Canada has recently changed its immigration laws. Though the changes do not include any serious or big changes instead the changes are of official and database purpose.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics as soon as this summer
- Starting July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa (for example applicants from Pakistan)
- Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas (for example applicants from India)
Here is complete guidance about latest Canada visa laws in 2108 and 2019:
From 31 July 2018, you may need to give your fingerprints and photos (biometrics) at a Visa Application Centre when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence if you are a national of a country or territory in Europe, the Middle East or Africa, or if you are a national of country that is already biometrics required.
- Temporary resident visa, study and work permit applicants only need to give biometrics once every 10 years; and those who already provided biometrics also benefit from this initiative
- Permanent residence applicants will need to give biometrics with each application.
Who must submit biometrics for Canada
So generally, you will have to submit your biometrics to Canada visa application centers if you are applying for following categories:
- a visitor visa
- a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
- permanent residence, or
- refugee or asylum status
Where to submit biometrics
Visa application centers (VACs) worldwide. You will have to have your biometrics taken at designated visa application centers. For example, its VFS Global for India and Pakistan.
How to submit biometric for Canada Visa
Online or paper applications
After you submit your application for a visitor visa or super visa, if you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you will be sent a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
If you apply online
The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
If you apply by mail
The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
You’ll be able to give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC. Some VACs let you book an appointment ahead of time on their website. If so, you are recommended that you book an appointment.
If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll need to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Who is exempt to give fingerprints and biometric for Canada
- children under the age of 14
- applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
- visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- heads of state and heads of government
- cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business
- U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit
- temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress
How much it costs?
- Individual applicants: CAD$85
- Families applying together at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD$170
- Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD$255
How often you need to give your fingerprints and photo
It really does matter that how often you will have to give your biometrics.
- Visitor visa, study and work permit applicants. You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics until the 10-year period expires.
- If you’re from one these 29 countries/1 territory and you have a valid visitor visa, or a study or work permit, when you submit an application:
BEFORE July 31, 2018, you must give your biometrics again (even if you gave them in the past).
ON or AFTER July 31, 2018, you don’t need to give your biometrics again if they’re still valid.
Your biometrics will stay valid for 10 years from the date you gave them.