Short answer: most foreign nationals applying for a Canadian visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence give biometrics, two fingerprints-and-a-photo data points collected in person, and the standard fee is generally $85 per person (with a $170 family maximum and a $255 maximum for some performing-arts groups). US citizens, children under 14, and applicants 80 or older are generally exempt. Since 2018, Canada has phased in this requirement under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations (IRPR); the data is used by IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to verify identity and screen applicants against security databases. A point worth knowing: for temporary residence (visitor, study, or work), biometrics you already gave can generally be reused for up to 10 years, so most people give them only once in that window. This 10-year reuse does not apply to permanent residence: a temporary pandemic-era policy that let some PR applicants reuse biometrics has ended, and PR applicants are now generally required to give biometrics with their permanent residence application even if they have biometrics on file. Confirm what applies to you on canada.ca. This guide explains who needs biometrics, who is exempt, the fees, how the appointment works, and how the data is used, so you know what to expect before you apply. It is educational, not legal advice; requirements and fees change, so confirm the current rules on canada.ca.
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 (PR applicants are generally required to give biometrics with each application; the 10-year reuse does not apply to PR)
- ✓ Refugee applications
- ✓ Some renewals or new applications, unless your biometrics on file can be reused (see below)
10-year reuse (with limits): For temporary residence (visitor, study, or work), biometrics you already gave can generally be reused for up to 10 years from the date you gave them, so most people give them only once in that window (this is IRCC's "1 in 10" policy under IRPR). What this means for you: if you gave biometrics for a study permit last year and now apply to extend it or for a new temporary permit, you usually do not give them again. The 10-year reuse does not apply to permanent residence. A temporary pandemic-era policy that previously let some PR applicants reuse biometrics on file has ended, so permanent residence applicants are now generally required to give biometrics with their PR application, even if they have valid biometrics on file. IRCC will tell you in your application instructions whether you need to give biometrics. Verify your specific situation on canada.ca.
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
Biometrics are generally collected from applicants aged 14 to 79. Applicants who are 80 or older are exempt. This exemption applies automatically based on age at the time of application.
Visa-Exempt Tourists Using an eTA
Travellers from visa-exempt countries who fly to Canada as tourists on an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) generally do not give biometrics for that travel. However, visa-exempt nationals who apply for a study or work permit, or for permanent residence, generally do need to give biometrics. Confirm whether your specific application requires them.
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.
Temporary Residence Applicants with Biometrics on File
For temporary residence (visitor, study, or work), if your biometrics were collected within the last 10 years and are on file with IRCC, you generally do not need to give them again for a new temporary-residence application. This 10-year reuse does not apply to permanent residence, where biometrics are generally required with each PR application. IRCC will indicate in your application instructions whether you need to give them.
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
Family Maximum
Two or more eligible family members applying at the same time (a cap, not a per-person add-on)
$255 CAD
Performing-Arts Group Maximum
Groups of three or more performing artists and their staff applying for work permits at the same time
The biometrics fee is separate from the government application or processing fee (for example, IRCC lists a $100 CAD visitor-visa fee, verify the current amount on canada.ca as fees change). Both fees are generally paid up front, before your biometrics appointment. The family maximum of $170 and the performing-arts group maximum of $255 are caps on the combined biometrics fee when eligible people apply together, not extra charges. Biometrics fees are generally non-refundable once collection has taken place. Always confirm current fees on the IRCC fee list before paying.
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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 generally have 30 days from the date on your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to give your biometrics. If you do not give them in time, IRCC may refuse or stop processing your application. What this means for you: book your VAC appointment as soon as you get your BIL. If you genuinely cannot make the deadline, IRCC provides a web form to explain why you need more time, rather than simply missing it. Verify the current deadline and process on canada.ca.
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. Biometrics are used primarily to verify identity and to screen against databases held or accessible to Canadian authorities, and immigration officers may consider information from these checks alongside what you provide. If you have a criminal history in any country, it is important to understand your admissibility status before applying. Verify how your situation is assessed on canada.ca.
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 sets a deadline, generally 30 days from the date on the letter, so attend as soon as you can.
Do I need to give biometrics again if I already gave them for a previous application?+
It depends on the application type. For temporary residence (visitor, study, or work), biometrics can generally be reused for up to 10 years from when you gave them, so you usually do not give them again within that window (IRCC's "1 in 10" policy). For permanent residence, the 10-year reuse does not apply: a temporary pandemic-era policy that previously let some PR applicants reuse biometrics on file has ended, so PR applicants are now generally required to give biometrics with their permanent residence application even if they have valid biometrics on file. Your IRCC application instructions will say whether you need to give them; you can also use IRCC's online tool on canada.ca to check.
How long are biometrics valid, and does that mean my application is approved?+
For temporary residence, biometrics are generally valid for 10 years from the date you gave them. Validity only means IRCC can reuse the same fingerprints and photo for identity checks within that period, it is not an approval and does not guarantee a visa or permit. Each application is assessed on its own merits by an IRCC officer.
Is the biometrics fee separate from my application fee, and is it refundable?+
Yes, the biometrics fee (generally $85 per person, with a $170 family maximum and a $255 maximum for some performing-arts groups) is separate from the application or processing fee for your visa or permit. Biometrics fees are generally non-refundable once collection has taken place. Confirm current fees on the IRCC fee list before paying, as amounts can change.
Where do I give my biometrics, and can I do it inside Canada?+
Biometrics are given in person at a designated collection point, this is a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or, in some cases, a Service Canada location inside Canada or a designated office at a port of entry, depending on your situation. You cannot give biometrics from home or submit them yourself digitally. Check your BIL and canada.ca for the collection options available for your application.
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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