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 and where you can go. You need to bring this letter when you give your biometrics. You also need to bring your valid passport.

How fast you get the letter depends on how you apply and when you pay for your biometrics fees. Answer a few questions to find out.

 

1) If you apply online for a visitor visa, study or work permit

  • If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
    • You’ll get the letter in your account message box within 24 hours of applying.
      • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
  • If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
    • It can take several days before you get the letter.
      • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.

We can only start to process your application after you pay for and give your biometrics.

2) If you apply online for permanent residence

  • If you submit a complete application and pay the biometrics fee at the same time
    • You’ll get the letter in your account message box within several days or several weeks.
      • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
  • If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
    • It can take several weeks before you get the letter.
      • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.

 

3. Go to an official biometrics collection service point

You must give your biometrics in person.

You need to make an appointment to give your biometrics.

Find a collection point close to you

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