Key Takeaways
- Permanent and temporary residence applicants aged 14-79 must submit biometrics; some exemptions apply, including U.S. nationals.
- Ensure timely biometrics submission within specified period; follow steps involving fee payment and appointment scheduling.
- As of June 2023, biometrics are required for all permanent residence applicants, supporting improved immigration processing efficiency.
To stay in Canada 🇨🇦, you might need to submit biometrics as part of your immigration process. Biometrics involve collecting your fingerprints and a photo to help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirm your identity and improve security. This guide explains the biometric requirements for Canadian residency.
Who Needs to Submit Biometrics?
- Permanent Residence Applicants: Everyone applying for permanent residency must submit biometrics, even if they have done so for a temporary resident permit before.
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Temporary Residence Applicants: This includes those seeking a temporary resident visa, work permit, or study permit. However, U.S. 🇺🇸 nationals are exempt from this requirement.
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Age Requirements: Applicants aged 14 to 79 years must submit biometrics. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are exempt, except in some asylum cases.
Exemptions
Certain groups do not need to provide biometrics:
- Canadian citizens and current permanent residents.
- Applicants for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) only.
- Heads of state and government officials.
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada.
- Applicants who have previously submitted biometrics for a permanent resident application that is still processing.
Steps to Submit Biometrics
- Determine Necessity: Check if you must submit biometrics based on your application type and personal situation.
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Pay the Fee: The biometric fee is CAD $85 for individuals. Family and group rates are available.
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Receive Biometric Instruction Letter: After you apply and pay the fee, you will receive a letter guiding you on how to provide biometrics.
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Schedule an Appointment: Set up an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC) to give your biometrics.
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Attend Appointment: Go to the appointment with necessary papers, like your passport and biometric instruction letter.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
- Timely Submission: Submit your biometrics within the timeframe in your instruction letter to avoid delays.
- Check VAC Availability: Some areas might have fewer VACs, so plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
- Document Readiness: Ensure you have all required papers ready before your appointment for a smooth process.
Recent Developments
As of June 2023, IRCC has brought back the requirement for all permanent residence applicants to submit biometrics, even if they submitted them for temporary applications in the last ten years. This aligns with pre-pandemic rules and aims to improve immigration process efficiency.
Real-world Examples
Many applicants have successfully navigated the biometric submission process by preparing early and following IRCC guidelines. Those who scheduled appointments early often reported faster processing times. On the other hand, some faced problems due to missed deadlines or lacking documents. Completing all paperwork and booking appointments promptly can help avoid such issues.
In conclusion, knowing the biometric requirements and following these steps can greatly help your application process when seeking residency in Canada. For more details, refer to the official IRCC website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, keeping informed about policy updates is essential for a seamless experience.
Learn Today
Biometrics: Collection of fingerprints and a photo to confirm identity and enhance security during immigration processes.
Permanent Residency: Immigration status allowing a person to reside in a country indefinitely while retaining citizenship elsewhere.
Temporary Resident Visa: A document allowing entry and stay in a country for a limited period for various purposes.
Visa Application Centre (VAC): Facilities where applicants submit visa applications and provide necessary documentation, including biometrics.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to certain countries by air.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thinking about Canadian residency? Biometrics are key! Fingerprints and a photo confirm your identity for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Required for permanent and most temporary residency applicants, excluding U.S. nationals. Remember to schedule, pay, and prepare necessary documents. Avoid delays by staying informed and organized—your Canadian future depends on it!
— By VisaVerge.com
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