Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Biometrics

Biometrics collection in Canada

As a temporary measure, we’ve made some 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.

Biometrics exemptions for applicants in Canada

As a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if either of the following situations apply to you.

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 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.
• Non-medical face masks are required.
• Your photo will be taken.
  • You’ll be asked to briefly remove your mask while we take your photo. Once the photo is taken, you must put your mask back on.
• You’ll also give your fingerprints.
• We’ll use your fingerprints and photo to process your current application.
• Hand sanitizer will be available and must be used
  • when you arrive
  • after you touch your mask to put it back on after your photo is taken
• Cleaning supplies will be available for you to clean the biometrics collection equipment before you use it.

Do not visit a Service Canada office if you have

• symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing
• had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

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.

Biometrics collection outside Canada (if you already applied)

As a temporary measure, we’ve made some changes to biometrics requirements. If you’re not exempt from giving biometrics, we need the biometrics to process your application.

Applicants who have not given biometrics in the last 10 years

Many applicants can now give biometrics, as most visa application centres (VACs) and U.S. application support centers (ASCs) are open.

• Book an appointment as soon as possible.
  • Appointment slots fill up quickly.
  • Some VACs and ASCs are operating with reduced hours.

If you can’t give your biometrics in time

Your next steps depend on whether your local VAC or ASC is open.

If your VAC or ASC is open

If your VAC or ASC is open but you can’t give biometrics due to COVID-19, use the web form to tell us why you need more time.

Make sure you provide details about your situation. For example, if you weren’t able to get an appointment by the deadline on your biometrics instruction letter

• Tell us the date of your appointment.
• Upload a screenshot of the appointment confirmation.

Biometrics collection outside Canada (if you haven’t applied yet)