Who needs to give their fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Generally, you need to give biometrics if you apply for:
- a visitor visa
- a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
- permanent residence
- refugee or asylum status
However, there are some exemptions:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
- visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada to visit only
- children under the age of 14
- applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
- heads of state and heads of government
- cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- refugee claimants 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 in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress
- Temporary exemption: Applying in Canada
- ◊ If you are applying for a visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence in Canada – you are exempt until the in-Canada service is established.
If you have an foreign passport you need to give your biometrics, regardless of the country that issued the passport.
Depending on your nationality, you may already need to give your biometrics.
- Since July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
- Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas
When to give your fingerprints and photo
You can only give your biometrics as part of an application you submit to us.
Steps to give your biometrics
- Pay the biometrics fee
You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. - Get the instruction letter
After you pay the biometrics fee, you’ll get a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You need to bring this letter when you give your biometrics.
How fast you get the letter depends on how you apply and when you pay for your biometrics fees.
Exception: if you submit a paper application and pay the biometrics fee in person at a visa application centre (VAC), you can give your biometrics right away.
If you apply online
Visitor visa, study or work permit
If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
You’ll get the letter in your account message box within 24 hours of applying.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
It can take several days before you get the letter.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
We can only start to process your application after you pay for and give your biometrics.
Permanent residence
If you submit a complete application and pay the biometrics fee at the same time
You’ll get the letter in your account message box within several days or several weeks.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
It can take several weeks before you get the letter.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
If you send your application by mail
Visitor visa, study or work permit
If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
You’ll get the letter by mail several weeks after we receive your application and payment.
If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
It can take several weeks before you get the letter by mail.
Permanent residence
If you submit a complete application and pay the biometrics fee at the same time
You’ll get the letter by mail several days or even several weeks after we receive your application and payment.
If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
It can take several weeks before you get the letter by mail.
If you apply at a Visa application centre (VAC)
If you submit a paper application in person (all application types)
You can give your biometrics right away when you submit and pay for your application at the VAC. You don’t need a letter.
Some VACs let you book an appointment on their website. If so, we recommend you do that.
If you submit your application online at a VAC
If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
You’ll get the letter in your account message box within 24 hours of applying.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
Once you get this letter, you can go back to the VAC to give your biometrics (bring your letter).
If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
It can take several days before you get the letter.
We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
Once you get this letter, you can go back to the VAC to give your biometrics (bring your letter).
3. Go to an official biometrics collection service point
You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered.
How often you need to give your fingerprints and photo
Visitor visa, study and work permit applicants
You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.
If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they’re still valid, you don’t need to give them again.
Permanent residence applicants
You’ll need to give your biometrics and pay the fee each time you apply, even if you gave your biometrics in the past for another application.