Biometrics Canada, Getting Your Biometrics Done for a Canada Visa

A required step in applying for permanent residence in Canada is providing your biometrics to the Canadian Government in the form of a scan of your fingerprints, and a photo.

Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA)  you will receive information about providing your biometrics and will be required to pay a fee of $85CAD/person. You will then receive your Canada Biometric instruction letter through your secure IRCC account.

You will need to print out your Biometric Instruction (BI) letter and any letter for family members traveling with you who have been issued a BI and make an appointment to have your Biometrics taken.

Where do you get your Canada Biometrics taken in 2023

Your Canada Biometrics must be collected in person. There will be instructions on your Biometric Instruction letter on where your Biometrics can be taken.

If you are in Canada, places such as Service Canada can take your Biometrics.

If you are outside of Canada your biometrics might be taken at a local visa office, Visa Application Center, or a Canadian Embassy. Information will be provided when your Biometric Instruction letter is issued.

How are your Canada Biometrics taken?

Having your Biometrics is a quick process, involving a scan of your fingerprints and taking your photo. Remember that in most locations that take Biometrics for Canadian Permanent residency an appointment is required:

• You will need to take with you your Biometrics letter, your passport, and anything else your specific Biometric Instruction letter requests.

• Your fingerprints will be taken by simply placing your fingers on a scanner screen for a few seconds. You won’t feel anything, it is just like placing your fingers on your mobile phone screen.

• A digital photo will then be taken. Make sure your hair is not obstructing your face, that you are not wearing any hats and that if you wear glasses that you remove them before your photo is taken.

• You will be asked to keep your face expressionless for the photo, so don’t smile or you will need to take the photo again. It is much the same as having your photo taken for your passport.

What happens to your Canada Biometric Data?

Your data will be recorded as having been supplied directly into the Canadian Government system. Your biometrics will be stored securely on the Government’s databases and used for your residency application and your arrival into Canada to confirm your identity.

Is supplying your Biometric Data compulsory for Canadian Permanent Residency applications?

Yes, it is. It is required for all Permanent Residency applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 years of age. If you have been issued a Biometric Instruction letter you must supply your Biometrics for your application to proceed.

Is there a fee for supplying Biometrics?

Yes, there is a Biometrics fee, the details of this will be on your Invitation to Apply letter when it arrives. You will pay the Biometrics Fee and then your Biometrics Instruction letter will be released.

The fee currently is $85CAD per person.

What if you have provided my Biometrics to Canada before?

There is a current exemption for applicants for permanent residency who have already supplied their biometrics to Canada under previous different visa applications (e.g. tourist visas, study permits, etc) within the past 10 years. Details on this will be included in your “invitation to apply” information document.

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