Temporary measures for biometrics collection in Canada
Biometrics collection extension in Canada
If you were unable to give your biometrics within 30 days due to the Government of Canada labour disruption, you now have 60 days to complete this step.
You don’t have to contact IRCC for an extension, and you don’t need a new biometrics instruction letter to make another appointment. Bring your original biometrics instruction letter to your new appointment to show proof of payment.
Outside of Canada biometrics collection
Visa application centres outside of Canada remain open. You can still give your biometrics at these locations.
We’ve made some temporary changes to biometrics requirements.
You may be exempt from having to give your biometrics.
Don’t pay the biometrics fee if you’re exempt. If you did pay the fee and you’re exempt, we’ll automatically refund it once we finalize your application.
- At Service Canada locations
- Your photo will be taken.
- Masks are no longer mandatory. If you choose to wear a mask, you’ll be asked to remove it while we take your photo. Once the photo is taken, you may put your mask back on.
- We’ll also ask you for your fingerprints.
- Cleaning supplies will be available for you to clean the biometrics collection equipment before you use it.
- Your photo will be taken.
Some permanent residence applicants may be exempt from having to give their biometrics.
Biometrics exemptions for permanent residence applicants in Canada
As a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if you both
- applied or are applying for permanent residence
- have given your biometrics to us within the last 10 years
Visitors, workers and students
If you apply on or after February 23, 2023, you must give your biometrics if
- your application is
- to extend your stay as a student, worker or visitor
- to restore your status as a student, worker or visitor
- for a work or study permit
- for a visitor visa
- for a temporary resident permit
and
- you receive a biometrics instruction letter
How to book an appointment to give your biometrics
Step 1: Wait until we send you your biometric instruction letter.
Step 2: Book your appointment using the eService Canada Appointment Booking Tool.
Step 3: Make sure the Service Canada office is open before you go to your appointment.
If the Service Canada office is closed, you’ll receive an automated email telling you that your appointment has been cancelled. If that happens, you can book another appointment right away for a later date.
Step 4: Bring the right documents to your biometrics collection appointment.
When you go to your appointment, you must bring both
- your biometric instruction letter, and
- a valid passport or travel document
Step 5: Follow the health and safety measures.
Someone will greet you when you arrive at the Service Canada office. You must respect physical distancing measures even when wearing a mask.
- Service will be contact-free.
- Masks are encouraged but not required.
- Your photo will be taken.
- If you choose to wear a mask, you’ll be asked to remove it while we take your photo. Once the photo is taken, you may put your mask back on.
- You’ll also give your fingerprints.
- We’ll use your fingerprints and photo to process your current application.
- Cleaning supplies will be available for you to clean the biometrics collection equipment before you use it.
We ask that you do not visit a Service Canada Centre if you
- are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (even if they’re mild)
- have tested positive on a PCR or rapid test or been presumed positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days, or
- have been instructed by public health authorities or a health care provider to quarantine or isolate for any reason
If you miss your appointment
If you miss your appointment for any reason, including reasons related to COVID-19, you can make a new appointment using the eService Canada Appointment Booking Tool.
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