Biometrics, your fingerprints and a digital photograph, are required for almost all immigration applications to Canada. This includes visitor visas, work permits, study permits, permanent residence, and refugee claims. Biometrics help IRCC verify your identity and ensure the security of Canada's borders. Here, we explain what to know about the Canadian biometrics process.
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Most foreign nationals between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics when applying for a Canadian visa, permit, or permanent residence. Exceptions include Canadian citizens, US citizens, and people who have provided biometrics to Canada in the last 10 years for the same type of application. Children under 14 and seniors over 79 are exempt.
When to Provide Biometrics
After you submit your immigration application online, IRCC sends you a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) by email. You have 30 days from the date of the BIL to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a designated Application Support Centre (ASC) to provide your biometrics. Missing this deadline can delay or affect your application.
Where to Provide Biometrics
Outside Canada
Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. VFS Global and BLS International operate VACs in most countries. Find the nearest location on the VAC website for your country.
Inside Canada
Visit a Service Canada location that offers biometric enrollment. Not all Service Canada locations accept biometrics so check the IRCC website for locations in your city.
Biometrics Fees
Single Applicant
$85 Canadian dollars for one person. This fee is in addition to your visa or permit application fee.
Family (2 or more)
$170 maximum for families. If two or more family members are applying together the maximum biometrics fee is $170 regardless of family size.
How Long Are Biometrics Valid?
Biometrics collected by IRCC are valid for 10 years. If you provided biometrics within the last 10 years for any Canadian immigration application you do not need to provide them again for a new application of the same type. You may still need to provide new biometrics if applying for a different type of application or if your previous biometrics expired.
What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment
Book Your Appointment
Contact the VAC or Service Canada location to book your appointment. Some locations accept walk-ins. Bring your Biometric Instruction Letter and your passport.
Fingerprinting
A technician scans all 10 fingerprints digitally. The process is quick and painless and takes about 5 minutes.
Digital Photograph
A digital photograph is taken at the appointment. You do not need to bring photos. The photo taken at the biometrics appointment is used for your file.
Confirmation
You receive a receipt confirming your biometrics have been submitted. IRCC receives your biometrics electronically within a few days.
Appointment tip: Bring your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and a valid passport to your appointment. Without the BIL staff cannot process your biometrics. Also avoid cutting or injuring your fingertips in the days before your appointment as damaged fingerprints may need to be retaken.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed against IRCC guidance. This article is general information, not immigration or legal advice.
Official sources
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.