foreign nationals (age 15 to 80) applying for certain Canadian documents need to provide biometrics. This generally includes applicants who are:

Application Type	Requirement	Applicable Ages
Temporary Residence	Required for most applications for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit.	Age 14 to 79 (inclusive)
Permanent Residence	Required for all permanent residence applications (including family, economic, and refugee classes).	Age 14 to 79 (inclusive)
Extension of Stay	Required for applications to extend your stay in Canada, unless you are from a visa-exempt country.	Age 14 to 79 (inclusive)
Refugee/Asylum	Required for refugee or asylum status claimants.	Age 14 to 79 (inclusive)

❌ Exemptions

You do not need to give biometrics if you are:

• A Canadian citizen or current Permanent Resident of Canada.
• A Canadian temporary resident applicant who has already provided biometrics within the last 10 years in support of a temporary resident application (visitor visa, study, or work permit), and those biometrics are still valid. (You can check if your biometrics are still valid using the official IRCC tool.)
• A U.S. national applying for temporary residence.
• Lawful permanent residents of the United States who are travelling to Canada and who have a valid status (e.g., Green Card holders) and are only applying for a visitor visa. (They do need to give biometrics if applying for a work or study permit, or permanent residence.)
• Children under the age of 14.
• Applicants over the age of 79 (there are some specific exemptions for permanent residence applicants over 80, but the general rule is over 79).
• Heads of state and heads of government.
• Applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa.
• Applicants applying for a transit visa.

Biometrics Application

Location Options to give Biometrics:

Location	Collection Site Type	How to Book
Outside Canada (Excluding the U.S.)	Visa Application Centre (VAC) (operated by VFS Global or other partners)	Book Online via the official VFS Global website for the country where you will attend, or by phone/email/web chat (varies by VAC). Appointments are mandatory and free of charge.
Inside the U.S.	Application Support Centre (ASC) (operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) OR a VAC	ASC: Use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to book. VAC: Book through the official VAC website for the specific location.
Inside Canada	Designated Service Canada Office	Book Online using the official eServiceCanada Appointment Booking Tool. You cannot walk in; a confirmed appointment is required.

What happens at the appointment?

Your fingerprints will be scanned electronically, and a digital photo of your face will be taken. The process is usually quick.

The process usually takes about 10–15 minutes, during which your documents are checked, your information is recorded, and you confirm that all details match your application.

How To Give Biometrics?

When attending your appointment, the process is straightforward, but preparation is key.

What to Bring? You must bring the following two documents to your biometrics appointment:

1. Your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL): The original or a printed copy is required for all collection sites.
2. Your Valid Passport or Travel Document: This must be the same document you used to apply for your visa or permit.

At the Collection Site

The entire process generally takes only a few minutes once your turn begins.

• Fingerprints: An authorized technician will use a digital scanner to capture an image of all 10 of your fingerprints.
• Photo: A digital photograph of your face will be taken.

✅ Tips for a successful photo/scan:

• Ensure your face is completely visible (from chin to above the eyebrows).
• If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, your face must still be fully visible, and the covering must not create shadows.
• Try to ensure your fingers are clean and free of cuts, cracks, or temporary decorations (like henna), as this can affect the quality of the scan and may require you to return later.

Biometrics for Permanent Residency (PR)

If you apply for permanent residence in Canada, you need to provide biometrics every time you apply. Even if you’ve done so before.

Exception:

• Applicants under age 14 or over age 79 are usually exempt
• Some diplomatic or special-status persons.
  But note: Providing biometrics for a temporary residence (study/work/visitor permit), ≠ you’re exempt from PR. IRCC requires new biometrics for PR.

Biometric Fees for Canada

The biometric service fee at Canada’s collection centers, according to the latest 2025 updates:

• Individual: 85.00$
• Family of 2 or more eligible people: 170.00$
  • Eligible family members:
  • spouse and common-law partner
  • Dependent children or their dependent children
• Group of 3 or more performing artists: 255.00$
• Transit visa applications: Free

How Often Do Biometrics Need to Be Given?

The validity depends on the type of application:

• Temporary Resident Applicants (Visitor Visa, Study, or Work Permit):
  Biometrics are valid for 10 years from the date of the previous collection. If you apply for a subsequent temporary resident document within this period, you typically do not need to give them again.
• Permanent Resident Applicants:
  Applicants for permanent residence must provide biometrics with every new permanent residence application, even if they have already done so in the last 10 years for a temporary application.

Tips to Have a Successful Biometric Appointment

Final Thoughts

Canada’s biometric system plays a crucial role in strengthening the country’s immigration integrity and security. By collecting fingerprints and digital photos, the IRCC ensures that every applicant’s identity is accurately verified and that the process remains transparent and efficient.

Staying informed about the latest biometric requirements and fees helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth and successful immigration process.

FAQs