Find out if you need to give biometrics
Answer: You do not need to give biometrics
You’re temporarily exempt from giving biometrics if you’re in Canada and either
- you are applying for temporary residence
or - you already have an application in progress for temporary residence
Answer: You’re temporarily exempt from giving biometrics.
If you applied in Canada for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence, you don’t have to give your biometrics until 2019, when the biometrics collection service is established in Canada.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on when we received your application.
If we received your application before July 31
You need to give your biometrics if you’re between 14 and 79 years old, even if you gave them to us in the past in support of an application for a visitor visa, study or work permit.
If we received your application on or after July 31
You don’t need to give your biometrics if:
- you already gave them in the past in support of an application for a visitor visa, study or work permit, and
- your biometrics are still valid.
You can find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Status Tool.
How do I know if my application was received before July 31, 2018?
If you need to give your biometrics
Online or paper application
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says so and where you can go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on when we received your application.
If we received your application before July 31
You don’t need to give your biometrics.
If we received your application on or after July 31
As a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid green card, you need to give your biometrics if:
- you applied for a study or work permit, or for permanent residence,
- you’re between 14 and 79 years old, and
- you didn’t give your biometrics in the past.
If you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid, you don’t need to give your biometrics for your application.
You can find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Status Tool.
How do I know if my application was received before July 31, 2018?
If you need to give your biometrics
Online or paper applications
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says so and where you can go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics as long as they’re still valid.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old and applied for a visitor visa, a study or work permit or for permanent residence and your biometrics are still valid, you don’t need to give us your biometrics.
You can find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Status Tool.
If your biometrics are no longer valid
Online or paper applications
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you applied for a visitor visa, a study or work permit or for permanent residence and you’ve never given your biometrics in the past, you’ll need to give them now.
Online or paper applications
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on when we received your application.
If we received your application before July 31
You don’t need to give your biometrics.
If we received your application on or after July 31
You need to give your biometrics if you’re between 14 and 79 years old.
How do I know if my application was received before July 31, 2018?
If you need to give your biometrics
Online or paper applications
After we receive your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old and applied for a visitor visa, a study or work permit, or for permanent residence, you need to give your biometrics.
Online or paper applications
After we receive your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on what you plan to do in Canada.
You need to give your biometrics if:
- you applied for a study or work permit, or for permanent residence, and
- you’re between 14 and 79 years old.
If you need to give your biometrics
Online or paper applications
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says so and where you can go. You’ll have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you applied online
- The letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message.
- If you applied by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail about two weeks after we get your application. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
If you applied at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you submitted a paper application at a VAC, you may have given your biometrics at that time. If you didn’t and you need to give biometrics, you’ll get a letter that tells you to pay the biometrics fee. Once the fee is paid, you’ll get another letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
If you applied online at a VAC, you’ll get a letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics. This letter will go to your account message box within 24 hours of applying. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
Starting December 31, 2018, you’ll need to give your biometrics when you submit a new application for a visitor visa, study or work permit or for permanent residence.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
You need to make an appointment to give biometrics.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
- To get this letter, pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics:
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
As of December 3, 2019, you need to give your biometrics. You can go to one of these official locations. You need to make an appointment.
- Designated Service Canada offices
- Visa application centres (VACs) worldwide
- Application support centers (ASCs) in the United States and its territories, if you’re already legally in the U.S.
Find out more about biometrics:
Answer: Based on your selections, you need to apply for a visa. You also need to give biometrics.
If you’re a lawful U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
- To get this letter, pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You need to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics.
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You may need to give biometrics depending on where you travel to or from and what document you have.
If you’re a lawful U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
You don’t need to give biometrics if both of these apply:
- You’re travelling by air to or from the U.S.
- You have a valid U.S. visa.
You need to give your biometrics if you’re travelling to a country other than the U.S. and you’re between 14 and 79 years old. However, you don’t need to pay the biometrics fee for a transit visa.
If you need to give biometrics
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You need to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics.
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
You need to make an appointment to give biometrics.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
- To get this letter, pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics:
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
You need to make an appointment to give biometrics.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
- To get this letter, pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics:
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo for all permanent resident applications, including:
- family class
- economic class
- persons with refugee, protected person, or asylum status in Canada
You have to give your biometrics and pay the fee, even if you gave your biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application, or a different permanent resident application.
After you submit your application, we’ll send you a letter that says you need to give your biometrics and where to go. You then need to make an appointment to give biometrics.
You have up to 30 days to go in person to an official biometrics collection service location.
- If you apply online
- The letter will go to your account message box if you sent us a complete application and paid the biometrics fee. You’ll get an email to let you know that you have a new message. It can be several days or even several weeks before the email is sent to you.
- If you apply by mail
- The letter will get to you by mail several weeks after we get your complete application and your payment for the biometrics fee. The timing of your letter depends on various factors including the speed of your postal service.
Find out more about biometrics:
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
Most people who apply for a permanent resident card don’t need to give their biometrics.
Exception: You need to give your biometrics only if all these conditions apply:
- you were younger than 14 years when we received your application for permanent residence
- you applied for permanent residence on or after July 31, 2018
- you’re now 14 years or older
- you’re applying for a new permanent resident card, a replacement or a renewal
You don’t need to pay the biometrics fee.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
When you apply for a permanent resident travel document, you don’t need to give your biometrics.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics if it’s been longer than 10 years since you last gave them.
You don’t need to give biometrics if you’ve given them within the last 10 years.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on what you plan to do in Canada.
If you’re a lawful U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
To visit Canada as a tourist only
You don’t need to give your biometrics if you plan to visit only.
You do need to apply for an eTA.
To study or work in Canada
You need to give your biometrics if you’re between 14 and 79 years old and you apply for a study or work permit.
If you plan to study for 6 months or less, you don’t need a study permit and you don’t need to give biometrics.
If you’re a lawful U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
- To get this letter, pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You need to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics.
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
You don’t need to give biometrics to transit through Canada.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
If you’re a lawful U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card, you don’t need to give biometrics to only visit Canada.
For online or paper applications
- You can only give your biometrics after you get a letter from us that tells you what to do.
If you apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- You need to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics.
- You can give your biometrics when you submit a paper application at a VAC, if you booked an appointment.
- If you decide to apply online at a VAC, you’ll have to wait to get the letter that tells you that you need to give biometrics.
- Once you have this letter, you can return to the VAC to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
When you apply for a permanent resident travel document, you don’t need to give your biometrics.
Answer: You need to give your biometrics.
We’ll send you a letter that tells you where to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
As a U.S. citizen or national, you don’t need to give your biometrics.
Exception: If you apply for permanent residence in Canada, you need to give your biometrics.
Answer: It depends on how you plan to travel.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics: who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
Based on your selection, you’re a visa-exempt traveller. You don’t need to give your biometrics if you plan to visit only.
If you plan to visit Canada for 6 months or less
You should apply for an eTA, not a visitor visa.
If you plan to visit Canada for more than 6 months
When you arrive at the Canadian port of entry, let the border services officer know that you want to stay in Canada longer than 6 months. The officer may authorize you to stay longer to cover the planned purpose of your visit.
If you’re a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and you’re outside Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a super visa to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on what you plan to do in Canada.
If you plan to study, work, or live permanently in Canada
Starting December 31, 2018, you need to give your biometrics when you submit a new application for:
- a study permit
- a work permit
- permanent residence
If you plan to visit Canada only
You don’t need to give your biometrics if you plan to visit only (even after December 31, 2018).
Based on your selection, you’re a visa-exempt traveller. You don’t need to apply for a visitor visa. You should apply for an eTA.
If you plan on staying longer than 6 months, let the border services officer know when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. The officer may authorize you to stay longer to cover the planned purpose of your visit.
If you’re a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a super visa to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
Answer: You may need to give your biometrics depending on what you plan to do in Canada, and the type of passport you travel with.
If you plan to study, work or live permanently in Canada
Starting December 31, 2018, you need to give your biometrics when you submit a new application for a study or work permit or for permanent residence.
If you plan only to visit Canada with an ordinary passport
You should apply for an electronic travel authorization if
- you’re travelling with a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that includes a personal identification number
- you plan only to visit
You don’t need to give your biometrics, even after December 31, 2018.
If you plan on staying longer than 6 months, let the border services officer know when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. The officer may authorize you to stay longer to cover the planned purpose of your visit.
If you’re a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a super visa to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time.
If you plan only to visit Canada with another passport
You need a visitor visa if you’re travelling with a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that does not have a personal identification number.
Starting December 31, 2018, you need to give your biometrics when you apply for a visa, even if you plan only to visit.
Find out more about biometrics, who is exempt, how often you need to give them, how to give them and where to give them.
Answer: It depends what you apply for and if you’re between 14 and 79 years old.
If you apply for permanent residence
You need to give biometrics.
If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo for all permanent residence applications, even if you already gave us your biometrics and they’re still valid. This includes:
- family class
- economic class
- persons with refugee, protected person, or asylum status in Canada
You need to make an appointment to give biometrics.
Find out more about biometrics:
If you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit
You don’t need to give your biometrics if they’re still valid.
You can find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Status Tool.
Answer: You may not need to give biometrics again.
You don’t need to give biometrics if you gave biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed and now you’re applying for a visitor visa, study or work permit.
If you make another application for permanent residence, you’ll need to give biometrics again for that application.
Answer: You don’t need to give your biometrics.
Most people who apply for a permanent resident card don’t need to give their biometrics.
Exception: You need to give your biometrics only if all of these conditions apply:
- you were younger than 14 years when we received your application for permanent residence
- you applied for permanent residence on or after December 31, 2018
- you’re now 14 years or older
- you’re applying for a new permanent resident card, a replacement or a renewal
You don’t need to pay the biometrics fee.
This tool provides general guidance. Depending on your situation, you may need to give biometrics. If so, we’ll send you a letter to confirm that you need to.
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