Toronto, Ontario - 4 June 2015
Current biometrics screening has proven to be a reliable, cost-effective tool for Canada’s immigration and border officials to readily confirm a person’s identity. As a result, Canada has been able to identify and deny entry to known criminals, previously denied refugee claimants, and individuals previously deported. Additional steps are now at Canada’s disposal to further improve the security and integrity of Canada’s immigration system and border.
To this end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced $312.6 million over five years to expand biometric screening measures to all foreign travellers entering Canada on a visa. These important measures will give officials the tools they need to verify the identity of travellers and further improve the security and integrity of our borders.
This increased support will expand biometric screening to all foreign nationals (excluding U.S. citizens) applying for a work or study permit, as well as those applying for temporary (visitor visa) or permanent residency in Canada. It will come into effect once supporting legislative and regulatory amendments are finalized. It is expected to be in place by 2018-2019. The initiative will be implemented jointly by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Shared Services Canada (SSC).
Expanding the use of biometrics in our immigration and border screening processes will strengthen the safety and security of Canadians by reducing identity fraud and preventing the entry of inadmissible people, including known criminals to Canada, while ensuring that Canada’s borders remain open for trade.
The expanded biometric screening program will be convenient for travellers who will be able to provide their biometrics at 180 biometric collection service points in 94 countries, with an additional 135 biometrics collection service points across the U.S.
