When to give your biometrics – temporary resident applicants

On this page

• If you haven’t given your biometrics before
• If you’ve given your biometrics before
  • Check the status of your biometrics
  • How to give your biometrics voluntarily
  • If your visa or permit has been issued for a shorter period of time because of your biometrics validity
• If your application was refused because you didn’t give biometrics

If you haven’t given your biometrics before

You must given your biometrics when you apply for your visitor visa, study or work permit, unless you’re exempt.

Find out how to give your biometrics.

If you’ve given your biometrics before

You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years if you’re applying for an initial visitor visa, work or study permit or extension.

However, we can’t issue a visa or permit longer than 10 years from the last date you gave your biometrics.

If you want a visa or permit for a longer period of time, you can choose to give your biometrics voluntarily when you apply, even if your biometrics are still valid.

Check the status of your biometrics

Find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire using the Check status tool.

How to give your biometrics voluntarily

Even if your biometrics are still valid, you may choose to voluntarily re-enroll your biometrics.

Follow these steps when you apply for your visa or permit:

1. Tell us that you want to provide your biometrics again when you apply.
2. Pay the biometrics fee.
3. Wait for your biometrics instruction letter (BIL). You must use the BIL that was issued for this application.
   • If you try to give your biometrics with a BIL from a previous application, your current application may be refused.
4. Visit an official biometric collection location to give your biometrics again.

If your visa or permit has been issued for a shorter period of time because of your biometrics validity

We can’t issue a visa or permit longer than 10 years from the last time you gave your biometrics. Once your visa or permit has been issued we can’t collect your biometrics or extend your document.

You must apply to extend your permit, pay the associated fees, including the biometrics fee, and give your biometrics again.

Apply to extend your stay as a

• visitor
• worker or
• student

If your application was refused because you didn’t give biometrics

Once your application has been refused, do not try to give your biometrics.

Before you book a biometrics appointment, you must

• re-apply
• pay the associated fees, including the biometrics fee
• wait for your new BIL

If you use your old BIL, there may be delays in your application processing, or your application may be refused.