Securing Your Journey: Official Biometrics Services for Canadian Immigration
When applying to visit, study, work, or permanently reside in Canada, verifying your identity is a critical step toward ensuring a safe and seamless immigration process. Through the official Canadian biometrics program, applicants—unless exempt—are required to provide secure fingerprint scans and a digital photograph. This essential data helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accurately confirm your identity, detect identity fraud, and prevent criminal activity before entry. By understanding who needs to submit biometrics, managing the required fees, and locating an official collection site, you can ensure your application remains on the fast track to approval.
Book your Biometrics Appointment Online
(You will be redirected to Service Canada Appointment website)
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...
Who needs to give biometrics —
Permanent residence applicants who have not given biometrics within the last 10 years Designated Service Canada Centres have resumed biometrics collection services for permanent residence applicants who have received a biometric instruction letter (BIL) and have not given their biometrics within the last 10 years. Biometrics collection services are currently available only for permanent residence...
When to give your fingerprints and photo
You can only give your biometrics as part of an application you submit to us. Read your instruction guide to find the steps in the application process and when you need to give your biometrics. Example: if you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit, you’ll need to give your biometrics before we start to process your application.
Vaccinated travellers to enter Canada
When can fully vaccinated foreign nationals enter Canada Fully vaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed to enter Canada for discretionary travel on specific dates: August 9, 2021: American citizens and permanent residents of the United States, currently residing in and arriving from the United States, and who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption August 9,...
Suspension of flights from India until September 21, 2021
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory to India The Government of Canada has suspended flights from India until September 21, 2021.During that period, passengers who travel to Canada from India via an indirect route will need to obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada. Travellers who have...
Service Canada Strike Service Disruption
The Government of Canada is committed to negotiating collective agreements that are fair for employees and reasonable for taxpayers. However, bargaining groups representing approximately 159,000 public servants may be in a legal strike position as early as mid-April. These employees provide a range of services for the public. In the event of a labour disruption,...
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...
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...
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...
How to give your biometrics information – fingerprints and photo
Steps to give your biometrics 1. Pay the biometrics fee You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. Exception: There is no fee to give biometrics for a transit visa. 2. Get the instruction letter After you pay the biometrics fee, you’ll get a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics...