Biometrics are an important part of the Canadian immigration process. They are used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify your identity, enhance security, and help with processing your application more efficiently. Biometrics involve the collection of fingerprints and photographs as part of the immigration application process.
Here’s a detailed guide on what biometrics are, why they’re required, and how you can provide them:
1. What Are Biometrics?
Biometrics are unique physical characteristics that can be used to identify a person. In Canada, the biometrics process includes:
- Fingerprints: Scanned impressions of your fingerprints.
- Photograph: A clear digital photograph of your face.
These biometric details are stored in the IRCC database and linked to your immigration file for future identification and security purposes.
2. Why Are Biometrics Required?
Biometric collection is required for several reasons:
- Security: Biometrics help verify your identity, ensuring that applicants are who they say they are, and preventing fraudulent or duplicate applications.
- Background Checks: Biometrics are used to conduct criminal background checks and other security screenings through Canadian law enforcement agencies and international databases.
- Immigration Control: Biometrics help IRCC track individuals entering or leaving Canada, as well as maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.
- Efficient Processing: Biometrics can expedite the immigration process by enabling quicker identification and verifying that documents match the right person.
3. Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Not everyone will need to provide biometrics. Typically, biometrics are required for the following categories:
- Temporary Resident Visas (TRV): Individuals applying for a visitor visa or temporary resident permit.
- Study and Work Permits: Applicants for work or study permits.
- Permanent Residency: Individuals applying for permanent residence under various immigration programs (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, etc.).
- Refugee Claimants: Individuals claiming refugee status or asylum in Canada.
- Citizenship Applicants: In some cases, individuals applying for Canadian citizenship may also need to submit biometrics.
However, some individuals may be exempt from providing biometrics. These include:
- Children under 14 or over 79 years old.
- Certain applicants from visa-exempt countries (depending on the type of visa or application).
4. How To Submit Biometrics?
The process for submitting biometrics generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
- After you submit your immigration application, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) if you are required to provide biometrics.
- This letter will be sent to you by IRCC, and it will outline where and how to submit your biometrics.
Step 2: Visit a Biometric Collection Centre
- You will need to visit an authorized biometric collection centre. These centres are typically located in Canadian cities and internationally at designated Visa Application Centres (VACs).
- You can find the nearest biometric collection centre on the official IRCC website.
Step 3: Provide Your Biometrics
- At the biometric collection centre, you will be required to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- The process is quick, taking about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Confirmation
- Once your biometrics are collected, the biometric collection centre will send them directly to IRCC.
- You will also receive a receipt of your biometric submission as proof that you have completed the process.
5. Biometrics Validity
Biometrics are generally valid for 10 years, meaning if you submit biometrics as part of one application, you may not need to provide them again for a subsequent application within that period.
- If your biometrics were previously collected: You won’t need to provide them again for other applications within 10 years.
- If your biometrics have expired: You will be asked to provide them again when applying for a new visa, permit, or immigration process.
6. Biometrics Fee
There is a biometrics fee that must be paid when submitting your biometrics. The fee structure typically is:
- $85 CAD for an individual.
- $170 CAD for a family (two or more people applying together).
The biometrics fee is generally paid online as part of your immigration application.
7. What Happens After Biometrics Submission?
Once your biometrics have been submitted, they will be processed and stored in the IRCC database. They are used to:
- Complete security and criminal background checks.
- Match the biometric data to immigration records and previous applications.
- Accelerate the processing of your application by linking biometric data with the IRCC database, ensuring there are no issues with identity verification.
8. Important Things To Keep In Mind
- Timeliness: Be sure to submit your biometrics promptly after receiving your BIL. Delays in submitting biometrics can slow down the processing of your application.
- Accuracy: Ensure that your biometrics are accurately submitted and your photo is clear. Incomplete or unclear biometrics may lead to rejection or delays.
- Visa/Permit Applications: If you are outside Canada and need biometrics, be sure to visit the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) or authorized centre.