Find out if you need to give biometrics
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To find out if you need to give your biometrics, refer to Biometrics: Who needs to give their fingerprints and photo.
In most cases, you need to give biometrics when you apply for
- temporary residence (except US nationals)
- permanent residence
- an extension of your stay in Canada, unless you’re from a visa-exempt country
- refugee or asylum status
However, some applicants are exempt from giving biometrics.
Who doesn’t need to give biometrics
The following applicants don’t need to give biometrics:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants) and permanent residents
- visa-exempt visitors applying for an electronic travel authorization
- citizens of visa-exempt countries applying to extend their stay in Canada (visitor record)
- children aged 13 and under, when their application was submitted
- applicants aged 80 and over, when they submitted their
application, unless they’re an asylum claimant
- If you were 79 when you submitted your application and you turn 80 while your application is being processed, you must still give your biometrics.
- heads of state and heads of government coming to Canada temporarily
- applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa
- US visa holders transiting through Canada
- applicants applying for a visitor visa, a study permit or a work permit who have already provided biometrics for a permanent residence application that’s still being processed
Answer a few questions to find out if you need to give biometrics.
Before you enter the tool, make sure you know the type of immigration document you need to enter Canada(opens in a new tab) .
This tool provides information only
This tool provides general guidance. Depending on your situation, you may need to give biometrics. If so, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL) to confirm that you need to.