Since 2018, Canada has required biometrics — fingerprints and a photograph — from most foreign nationals applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence. The biometrics program is managed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations (IRPR), and the data is used by IRCC and CBSA to verify identity and screen applicants against security databases. This guide covers who needs to provide biometrics, who is exempt, the fees involved, how the appointment works, and what the data is used for.
What Biometrics Are Required?
The Canadian biometrics program collects two types of identifying information:
Fingerprints
All 10 fingers are scanned digitally using a fingerprint scanner at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). No ink is used. The process takes only a few minutes.
Digital Photograph
A digital photograph is taken at the VAC. This is separate from passport photos that may be included with your application — it is a biometric-quality photo taken in controlled conditions.
These are collected in person at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC), Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission — you cannot provide biometrics at home or submit them digitally yourself.
Who Needs to Provide Biometrics?
Under IRPR, biometrics are required from most foreign nationals applying for:
- ✓ A Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa / TRV)
- ✓ An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — if additional processing is required
- ✓ A work permit
- ✓ A study permit
- ✓ Permanent residence applications (all streams)
- ✓ Refugee applications
- ✓ Renewal of any of the above permits
10-year reuse: 10-year reuse: Once you provide biometrics to IRCC, they are valid for 10 years. You do not need to provide them again for subsequent applications within that period — as long as the biometrics on file match the new application and you are not subject to a new collection order.
Who Is Exempt from Biometrics?
Not everyone needs to provide biometrics. The following categories are exempt under IRPR:
US Citizens
Citizens of the United States are fully exempt from Canadian biometrics requirements. This applies regardless of the purpose of travel (visitor, work, study) or the duration of the application.
Children Under 14
Children who are under 14 years of age at the time of application are not required to provide biometrics. If the child is applying with a parent or guardian, only the adult provides biometrics.
Adults Over 79
Applicants who are 80 years of age or older are exempt from the biometrics requirement. This exemption applies automatically based on age at the time of application.
Heads of State and Government
Foreign heads of state, heads of government, and members of royal families travelling on official business are exempt under diplomatic protocols.
Those with Previously Accepted Biometrics on File
If your biometrics were collected within the last 10 years and are on file with IRCC, you may not need to provide them again for a new application. IRCC will indicate this in your application instructions.
Biometrics Fees
Biometrics fees are paid when submitting your immigration application — before attending the VAC appointment. The current IRCC fee structure (verify on the IRCC website as fees can change):
$85 CAD
Per Individual
One person applying for any immigration document
$170 CAD
Per Family Group
Two or more family members applying together in the same application
The biometrics fee is separate from the government application fee (e.g., $100 CAD for a TRV). Both fees must be paid before your application can proceed. Biometrics fees are generally non-refundable once you have attended the appointment.
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View Deep Dives → From $49.99The VAC Appointment: What to Expect
After paying the biometrics fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC. You must bring this letter to your Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment. The process at the VAC typically involves:
- 1Book an appointment: Contact the VAC in your area to book a biometrics appointment. VACs are operated by third-party partners (VFS Global, TLS Contact) contracted by IRCC.
- 2Attend with your documents: Bring your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), valid passport, and any other documents the VAC requires (check their website).
- 3Fingerprint scanning: All 10 fingers are scanned using a digital scanner. The process is quick and non-invasive.
- 4Digital photograph: A biometric-standard photograph is taken at the VAC — bring no passport photos; this is taken on-site.
- 5Processing confirmation: Once collected, your biometrics are transmitted securely to IRCC and matched against your application. You do not receive a physical receipt of the biometrics themselves.
You must provide biometrics within 30 days of receiving your BIL. Failure to do so within the window will result in your application being closed. If you miss the deadline, you must reapply and pay fees again.
How Biometric Data Is Stored and Shared
Biometric data collected by IRCC is stored securely in government databases and is subject to Canadian federal privacy law (Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21). The data is used for:
- ✓ Identity verification when you apply for subsequent Canadian immigration documents
- ✓ Identity verification at Canadian ports of entry by CBSA
- ✓ Screening against databases maintained by IRCC, CBSA, and the RCMP
Five Eyes Information Sharing
Canada participates in the Five Eyes immigration information sharing framework with the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Under bilateral and multilateral arrangements, biometric data and immigration history may be shared among these countries for border security and identity verification purposes. If you have been refused a visa, removed, or flagged in any Five Eyes country, this information may be accessible to Canadian immigration officers.
Biometric data is retained for the period of time established by IRCC's information retention schedules. Applicants have rights under the Privacy Act to request access to their own personal information held by IRCC (via an Access to Information and Privacy / ATIP request).
Biometrics and Criminal Records: What This Means
One of the primary uses of biometrics in the immigration context is to detect identity fraud and to connect applicants to criminal records held in partner country databases. When you provide biometrics, your fingerprints are checked against:
- ✓ RCMP criminal databases (Canadian criminal records)
- ✓ CBSA watch lists and security databases
- ✓ Five Eyes partner databases (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand criminal and immigration records)
- ✓ IRCC's own immigration history databases (previous applications, removals, refusals)
If you have a criminal record: A hit on criminal databases during biometric processing can trigger a criminal inadmissibility review under IRPA s.36. This can affect your visa or permit application even if you did not disclose the record on your application — because the biometric check may surface it independently. If you have a criminal history in any country, it is important to understand your admissibility status before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need to provide biometrics for a Canadian visitor visa?+
No. US citizens are fully exempt from Canadian biometrics requirements for all immigration applications, regardless of the type of permit or purpose of travel.
How long does it take to process an application after providing biometrics?+
Biometrics are verified quickly once received by IRCC. The overall application processing time depends on the type of application and country of origin — check IRCC's current processing time estimates. Providing biometrics promptly after receiving your BIL helps avoid delays.
Can I provide biometrics in a different country than where I live?+
Yes. You can provide biometrics at any Visa Application Centre worldwide. Many applicants travelling internationally provide biometrics at a VAC in a convenient country before their application is finalized. Confirm the VAC accepts biometrics for your application type before booking.
What if my fingerprints cannot be read due to a physical condition?+
IRCC has provisions for cases where fingerprints cannot be collected due to a medical condition or physical disability. You would need to attend the VAC appointment and have the condition noted. IRCC handles these cases on a case-by-case basis; the photograph portion can still be collected.
Can I travel to Canada while my biometrics appointment is pending?+
For most applications, you cannot travel to Canada until your application is approved and (for air travel from visa-required countries) you have your TRV. The biometrics appointment is typically part of the in-country application process before travel.
What is a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)?+
After submitting your application and paying the biometrics fee, IRCC sends a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to your IRCC account. This letter authorizes you to attend a VAC for collection and must be presented at the appointment. The BIL has an expiry date — you must attend within 30 days.
Important: Information is based on publicly available IRPA, IRPR, and IRCC policy. Biometrics requirements and fees can change — always verify with the official IRCC website before applying. Not legal advice.
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