Starting next week, many international students and graduates from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa will be required to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and facial recognition photographs) when applying to visit, study, work, or settle in Canada as permanent residents.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that applicants from these regions will need to submit such biometrics starting July 31, unless they qualify for various exemptions under the rules.
Applicants from Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and the United States will be required to provide biometric authentication starting December 31, 2018.
To help you gain a better understanding of Canada's new biometric procedures, Canada Study News has compiled the following questions and answers:
1.Who needs to provide biometrics?
According to IRCC, you will be required to provide your biometrics if you are applying for a study permit, work permit, visitor visa, or permanent residence in Canada for the first time (unless you are exempt).
If you have already submitted your biometric information as part of a previous application, your information may still be valid.
IRCC states that non-exempt applicants are required to undergo biometric verification every 10 years for multiple entries into the country.
You may not need to provide biometric data if any of the following applies to you:
- · You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country coming to Canada as a tourist and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- · You have already provided biometrics to support your permanent residence application that is currently under review.
- · You are a U.S. national applying to study in Canada.
Before biometric collection services become available, no one applying for a visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence in Canada needs to provide biometrics as part of their application.
Temporary exemptions for applicants in Canada are expected to end once biometric service points are established.
2.Why does the Government of Canada collect biometrics?
Biometric systems help the government prevent identity fraud/theft, the entry of criminals, the re-entry of deported individuals, and false identity claims.
RCC states that by verifying the identities of individuals entering the country, it can maintain the health, safety, and security of Canadians and residents of the country.
3.When do I need to provide my fingerprints and photograph?
For a study permit application, IRCC indicates that you may provide your biometric details after submitting the application, paying the fees, and receiving a biometric instruction letter. Alternatively, you can submit your biometric data at the same time as you submit your application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
IRCC clarifies that biometric data should not be provided before submitting the application.
4.Where can I provide my fingerprints and photograph?
The process of providing biometrics is fast and secure. It may take only a few minutes to complete once done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or an authorized service location.
To support the expansion of its biometrics program, Canada is opening new Visa Application Centres in countries where the demand for biometric collection is growing. Currently, there are 137 VACs worldwide that offer biometric collection services. If you are in the United States, you can visit 135 fingerprint collection centers.
5.Will my application take longer to process?
IRCC encourages all applicants to provide their biometric information immediately after receiving the biometric instruction letter.
Generally, IRCC can start processing your study permit application right after the biometrics are submitted, and providing your biometrics will only facilitate this process.
6.Is my information secure and reliable?
The Government of Canada states that biometric information is processed with the highest level of security and privacy protection. On its website, IRCC declares that all biometric data collected at service locations will be deleted once transmitted to the Canadian Immigration Biometrics System, which will then be checked by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
7.What is the fee for the biometrics process?
In addition to the application fee, the fee for biometrics is CAD 85 per individual or CAD 170 per family applying together.
8.Who is exempt from the biometrics requirement?
IRCC states that the following individuals are not required to provide biometrics:
- · Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
- · Visa-exempt foreign nationals coming to Canada as tourists with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA);
- · Children under the age of 14;
- · Applicants aged 79 or older (asylum applicants are not exempt from this age requirement);
- · Heads of state and government;
- · Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats from other countries and the United Nations who are coming to Canada on official business;
- · Holders of U.S. visas transiting through Canada;
- · Refugee applicants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;
- · Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics to support a permanent resident application that is still in progress.