Instruction: How to Do Biometrics Collection – Fingerprints and A Photo

Starting in the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you will need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

Step 1: Receiving Biometrics Instruction Letter

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada
Date:
UCI:
Application No.:
Biometric Instruction Letter
Dear *****
This letter refers to your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for one of the following documents:

• temporary resident permit;
• work permit;
• study permit;
• temporary resident visa;
• visitor record;
• permanent resident application;
• or permanent resident card renewal.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations, you are required to have your fingerprints scanned and your photograph taken (your biometrics) at a biometric collection service point to help Visa Officers determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Most applicants will need to give their biometrics at a biometric collection service point abroad before they travel to Canada.

Only those who are eligible to apply for a work permit or a study permit at a designated port of entry can give their biometrics upon arrival.

Why is IRCC collecting my fingerprints and photograph?

Your biometric information will be used under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations to determine if you may enter or stay in Canada. Your fingerprints may also be shared with law enforcement agencies in Canada and may be used for the enforcement of any Canadian or provincial law. For more information about why the Government of Canada collects biometrics, how it uses your information and how it protects your privacy, please visit:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/facts.html and
• https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/protecting-appplicants-privacy.html.

 

What you need to do next:

You need to take this letter with you and go in person to any biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints and photograph taken. Before you go, you need to make an appointment.

• If you are outside Canada or the United States, you may go to any Visa Application Centre (VAC) most convenient to you.
• If you are in the United States, you may go to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Application Support Center (ASC) or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) located in the United States or its territories.
• If you are in Canada, you may go to a designated Service Canada location.

For more information on where to give your biometrics, please visit:

Find a biometrics collection site near you

What you need to bring with you:

When you present yourself at the biometric collection service point of your choice, you must bring the following:

• a copy of this letter, and
• the passport or travel document that you referenced in your application.

Note: This letter is also your proof that:

• you have paid the biometric fee; or
• you have claimed an exemption from the biometric fee under section 315.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). If, after reviewing your request, it is determined that you do not qualify for an exemption and are required to pay the biometric fee, you will be contacted by IRCC and your fee payment options will be explained to you.

FOR OFFICIAL USE AT BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICE POINTS:
Family Name: ******
Given Name: ******
Date of Birth: (yyyy/mm/dd)
Gender: ******
Country of Birth: ******
Citizenship: ******
IRCC No.: ******

Important Information

You have 30 days from the date of this letter to present yourself at a biometric collection service point to give your biometrics:

You must visit a biometric collection service point to have your fingerprints scanned and photograph taken on or before [Date]. If you do not comply, your application may be refused. If your application is refused, you will have to submit a new application and pay the applicable fees.