If your local Service Canada office is closed, you may not need to give your biometrics when you apply for a new work permit. After you apply and pay all your fees, we’ll let you know if this applies to you. If it does, we’ll refund your biometrics fee (CAN$85).
For more detail, please visit Canada.ca directly.
Book your Biometrics Appointment Online
(You will be redirected to Service Canada Appointment website)
List of Canadian locations
This is a list of current federal government offices in Canada that deliver biometrics services. Legend: POE = Point of Entry locations. SCO = Service Canada Office location Search for other international locations click here. Abbotsford, British Columbia Service Canada Centre SCO Canada Abbotsford Service Canada Centre By appointment only Click here to make an appointment...
Biometrics Fees
In addition to your regular visa application fee, a biometric fee of $85 CAD per person will apply. However, families applying together for a visitor visa will only pay a maximum biometric fee of up to $170 CAD. Whether you apply online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), VAC staff will ask to see...
Biometrics Appointment Booking
Designated Service Canada offices Service Canada offices have resumed biometrics collection services for permanent residence applicants who need to give biometrics and have not given them within the last 10 years. You can make your appointment to give biometrics using the Service Canada Appointment System. Don’t go to a Service Canada office unless you have a...
2025 Service Canada Statutory Holidays Closures
2025 Service Canada Statutory Holidays Closures
Release of digital Canadian citizenship certificate
The Government of Canada will start implementing the digital version of the Canadian Citizenship Certificate starting June 27, 2022. The e-certificate is a valid proof of Canadian citizenship. If you have participated in the pilot project and have received an e-certificate, you can download, save and print the e-certificate use it to access services and benefits the...
Biometrics collection in Canada
Biometrics collection in Canada As a temporary measure, we’ve made some changes to biometrics requirements. You may be exempt from having to give your biometrics. Don’t pay the biometrics fee if you’re exempt. If you did pay the fee and you’re exempt, we’ll automatically refund it once we finalize your application. At Service Canada locations you’ll...
Who needs to give fingerprints and photo?
Normally, you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if you apply for: a visitor visa a work or study permit (excluding US nationals) permanent residence refugee or asylum status an extension of your stay in Canada, known as a visitor record (as of December 3, 2019) a work or study permit extension (as of...
Injuries and medical conditions
Some injuries and medical conditions can prevent you from being able to provide your 10 fingerprints or photograph. You may not be able to attend your biometrics appointment if you are experiencing the following conditions: If you have a temporary injury or medical condition on your face or hands, you should wait until it has healed...
Biometrics Locations
Find a biometrics collection site near you Before you go, you need to make an appointment to give your biometrics. Use the table below to find your closest collection site. If you’re outside Canada, you should also check the location’s website for its services and fees. Learn about how we protect your biometric information Search Your Biometrics...
How often you need to give your biometrics info —
For 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 again until the 10-year period expires. If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they’re still valid,...