Biometrics Canada Resumption Of Inside Applicants
The government is starting biometric Canada data from people applying for temporary residency inside Canada. Any foreign nationals between the ages of 14 and 79 applying, claiming, or requesting refugee protection, permanent residence (apart from US citizens), or temporary residence must submit biometrics. Now, people must provide their fingerprints and photo if they seek temporary residency on or after February 23, 2023. Those submitting include:
- For a work permit, study permit, visitor visa, or temporary resident permit.
- To extend their stay as workers, students, or visitors.
- To restore their status as workers, students, or visitors
Some exemptions and temporary measures for biometric Canada are still in place for special situations.
When did the first-time biometric Canada require for outside applicants?
Since December 31, 2018, Canada has been requesting biometrics (fingerprints and photo) from most foreign nationals applying from abroad for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence. The fingerprints and photo requirement has various exceptions.
When did the first-time biometric collection require for Inside applicants?
As of December 3, 2019, biometric Canada services have been available across Canada. So, inside Canada, applicants for temporary residency submit their biometrics at one of the more than 70 Service Canada Center collecting locations in Canada.
Foreign nationals will need to give their fingerprints and photo when applying from within Canada for permanent residence or as a (an):
- Foreign Temporary Worker (including extending a work permit)
- International Student (including extending a study permit)
- The visa-required Visitor (including extending their stay)
This means applicants in Canada save time and money by being able to stay in Canada to give their biometrics.
What was the temporary measure on biometrics for inside Canada applicants?
IRCC Canada (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced a policy on July 15, 2020, that temporarily exempts anyone applying for temporary residency in Canada from providing fingerprints and photo information. The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and service interruptions at biometric Canada sites across Canada prompted the implementation of this temporary measure.
Who needs to give biometrics?
The following people between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide their fingerprints and photo:
Temporary Residence (TR applicants) who are applying for:
- A TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)
- A Temporary Resident Extension (To stay in Canada)
- A TRP (Temporary Resident Permit)
- A Temporary Resident Restoration Of Status
- A WP (Work Permit) or its renewal
- An SP (Study permit) or its renewal
Permanent Residence (PR) applicants who are applying for:
- A Canada PR (Permanent Resident Visa)
- An authorization to stay in Canada as a PR
- A new permanent residency card for those who, because they were under the age of 14, were not required to enrol in the biometric Canada at the time of their application.
Refugee Protection claimants who are applying for:
- An in-Canada asylum claim (no upper age limit)
- An overseas refugee resettlement claim
If a person is visiting Canada as a tourist, they are not obliged to disclose their fingerprints and photo information if they are eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
If you provided your fingerprints and photo during the previous ten years as a TR and then applied for permanent residency, you don’t need to offer them again due to COVID-19.
There are currently interim procedures for the biometric Canada from specific temporary or permanent residency applicants and refugees in particular circumstances.
When does IRCC ask for biometrics?
Your biometric information can only be provided as part of an application you send to IRCC. Example: Before IRCC can process your application for a study permit, visitor visa (TRV), or work permit, you must submit your fingerprints and photo.
How to give your biometrics?
You must pay the biometric fees when submitting your application if providing your fingerprints and photo are requested as part of your request for temporary residence. A biometric Canada instruction letter will subsequently be sent to you through email. Applicants must schedule an appointment before visiting a site where fingerprints and photo are taken.
Where to give your biometrics?
- Designated Service Canada offices
- Visa Application Centres (VACs) and U.S. application support centers (ASCs)
How Can We Help You?
If you wish to apply for a Canada TR or PR visa, don’t hesitate to contact our Immigration firm for professional help. At ARNIKA VISA, we can assist you in resolving your TRV refusal through our expertise to guide you in the right direction. Finally, we can handle your entire Canadian immigration process. By benefiting from ARNIKA’s service packages and our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), you will not only enhance your chances of success in your Visa Application, but you will get expert advice on your specific needs. Our RCIC is highly qualified to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them to the Canadian government as your authorized representative. He has helped many clients obtain a visa after a refusal, often after multiple refusals. This is his area of expertise.Â
