Biometrics for Canada Immigration: Everything You Need to Know

Applying to immigrate to Canada involves several important steps, and one of the most common requirements is providing your biometrics. While the process is straightforward, many applicants are unsure about who needs to provide biometrics, when they must be submitted, how long they remain valid, and what happens after they're collected. Missing this step or misunderstanding the requirements can delay your application or even lead to a refusal.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Canada's biometric requirements, including who needs to provide them, who is exempt, how the collection process works, applicable fees, and how your personal information is protected.

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What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics are your fingerprints and a digital photograph that are collected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify your identity. Unlike paper documents, biometric information is unique to every individual. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. By collecting biometric information, the Canadian government can accurately confirm that the person applying for a visa or immigration status is the same person who travels to Canada.

Biometrics also help Canadian immigration authorities detect identity fraud, prevent the use of false documents, and improve the overall security of Canada's immigration system. When you provide your biometrics, your fingerprints and photograph become part of your immigration record and may be used throughout the application process to verify your identity whenever necessary.

Why Does Canada Require Biometrics?

Canada introduced biometric screening to strengthen border security while making immigration processing more reliable. Your fingerprints and photograph allow immigration officers to:

• Confirm your identity,
• Prevent identity theft and fraud,
• Verify previous immigration records,
• Improve border security,
• Help determine the admissibility of applicants, and
• Support decisions made on immigration applications.

Your biometric information may also be used when you arrive in Canada to ensure the individual entering the country is the same person who received the visa or permit. This process helps protect both genuine applicants and Canada's immigration system.

Who Needs to Give Biometrics?

Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must provide biometrics when applying for several Canadian immigration programs. You generally need to provide your fingerprints and photograph if you apply for:

• A visitor visa,
• An initial study permit,
• A study permit extension (excluding U.S. nationals),
• An initial work permit,
• A work permit extension (excluding U.S. nationals),
• A visitor record to extend your stay in Canada (unless you are from a visa-exempt country),
• Permanent residence,
• Refugee or asylum status, and
• A new Permanent Resident (PR) card if you were previously exempt because of your age.

Applicants travelling with refugee travel documents, certificates of identity, or certain U.S. refugee travel documents must also provide biometrics regardless of the country that issued the document.

Temporary Residence Applicants

If you're applying to visit, study, or work in Canada, biometric requirements depend on your application type and whether you've already provided biometrics in the past. Most temporary residents only need to give biometrics once every 10 years. This means that if you've already submitted biometrics within the previous 10 years, IRCC will usually reuse them for future temporary residence applications. For example, if you previously provided biometrics for a study permit and later apply for a visitor visa while your biometrics are still valid, you generally won't need to submit them again.

However, there is one important limitation. IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit that extends beyond the validity of your biometrics. If your biometrics are due to expire before your requested permit ends, your visa may be issued for a shorter period. Applicants who want a visa or permit with a longer validity period may choose to provide new biometrics voluntarily, even if their existing biometrics have not yet expired.

Permanent Residence Applicants

The rules are different for permanent residence applications. Most permanent residence applicants must provide biometrics every time they apply, even if they previously submitted biometrics for another permanent residence or temporary residence application. This allows IRCC to conduct identity verification based on the most current application and maintain accurate immigration records. There are only a few limited exceptions where permanent residence applicants may not need to provide biometrics.

For example, if you've already submitted biometrics for an active permanent residence application and later apply for temporary residence while your PR application is still being processed, IRCC can generally reuse your existing biometrics for the temporary residence application. However, if your permanent residence application is refused, those biometrics cannot be reused for future applications.

Who Is Exempt From Giving Biometrics?

Not every applicant needs to submit fingerprints and a photograph. Several categories of applicants are exempt from Canada's biometric requirements. You generally do not need to provide biometrics if you are:

• A Canadian citizen,
• A Canadian citizenship applicant, including passport applicants,
• An existing permanent resident, unless you are renewing or replacing your PR card after being exempt because you were under 14 years old when you first applied.
• A national of a visa-exempt country visiting Canada only and applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA),
• A child under 14 years of age,
• An applicant over 79 years of age (except asylum claimants),
• A head of state or head of government,
• A person who qualifies for or holds a diplomatic or official visa,
• A U.S. visa holder transiting through Canada, and
• An applicant for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit who has already provided biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed.

It is important to note that there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants. Applicants seeking refugee protection must still provide biometrics regardless of their age.

How IRCC Determines Your Age for Biometrics

One detail that often surprises applicants is that IRCC considers your age on the date your application is submitted, not your age when your biometrics appointment takes place. For example, if a child is 13 years old when a permanent residence application is submitted but turns 14 while the application is being processed, the child remains exempt from providing biometrics for that application.

On the other hand, if an applicant is 79 years old when they submit their application but turns 80 before attending a biometrics appointment, they must still provide biometrics because they were under 80 on the application date. Understanding this rule can help families avoid confusion during the immigration process.

When Do You Need to Give Your Biometrics?

The timing of your biometrics appointment depends on the type of immigration application you submit. In most cases, you cannot provide your fingerprints and photograph before applying. Instead, you must first submit your application and pay the required biometrics fee. Once IRCC reviews your application, it will issue a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required.

Your BIL confirms that you need to provide biometrics and includes instructions on how to book your appointment. It is important to use the BIL issued for your current application, as older letters from previous applications cannot be reused. After receiving your BIL, you generally have 30 days to complete your biometrics at an approved collection location.

Booking your appointment as soon as possible helps prevent delays, especially during busy periods when appointment slots may fill quickly. Remember that your application cannot move forward until IRCC receives your biometric information. Delaying your appointment may also delay the overall processing of your visa or immigration application.

Biometrics Validity for Temporary Residents

One of the biggest advantages of Canada's biometrics program is that most temporary residents only need to provide biometrics once every 10 years. If you've already given your fingerprints and photograph within the previous 10 years, IRCC will usually reuse them for future temporary residence applications, including:

• Visitor visas,
• Study permits,
• Work permits,
• Visitor record extensions, and
• Certain temporary resident extensions.

This means you generally won't need to visit another biometric collection centre every time you submit a new application during the validity period. However, the 10-year validity period affects more than just whether you need to provide biometrics again.

IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit that remains valid beyond the expiry date of your biometrics. For example, if your biometrics expire in two years but you qualify for a five-year work permit, the permit may only be issued for two years unless you choose to provide new biometrics. Understanding this rule can help you avoid receiving a visa or permit with a shorter validity than expected.

Biometrics for Permanent Residence Applications

Unlike temporary residence applications, permanent residence applications follow a different rule. Most applicants seeking Canadian permanent residence must provide biometrics every time they apply, regardless of whether they submitted biometrics for a previous permanent residence or temporary residence application.

IRCC requires new biometrics because each permanent residence application is assessed independently. Updated fingerprints and photographs help maintain accurate records and support identity verification throughout the immigration process. There are only a few exceptions to this requirement.

For instance, if you have already submitted biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed and later apply for temporary residence, IRCC can generally reuse your existing biometrics for the temporary application. If your permanent residence application is refused, however, those biometrics cannot be reused for future applications. You will need to provide new biometrics the next time you apply.

Can You Give Biometrics Again Before They Expire?

Yes. Even if your biometrics are still valid, you may choose to provide them again. Many applicants do this because they want their new visa or permit to be issued for the maximum possible validity period. For example, imagine your biometrics are due to expire next year, but you are applying for a work permit that could remain valid for several years.

If you rely on your existing biometrics, IRCC cannot issue a permit that extends beyond the biometric expiry date. By submitting new biometrics, you reset the 10-year validity period, allowing IRCC to issue a longer-validity document if you meet all other eligibility requirements. To voluntarily provide new biometrics, you must:

• Pay the biometrics fee when submitting your application,
• Wait for the new Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL),
• Book an appointment using the BIL issued for that application, and
• Visit an official biometric collection site to provide your fingerprints and photograph again.

Providing new biometrics is optional when your current biometrics remain valid, but it can be a practical choice for applicants hoping to receive a longer-lasting visa or permit.

Checking Whether Your Biometrics Are Still Valid

If you're unsure whether your biometrics are still valid, it's worth checking before you apply. Knowing the expiry date can help you determine whether IRCC is likely to reuse your existing biometrics or whether providing new biometrics may be beneficial.

Applicants should verify their biometric validity early in the application process to avoid surprises that could affect the duration of a visa or permit. If your biometrics are close to expiring, renewing them during your new application may save time and reduce the need for another application later.

What Happens If Your Visa or Permit Is Issued for a Shorter Period?

Some applicants are surprised to receive a visa or permit that is valid for less time than they expected. In many cases, this happens because the validity of the applicant's biometrics expires before the maximum validity period of the visa or permit. Once IRCC has issued your document, you cannot simply provide new biometrics to extend its validity. Instead, you must:

• Submit a new application or apply to extend your status in Canada,
• Pay all applicable government fees, including the biometrics fee,
• Receive a new Biometric Instruction Letter,
• Provide your biometrics again, and
• Wait for IRCC to process the new application.

Because of this, many applicants choose to renew their biometrics proactively if they are approaching the end of the 10-year validity period.

What If Your Application Is Refused Because You Didn't Give Biometrics?

Providing biometrics is a mandatory part of many Canadian immigration applications. If IRCC requests biometrics and you fail to provide them within the required timeframe, your application may be refused. If this happens, you should not attempt to attend a biometric appointment using the old BIL. Instead, you must begin the process again by:

• Submitting a new application,
• Paying all required government fees, including the biometrics fee,
• Waiting for IRCC to issue a new Biometric Instruction Letter,
• Booking a new appointment using the new BIL, and
• Providing your fingerprints and photograph within the timeframe specified.

Using a BIL from a previous application can create processing delays or even result in another refusal because the letter is linked to a specific application. To avoid unnecessary setbacks, always follow the instructions provided in the BIL issued for your current application.

Special Rules for Permanent Resident Card Applicants

Most permanent residents do not need to provide biometrics when applying to renew or replace a Permanent Resident (PR) card. However, there is an important exception. If you were exempt from providing biometrics when you originally became a permanent resident because you were under 14 years of age, you may need to provide biometrics once you turn 14 or older when:

• Applying to renew your PR card, or
• Applying after arriving in Canada as a permanent resident.

This rule ensures that IRCC has biometric information on file for permanent residents who were previously too young to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

How to Give Your Biometrics for Canada Immigration

Once you've determined that biometrics are required for your application, the next step is completing the collection process. While it is generally straightforward, following each step carefully can help you avoid unnecessary delays in processing your Canadian immigration application. Below is a step-by-step guide to submitting your biometrics correctly.

Step 1: Pay the Biometrics Fee

For most applicants, the first step is paying the biometrics fee when submitting your immigration application. Paying the fee upfront is strongly recommended because IRCC cannot issue your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) until the required payment has been received. Delaying payment may also delay the processing of your application.

Current Biometrics Fees

The amount you pay depends on the type of application and the number of people applying together as outlined below.

Types of Applicants	Fees
Individual Applicant	85 CAD
Families Applying Together	If two or more eligible family members apply at the same time, the maximum family biometrics fee is: 170 CAD. Eligible family members include: Your spouse or common-law partner Your dependent children Your dependent children's dependent children This family fee helps reduce the overall cost for households applying together.
Groups of Performing Artists	Groups of three or more performing artists and their support staff applying simultaneously for work permits pay a maximum total biometrics fee of: 255 CAD
Transit Visa Applicants	Applicants applying only for a transit visa do not pay a biometrics fee. Before submitting your application, it's always a good idea to confirm the latest government fees, as they may change over time.

Step 2: Receive Your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)

After IRCC receives both your application and biometrics fee, they will issue a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required. This document is extremely important. Your BIL confirms that:

• You are required to provide biometrics,
• IRCC has linked your biometrics request to your application,
• You may now book your biometrics appointment, and
• The deadline for completing your biometrics has begun.

Most applicants have 30 days from the date the BIL is issued to complete their biometrics. Because appointment availability varies by country and location, it is advisable to schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your letter. Waiting until the last minute may make it difficult to secure an appointment before the deadline.

Use the Correct Biometric Instruction Letter

One mistake applicants occasionally make is attempting to use a Biometric Instruction Letter from a previous application. This should never be done. Every BIL is linked to a specific immigration application. If you attend your appointment using an old BIL, IRCC may not be able to connect your biometrics to your current application. This can result in:

• Processing delays,
• Requests for additional documents, and
• Application refusal.

Always use the BIL issued for your current application.

What Documents Should You Bring?

When attending your biometrics appointment, you must bring your valid passport and your current Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). The officer collecting your biometrics will verify both documents before taking your fingerprints and photograph. If either document is missing, you may not be able to complete your appointment.

Special Rules for Asylum Claimants Without a Passport

Some applicants seeking refugee protection may not have a valid passport. If you have received a Biometric Instruction Letter but do not possess a passport, you may instead bring one of the following:

• A Refugee Protection Identity Document,
• A Refugee Protection Claimant Document (valid or expired, provided it includes your photograph), and
• A certified copy of your passport.

These exceptions generally apply to:

• Individuals with asylum claims currently being processed,
• Applicants whose asylum claims were found ineligible,
• Applicants whose claims were rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB),
• Protected persons,
• Individuals whose refugee claims have been accepted, and
• Applicants approved through a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).

Step 3: Book Your Biometrics Appointment

Biometrics are collected by appointment. Appointments are free to book, although you must still pay the government biometrics fee if it applies to your application. Booking early is highly recommended because appointment availability differs between countries and collection centres.

Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) may accept limited walk-in appointments or emergency requests, but these are not guaranteed. Applicants should expect to make an appointment before visiting if they use:

• VACs,
• Service Canada locations (where eligible), and
• United States Application Support Centers (ASCs).

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Where Can You Give Your Biometrics?

Canada has authorized several official biometric collection locations around the world. Depending on where you live, you may provide your fingerprints and photograph at:

• A VAC,
• A designated Service Canada office (for eligible applicants inside Canada), and
• A United States Application Support Center (ASC), where applicable.

Only official collection sites approved by the Government of Canada may collect biometrics for immigration purposes. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent websites or agencies claiming to offer biometric services. Appointments should always be arranged through official channels identified in your BIL.

Attend Your Appointment in Person

Unlike many parts of the immigration process that can be completed online, biometrics must always be provided in person. During your appointment, a trained officer will:

• Verify your identity,
• Review your passport and BIL,
• Collect your fingerprints electronically, and
• Take your digital photograph.

The process is quick, non-invasive, and usually completed within a few minutes. Once your fingerprints and photograph have been successfully captured, they are encrypted and transmitted securely to IRCC. The biometric collection centre does not permanently store your biometric information.

Complete Your Biometrics Within 30 Days

Most applicants are expected to complete their biometrics within 30 days of receiving their BIL. Missing this deadline can significantly delay your application and may even result in refusal if IRCC does not receive your biometrics within the required timeframe.

If exceptional circumstances prevent you from attending your appointment within the required period, you should follow the instructions provided by IRCC and your BIL as soon as possible. Taking prompt action helps reduce the risk of complications with your application.

Tips for a Smooth Biometrics Appointment

Preparing in advance can make your appointment quick and stress-free. Here are a few practical tips:

• Book your appointment as soon as you receive your BIL,
• Double-check the date, time, and location of your appointment
• Bring your valid passport and current BIL,
• Arrive a little early to allow time for security checks or registration,
• Make sure your fingers are clean and free from cuts or heavy bandages, as this can affect fingerprint quality, and
• Follow the instructions provided by the biometric collection staff throughout the process.

Once your appointment is complete, there is nothing further you need to do regarding biometrics unless IRCC contacts you for additional information. Your fingerprints and photograph will be securely transmitted to IRCC for use in processing your immigration application.

What Happens After You Give Your Biometrics?

Once you have completed your biometrics appointment, your role in the process is largely finished. Your fingerprints and digital photograph are securely transmitted to IRCC, where they become part of your immigration application.

Many applicants wonder what happens to their biometric information after it is collected. Understanding how IRCC uses, stores, and protects this data can provide peace of mind and help you better understand Canada's commitment to secure and fair immigration processing.

How IRCC Uses Your Biometrics

After your fingerprints and photograph are collected, they are encrypted and electronically transferred to a secure Government of Canada database. Encryption protects your personal information during transmission, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access it. IRCC uses your biometrics to:

• Confirm your identity,
• Match your identity to your immigration application,
• Detect identity fraud,
• Verify previous immigration records,
• Support admissibility assessments,and
• Help maintain the integrity of Canada's immigration system.

Your biometrics may also be used to verify your identity when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, helping border officials confirm that the person entering Canada is the same person who was approved for the visa or permit.

Who Has Access to Your Biometric Information?

Canada has strict rules governing the use of biometric information. While your immigration application is being processed, IRCC shares your fingerprints with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for identity verification. The RCMP compares your fingerprints against records relating to:

• Criminal records,
• Refugee claimants,
• Individuals who have been deported from Canada, and
• Previous temporary resident applicants.

These checks help immigration officials make informed decisions regarding admissibility and identity verification. In certain situations, biometric information may also be shared with:

• Other Canadian law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing federal or provincial laws,
• Canadian government departments involved in immigration or border security,and
• Foreign governments where information sharing is permitted under Canadian privacy legislation and international agreements.

Canada may exchange biometric information with trusted international partners, including:

• The United States,
• The United Kingdom,
• Australia, and
• New Zealand.

These information-sharing arrangements are designed to support immigration integrity while respecting privacy legislation, civil liberties, human rights, and the protections provided under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

How Your Information Is Stored

Many applicants mistakenly believe that the VAC or biometric collection office keeps copies of their fingerprints. This is not the case. Once your fingerprints and photograph are successfully transmitted to IRCC, the biometric collection location deletes your information from its local collection system. The collection centre does not permanently retain your biometric data. Instead, your information is securely stored within Government of Canada systems that meet strict security and privacy standards. This approach helps minimize the risk of unauthorized access while ensuring that immigration officials can securely retrieve your information when necessary.

Can You Refuse to Give Biometrics?

Applicants have the right to refuse to provide their biometrics. However, doing so usually has significant consequences. If biometrics are required for your application and you choose not to provide them, IRCC may refuse your application because identity verification cannot be completed. For this reason, applicants should carefully follow the instructions outlined in their Biometric Instruction Letter and attend their appointment within the required timeframe. Providing biometrics is an essential part of many Canadian immigration applications and should not be overlooked.

Your Privacy Rights

Canada places a strong emphasis on protecting personal information. The Privacy Act gives individuals important rights regarding the personal information held by federal government institutions. Under this legislation, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information held by the Government of Canada,
• Request corrections if your personal information contains errors, and
• Submit an access to information request to review certain records relating to your immigration file.

Your biometric information is maintained within official Government of Canada Personal Information Banks (PIBs), which are subject to privacy legislation and oversight. These safeguards are intended to ensure that your information is collected, used, stored, and disclosed only for authorized purposes.

Common Biometrics Mistakes to Avoid

Although the biometrics process is relatively simple, applicants occasionally make mistakes that delay their immigration applications. Some of the most common errors include:

Waiting Too Long to Book an Appointment

Appointment availability can vary depending on your country and the time of year. Booking your appointment immediately after receiving your Biometric Instruction Letter helps reduce the risk of missing the deadline.

Using an Old Biometric Instruction Letter

Every immigration application receives its own Biometric Instruction Letter. Using a BIL from a previous application can delay processing or even result in your application being refused.

Forgetting Required Documents

Always bring your current BIL and a valid passport (or approved alternative documentation if applicable). Without these documents, you may be unable to complete your appointment.

Assuming Biometrics Last Forever

Temporary resident biometrics generally remain valid for 10 years, but they eventually expire. Permanent residence applicants are usually required to provide biometrics with every new PR application.

Believing You Can Extend a Visa by Giving Biometrics Again?

Once your visa or permit has been issued, submitting new biometrics will not extend its validity. If you want a longer-validity document, you must submit a new application, pay the required fees, and follow the biometrics process again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Provide Biometrics Every Time I Apply for a Visitor Visa?

Not usually. If your biometrics are still valid, IRCC will generally reuse them for future temporary residence applications during the 10-year validity period.

How Long Are Biometrics Valid?

For most temporary residence applicants, biometrics remain valid for 10 years. Permanent residence applicants generally provide biometrics each time they submit a new PR application.

Can I Give my Biometrics Before Submitting my Application?

No. You must first submit your application, pay the required fee, and receive a Biometric Instruction Letter before booking your appointment.

Is There a Fee for Booking a Biometrics Appointment?

No. Booking the appointment itself is free. However, most applicants must pay the government biometrics fee when they submit their immigration application.

What Happens if I Miss my Biometrics Appointment?

Missing your appointment may delay your application. If you cannot attend, you should follow the instructions provided by IRCC and arrange a new appointment as soon as possible.

Will my Fingerprints be Kept by the Visa Application

Centre?

No. Once your fingerprints and photograph have been securely transmitted to IRCC, the collection centre deletes them from its local system.