Recently, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new regulations: starting December 3, local time, if you are applying for a Canadian visa within Canada, including work permits (including renewals), international student visas (including renewals), visitor visas (including renewals), and PR, which refers to the Canadian permanent resident Maple Leaf card, you will need to provide biometric information.
Previously, only applicants outside Canada were required to provide fingerprints, and not every visa required this. Now, regardless of whether you are inside or outside Canada, you must provide fingerprints for visa and permanent residency applications.
However, these individuals do not need to return to their home country to provide biometric information; they can do so at one of the 58 designated service centers in Canada. Service Canada centers across the country are now open to provide biometric services for foreign applicants residing in Canada.
Who Needs to Provide Biometric Information?
Since December 31, 2018, Canada has collected biometric information from most foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residence. The IRCC provides an online tool where users can fill out a questionnaire to determine if they need to provide biometric information for their application.
Individuals aged 14 to 79 are required to provide fingerprints and photographs for all permanent resident applications under the family, economic, and refugee classes. This also applies to those who previously provided biometric information to support visitor visa, study or work permit applications, or other permanent resident applications.
The following individuals may be exempt from biometric information collection:
Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), and existing permanent residents;
Visa-exempt foreign nationals holding a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) visiting Canada as tourists;
Children under 14 years of age and applicants over 79 years of age (asylum applicants do not have an age exemption);
U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada;
Cabinet members and recognized diplomats, national leaders, and heads of government from other UN member states traveling to Canada for official duties.
Steps for Fingerprint Collection
Before collecting fingerprints, it is important to clarify whether you have previously provided fingerprints when you came to Canada. If you have not provided fingerprints, you will need to do so when applying for a new visa or renewal. Fingerprints are valid for 10 years, so if you have previously provided them, they are likely still valid; if you are unsure, you need to verify whether they have expired.
1. Pay the collection fee
When submitting your application, you must prepay the fingerprint collection fee:
l Individual application, fingerprint collection fee: $85
l Family members applying together, maximum charge: $170
l Groups of 3 or more applying for work permits (e.g., artistic groups) maximum charge: $255
(Note: The above fees are subject to the latest requirements at the time of application)
2. Receive an instruction letter
After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation letter indicating that you need to provide fingerprints and informing you where to go for collection. You must bring this letter along with your passport when you go to provide your fingerprints.
3. Choose the application method
Applications are typically divided into three methods: applying directly at the visa center, online application, and paper application.
If you choose to apply through a Visa Application Center (VAC), you can apply online or submit a paper application at the VAC. If you are submitting a paper application, you need to make an appointment in advance (no letter required). If you are submitting online at the VAC, you need to pay the collection fee at the time of application and make an appointment in advance.
4. Go to an official certified fingerprint collection center
(1) When providing fingerprints, your fingers must not have henna (decorative painting); (2) If you have temporary wounds on your hands, you need to wait for them to heal before providing fingerprints; (3) Avoid wearing or donning light-colored clothing or headscarves; wear brighter colors (headscarves are allowed for religious reasons, but you must ensure your full face is visible in photographs).
This concludes the introduction to fingerprint collection in Canada. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult the WorldWay Immigration Group. As you know, due to its relatively open immigration policy, Canada has become a popular choice for Chinese immigrants in recent years, making it an ideal destination for identity planning.
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