Biometrics for TR Applicants within Canada
Hello World! Today we would like to share an update on the biometrics (fingerprints and photos). Please also check our previous article on biometrics from here.
Effective February 23, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) resumed the collection of biometrics for individuals in Canada who are applying for temporary residence (TR).
TR Applications in Canada Now Need Biometrics
Individuals applying for temporary residence in Canada after February 23, 2023, must provide the biometrics. This includes those applying:
- to extend their stay as a student, worker, or visitor
- to restore their status as a student, worker, or visitor
- for a work or study permit
- for a visitor visa
- for a temporary resident permit
There are some exemptions and some temporary measures for biometrics collection still in place for special situations. For example, permanent residence applicants who have been given biometrics within the last 10 years are still exempt from providing biometrics.
Please check the following link to find out if you need to give biometrics.
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Biometrics in the Covid-19 Pandemic
On July 15, 2020, IRCC introduced a policy to temporarily exempt individuals applying for temporary residence within Canada from providing biometrics.
This policy was implemented in response to COVID-19 pandemic closures and service disruptions at biometric collection locations across Canada.
How to Give your Biometrics
Many applicants can now give biometrics, as most biometric collection offices are open. Temporary residence applicants can give their biometrics at 1 of over 70 Service Canada Centre collection sites across Canada. Applicants must book an appointment before visiting a collection site.
If you are required to give your biometrics as part of your application for temporary residence, you must pay the biometric fee when you submit your application. You will then receive a biometric instruction letter by email.
For more information on how to provide biometrics, please check the link below.
For more information on the resumption of biometrics collection for temporary residence applicants in Canada, please check the link below.
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As mentioned above, temporary resident applicants in Canada now need to provide their biometrics. All biometric collections are by appointment only. We recommend applicants book an appointment as soon as they receive a biometric instruction letter from the IRCC because appointment slots fill up quickly.
If you need our assistance or advice on applying for your temporary residence, please feel free to send your inquiry using this form.
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