Biometrics exemption for temporary residence applicants in Canada

As a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if you’re both of the following:

in Canada
applying or have an application in progress
- to extend your stay as a student, worker or visitor
- to restore your status as a student, worker or visitor
- for a work or study permit
- for a visitor visa
- for a temporary resident permit

This exemption applies even if

your application form for a work permit, study permit or visitor visa says it’s for applicants outside Canada
our online application system asks you to pay a biometric fee (CAN$85)

This exemption does not apply if you’re outside Canada.

Biometrics exemption for permanent residence applicants who have given biometrics within the last 10 years

As a temporary measure, you’re exempt from giving biometrics if you have both of the following:

already applied or are applying for permanent residence
given your biometrics within the last 10 years

Biometric fee

If you meet one of the above 2 exemptions, you don’t have to pay the biometric fee when you submit your application, even if the system tells you to pay it.

If you paid the fee, we’ll automatically refund it once we finalize your application.