What we do after you give us your fingerprints and photo

On this page

• Sharing information
• How your information is stored and transmitted
• Your rights
• Who to contact for privacy concerns

After you give your biometrics, your fingerprints and photo will be encrypted and sent electronically to a secure Government of Canada database. Encryption stops anyone from accessing the information unless they’re given access.

Sharing information

While we process your application, we’ll share your biometric information with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). They’ll check your fingerprints against the fingerprint records of:

• criminals
• refugee claimants
• deportees
• temporary resident applicants

This information is used support an decision on your application.

We may also share your biometrics information with

• other law enforcement agencies in Canada to enforce any Canadian or provincial law or
• Canadian government institutions or foreign governments according to Canada’s privacy laws

Your fingerprints and photo may also be shared with the US, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and New Zealand in a way that respects

• privacy laws
• civil liberties
• human rights (including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

Your fingerprints and photo will be shared with the Canada Border Services Agency so that they may verify your identity upon arrival in Canada.

How your information is stored and transmitted

Biometrics collection service locations, (VACs, ASCs and Service Canada locations) don’t keep your biometric information. Your information is deleted from the collection system once it’s sent to IRCC.

Your rights

You can refuse to give your biometrics. However, if you decide not to give your biometrics, we may refuse your application.

Canada’s Privacy Act protects you. You have the right to

• access and
• correct errors in your information

Our Personal Information Bank (PIB) stores your personal information.

You can see or update your information by sending us an access to information request. You must include the following PIB numbers with your request:

• PIB IRCC PPU 039, 068 and 042 for personal information
• PIB RCMP PPU 030 for fingerprints

Find out more about our PIBs.

Who to contact for privacy concerns

If you have concerns about the collection or control of your biometrics (as it relates to Canada’s Privacy Act and privacy policies), contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

Address
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau QC K1A 1H3

Telephone
Toll free in North America: 1-800-282-1376
From anywhere in the world: 819-994-5444
TTY: 819-994-6591