Biometrics for Canadian Immigration: Complete Guide

Since 2018, most applicants for Canadian immigration are required to provide biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photograph — as part of their application. Biometrics are used by IRCC to verify identity, conduct background checks, and prevent fraud. This guide explains who needs to give biometrics, where and how to do it, the fees involved, and how long biometrics remain valid.

Official information is available from IRCC at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html.

Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?

Most foreign nationals applying for the following must provide biometrics:

Temporary resident visa (visitor visa)
Work permit
Study permit
Permanent residence (Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, business immigration, etc.)
Refugee claim or asylum
Temporary resident permit

Who Is Exempt?

The following groups are exempt from the biometrics requirement:

Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) and permanent residents
Children under 14 years of age
Applicants over 79 years of age (for temporary residence applications only; they still need biometrics for permanent residence)
Heads of state and government officials who are traveling on official business
US visa holders transiting through Canada
Applicants who have already given biometrics that are still valid (biometrics are valid for 10 years)

Check IRCC's biometrics page for the complete list of exemptions.

When to Give Biometrics

The biometrics process follows a specific sequence:

Submit your immigration application to IRCC
Pay the biometrics fee as part of your application (or separately if required)
Receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC — this letter confirms that you need to provide biometrics and provides instructions
Give your biometrics at a designated collection point within 30 days of receiving the BIL

The 30-day deadline is important. If you do not provide biometrics within 30 days, your application may be delayed or considered incomplete.

Biometrics Fees

| Applicant Type | Fee (CAD) | |---------------|-----------| | Individual applicant | $85 | | Family (2 or more applicants at the same time) | $170 | | Group of performing artists and their staff (3 or more) | $255 |

The biometrics fee is typically paid when you submit your immigration application. It is a one-time fee that covers the cost of biometric collection for the application.

If your biometrics are still valid from a previous application (within the 10-year validity period), you do not need to pay again or provide new biometrics.

Where to Give Biometrics

The location where you give your biometrics depends on whether you are in Canada or abroad.

In Canada

If you are in Canada, you must give your biometrics at a designated Service Canada office that offers biometric collection services. Not all Service Canada offices provide this service, so check the list of locations on the IRCC website.

Find a Service Canada biometrics collection point at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html.

Important notes for in-Canada biometrics:

Appointments are strongly recommended and may be required at some locations
Walk-in availability varies by location
Bring your Biometric Instruction Letter, valid passport, and any other identification documents
Processing at the location typically takes 15 to 30 minutes

Outside Canada

If you are outside Canada, you must give your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by IRCC's service providers (currently VFS Global or TT Services in most countries).

Find a VAC near you at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html.

Important notes for overseas biometrics:

You must make an appointment at most VAC locations
Wait times for appointments can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the location and demand
Some countries have VACs only in major cities, so you may need to travel
Bring your Biometric Instruction Letter, valid passport, and appointment confirmation

In the United States

If you are in the United States, you can give your biometrics at a US Application Support Center (ASC). These centers are operated through an agreement between Canada and the United States.

What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment

The biometrics collection process is straightforward:

Step 1: Check-In

Present your Biometric Instruction Letter and identification documents (passport) to the staff at the collection point. They will verify your identity and confirm your appointment.

Step 2: Photograph

A digital photograph of your face will be taken. This photograph is used for identity verification and is stored in IRCC's biometric database.

Photo requirements:

Remove glasses, hats, and head coverings (religious or medical head coverings are permitted)
Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
The photograph is taken by the collection staff — you do not need to bring your own photos for biometrics (separate photos are still required for your application)

Step 3: Fingerprints

Your fingerprints will be collected using a digital scanner. The process involves:

Scanning all 10 fingerprints individually
Scanning both hands together (four fingers flat)
Scanning both thumbs together

Important considerations:

If you have cuts, injuries, or skin conditions on your fingers that prevent clear fingerprints, you may be asked to return when your hands have healed
Temporary conditions such as henna on fingertips may interfere with scanning — remove henna before your appointment
Permanent conditions (such as missing fingers) are noted in the system, and the available fingerprints are collected

Step 4: Confirmation

After your biometrics are collected, you will receive a confirmation receipt. Keep this receipt for your records.

The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times at busy locations can be longer.

How IRCC Uses Your Biometrics

Your biometric data is used for:

Identity verification — confirming that you are who you claim to be throughout the immigration process
Background checks — checking your fingerprints against Canadian immigration and criminal databases, as well as databases shared with partner countries (including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand through the Five Country Conference)
Border entry — when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, your fingerprints may be checked against the stored biometrics to confirm your identity
Future applications — your biometrics remain on file and can be used for subsequent applications within the validity period

Validity Period

Biometrics are valid for 10 years from the date they are collected. This means:

If you give biometrics for a temporary resident application and later apply for permanent residence within 10 years, you may not need to give biometrics again
If you gave biometrics for one application and apply for another type of immigration within 10 years, your existing biometrics can be reused
After 10 years, you will need to provide new biometrics with your next application

For permanent residence applications specifically: Even if your biometrics are still valid from a previous temporary application, IRCC may request new biometrics as part of the PR process. Follow the instructions in your application.

What If You Miss the 30-Day Deadline?

If you do not provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving the Biometric Instruction Letter:

Your application may be returned as incomplete
Your processing will be delayed
IRCC may request that you provide biometrics at a later date, but this is not guaranteed

If you have a valid reason for not meeting the 30-day deadline (such as illness, travel restrictions, or lack of nearby collection points), contact IRCC to explain the situation.

Biometrics and Privacy

IRCC is bound by the Privacy Act and handles biometric data in accordance with Canadian privacy legislation:

Your biometric information is stored securely by IRCC
It is shared with Canadian border and law enforcement agencies as needed for immigration purposes
It may be shared with partner countries under information-sharing agreements
You can request access to your biometric information through a formal access to information request
Biometric data is retained in IRCC's system for a period determined by the retention schedule

Common Questions

Can I give biometrics before receiving the Biometric Instruction Letter? No. You must wait until you receive the BIL. The collection point will not accept your biometrics without it.

What if my fingerprints cannot be scanned? If your fingerprints cannot be captured due to a permanent condition, the collection staff will note this in the system. You are still required to attend the appointment and have the available prints collected.

Do I need to give biometrics for each application? Not if your previous biometrics are still valid (within 10 years). However, always follow the specific instructions in your application.

Can a child give biometrics? Children under 14 are exempt. Children aged 14 and 15 must provide biometrics and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the collection appointment.

What if there is no collection point near me? In some remote areas, the nearest VAC or Service Canada office may be far away. You may need to travel. If travel is impossible due to special circumstances, contact IRCC for guidance.

Do I need to give biometrics for citizenship? No. Canadian citizenship applicants do not need to provide biometrics under the current system. Biometrics are only required for immigration (temporary and permanent residence) applications.

Step-by-Step Summary

Submit your immigration application and pay the biometrics fee
Wait for the Biometric Instruction Letter from IRCC (typically received within days of application submission)
Book an appointment at a designated collection point (Service Canada, VAC, or ASC)
Attend the appointment with your BIL, passport, and appointment confirmation
Have your photograph and fingerprints taken
Keep your confirmation receipt
IRCC will access your biometrics during application processing — no further action is needed from you

Useful Resources

IRCC Biometrics: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html
Where to Give Biometrics: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html
Biometrics Instructions: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/how-to-give-biometrics.html

Biometrics for Canadian Immigration: Requirements, Fees, Locations, and Validity