Biometrics Are Now Required for All Canada PR Applicants

Surya Rathee
[Published 23 Jun, 2023 | 04:40 AM]
About Author - 4 min read
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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have announced that applicants that apply for Canada PR will now be required to submit biometric data as part of the application process. This new biometric requirement aims to enhance immigration screening and strengthen border security.

The new decision announced by IRCC comes as a part of Canada’s ongoing effort to modernize its immigration system - and align it with global practices. Starting from June 14, 2023, all individuals applying for Canada PR must submit biometrics, regardless if they have already submitted them for a temporary residence permit.

This marks a return to pre-pandemic procedures for Canada PR applications. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC enacted a policy in the Global Case Management System (GCMS), that exempted Canada PR applicants to resubmit their biometrics if they had submitted them alongside a temporary resident application within the previous 10 years.

Check eligibility to apply for Canada PR

The biometric data will verify the identity of immigrants, conduct background checks, and prevent identity fraud. This move is expected to streamline the Canada Visa application process, increase the accuracy of applicant identification, and improve the overall efficiency of immigration procedures.

Applicants will be required to visit a designated biometrics collection service point to provide their biometric information. The government has assured applicants that the process will be straightforward and convenient, with clear instructions provided to guide them through the biometrics submission.

Who needs to give biometrics?

Starting June 14, 2023, applicants will be mandated to give biometrics if they apply for:

• A visitor visa
• A work or study permit (excluding US nationals)
• Permanent residence
• Refugee or asylum status
• An extension of stay in Canada, known as a visitor record
• A work or study permit extension

Biometric Fees

There may be temporary measures and exemptions related to biometrics collection that could apply to applicants.

Biometrics Exempt Applicants

Additionally, applicants in the following categories are not required to give biometrics to travel to Canada:

• Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
• 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.

Applicants need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. They don’t need to give their biometrics again until the 10-year period expires. If they gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a Canada Visitor Visa, Canada Work Permit, or Canada Study Visa and it’s still valid, they don’t need to give them again.

Source: canada.ca