Biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photograph — are required for most Canadian immigration applications. Understanding when you need to give biometrics, where to go, and how long clearance takes helps you avoid delays in your application.
Who Needs to Give Biometrics?
Most foreign nationals applying for a Canadian visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residence must provide biometrics. The requirement applies to applicants between the ages of 14 and 79. Citizens of the United States are exempt. Canadian citizens are exempt. Applicants who gave biometrics within the last 10 years for a Canadian application do not need to give them again — the same biometric record is reused. Confirm whether your biometrics are still valid before scheduling a new appointment.
When to Give Biometrics
After submitting your immigration application online, IRCC sends you a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) if you need to give biometrics. You typically cannot give biometrics before receiving this letter — attempting to do so before applying will result in your biometrics not being linked to your application. Once you receive the BIL, you have 30 days to give your biometrics (some applications allow 60 days — check your specific letter). Giving biometrics promptly after receiving the BIL avoids unnecessary processing delays.
Where to Give Biometrics
In Canada, biometrics are collected at Service Canada locations with biometric collection equipment — currently over 145 locations across the country. Outside Canada, biometrics are collected at Canadian Visa Application Centers (VACs) operated by contractors like VFS Global or BLS International, or at Canadian embassies and consulates in certain countries. Use IRCC's biometrics location finder on their website to find the nearest collection point. No appointment is needed at most Service Canada locations in Canada — walk-in service is available. VACs abroad may require an appointment — book early.
Fees
The biometrics fee is $85 CAD for a single applicant. For a family applying together, the maximum family fee is $170 CAD — families of more than two people pay the same flat rate as two individuals. Biometrics fees are paid when you submit your application online (they are included in the application fee total). If you are already giving biometrics for a visitor application and later apply for immigration, you may not need to pay again if your biometrics are still valid.
Processing After Giving Biometrics
After giving your fingerprints and photo, IRCC processes the biometric check — typically within 24 to 72 hours for most applicants. The results are linked to your application automatically; you do not need to send anything to IRCC after giving biometrics. If your biometrics check reveals a concern (unusual, but possible if fingerprints match a criminal database record), IRCC will contact you through your application account. For the vast majority of applicants, biometrics processing is seamless and quick.
Biometrics and PR Applications
For permanent residence applications submitted through Express Entry, biometrics requirements depend on your last biometric collection date. If your last Canadian immigration biometrics were collected within the past 10 years, they remain valid for your PR application. If not, you will receive a BIL after submitting your PR application. Giving biometrics quickly after receiving the BIL is one of the simple things within your control that can speed up overall processing.