Canada Resumes Biometrics Collection for Temporary Residents

Starting from February 23, 2023, individuals who apply for temporary residency are required to provide their biometrics.

If you are planning to visit or immigrate to Canada, you may be required to provide your biometric information as part of your application process. Biometrics refers to unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, that can be used for identification purposes. In Canada, biometric information is collected from certain foreign nationals, including those applying for visas, study or work permits, and permanent residence.

Starting from February 23, 2023, individuals who apply for temporary residency are required to provide their biometrics. This includes applicants who are:

Seeking to extend their stay as a student, worker, or visitor
Requesting to restore their status as a student, worker, or visitor
Applying for a work or study permit
Seeking a visitor visa
Applying for a temporary resident permit

There are certain exemptions and temporary measures in place for biometric collection to accommodate special circumstances.

In July 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a temporary policy to exempt individuals applying for temporary residency within Canada from providing biometrics. This policy was implemented due to the closure and service disruptions at biometric collection locations across Canada caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For temporary residency applicants who need to provide biometrics, they can do so at any of the over 70 Service Canada Centre collection sites in Canada. However, an appointment must be scheduled before visiting a biometrics collection site.

If biometrics collection is required as part of the temporary residency application process, the biometric fee must be paid at the time of application submission. Following the payment, the applicant will receive a biometric instruction letter via email.

The biometric collection is an important part of the immigration process in Canada. If you are required to provide biometric information, it's important to do so in a timely manner and at a designated biometric collection service point. For more information on biometric collection in Canada, visit the official government website.

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