Biometrics for Canada visa
Every Canada visa applicant is required to give biometrics to obtain a Canada visa. Biometrics include various techniques for identifying individuals by analyzing their distinct physical or behavioral characteristics. These may include fingerprint patterns, facial features, iris scans, vocal characteristics, DNA profiles, hand structures, and signatures.
Who needs to give biometrics?
Candidates who apply for the following are required to give biometrics:
- visitor visa
- work visa
- study visa
- permanent residence
- refugee or asylum status
- extension of your stay in Canada, known as a visitor record
- work or study permit extension
Exemptions
There are certain exemptions for biometrics. The following set of foreigners are excluded from biometrics for Canada visa:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents.
- visa-free 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).
- applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa.
- 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.
Steps to give biometrics for Canada Visa
- Pay the biometric fees while submitting your application.
- After the payment of the fee, you will get an instruction letter. Take it while you go for biometrics.
- Book your appointment as soon as you get your biometric instruction letter and go to an official biometric site.
- If you have any temporary wounds, cracks, or cuts on your hand, take the time to heal before you give the biometrics.
Fees of Biometrics for Canada Visa
The biometric fees for a Canada visa are listed below:
- CAD 85 for individuals.
- CAD 170 for families applying simultaneously.
- CAD 255 for groups of three or more members who are performing artists and also their staff members. They should be applying simultaneously for their work permits.
Approval time of Biometrics for Canada Visa
The processing typically takes around 8 weeks from the time you submit your biometrics and work permit to the IRCC. The timeline may vary and if your biometric is not approved for any reason, you will be given another appointment to provide biometrics.
Other things to note
- If you have already given biometrics, you should check your validity. You can check the validity by using the Check Status tool.
- The frequency of providing biometrics is once every ten years.
For any inquiries or concerns about Canada Immigration, feel free to reach out to Matrixx Overseas.
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