Understand the role of Biometrics in your Immigration Process.
What biometrics are collected?
The following information is collected from applicants from a biometric collection service on behalf of IRCC.
- Biographic Data: Name, date of birth, and other personal details of an applicant are on the biometric data page of the applicant’s passport or travel document.
- 10 Fingerprints: Fingerprints of the applicant, captured electronically during the biometrics collection session, using an electronic fingerprint-capture device.
- Photograph: A digital photograph of the applicant.
Biometric information strengthens identity management by anchoring a client’s identity at the time of application and by checking the identity against Canadian criminal and immigration records.
People between the ages of 14 to 79 must provide Biometrics
Temporary Resident who are applying for.
- a temporary resident visa
- an extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident
- a temporary resident permit
- a restoration of temporary resident status
- a work permit or renewal of a work permit
- a study permit or renewal of a study permit
Permanent Resident who are applying for.
- a permanent resident visa
- a request to remain in Canada as a permanent resident
- a new permanent resident card for the first time in cases where they were exempt from biometrics enrolment because they were under the age of 14 years at the time of their application
Refugee Protection claimants who are applying for.
- an in-Canada asylum claim (no upper age limit)
- an overseas refugee resettlement claim
Person approaching 14 years of Age.
Applicants who were 14 years of age when their application/claim or request was submitted to a visa application center, but turned 14 when the application was received, will have to share their biometric information. As per the IRPR, the requirements to provide biometrics is based on the age of an applicant on the date they had applied for it.
Person approaching 80 years of Age.
Applicants who are 80 years or older need to provide their biometrics information if they were 79 years old when submitting their application. As per IRPR, the requirements to provide biometrics is based on the age the applicant submits their application.
Temporary Resident Application.
Applicants who have paid the biometrics fee will automatically be issued a BIL by the Global Case Management System if they were 79 years of age or younger at the time of submitting their application.
Permanent Resident Application.
For most lines of business, the BIL is to be issued manually by an officer. GCMS allows issuance of a BIL to applicants if they are 79 years of age or younger when the application is received but are now over the age of 80. In a case where a client is biometrically required but, due to exceptional circumstances, they are unable to provide biometrics, a designated officer may make the determination to exempt them.