Biometrics for Immigration – Shaya Immigration

Immigration Information

Biometrics for Immigration

Canada’s Biometrics: A Comprehensive Guide

Every country has its set of regulations for the entry of foreigners, and Canada is no exception. As part of the immigration process to Canada, applicants are required to undergo fingerprinting or provide biometrics before being granted entry.

The term “biometrics” is derived from two Greek words: “Bio,” meaning life, and “Metrikos,” meaning estimation. Biometric technology involves automatically recognizing and confirming an individual’s identity by measuring physiological or behavioral characteristics unique to them. In simpler terms, it verifies identity by assessing distinctive features of one’s body.

Fingerprinting, or registering biometric information, is a crucial step in the visa application process. This practice serves various purposes, including enhancing identity control, combating fraud, protecting against identity theft, facilitating asylum applications, and bolstering security measures to prevent, detect, and investigate criminal activities.

In the context of Canadian biometrics, the process involves capturing a digital photograph of the face and digital fingerprints of all ten fingers. This information is stored in the Canadian Immigration Department’s system. Upon entry into Canada, border officers use this data to verify that the person matches the registered identity.

Here are key points to note regarding Canadian biometrics:

1. Automated Verification

In major Canadian airports, fingerprint verification is automated at initial inspection kiosks. Secondary inspections at other entry points may include precautionary fingerprinting to ensure the traveler’s identity matches the admission record.

2. Biometric Test Requirement

Applicants for temporary and permanent Canadian visas, such as tourist, study, work, immigration, or permanent residence visas, are required to undergo the Canadian biometric test.

3. Frequency of Biometrics

Tourist, study, and work visa applicants provide biometric information once every ten years. Permanent residence applicants, even if they previously provided biometrics for temporary visas, must undergo the process again.

4. VFS Global

The private company VFS Global handles Canadian biometrics. Applicants can visit Visa Application Centers (VAC) in various countries, excluding Iran, where Iranians need to visit neighboring countries’ VAC branches.

How to Schedule an Embassy Appointment?

There are two methods to schedule an appointment at the Canadian Embassy:

- Create a user account on the VFS Global site.
- Choose the preferred office based on the country where fingerprinting will occur.
- Pay the visa and fingerprinting fees online.
- Wait for the embassy’s letter to complete any necessary documents.

In-Person Visit to the Embassy

- Due to the absence of the Canadian embassy in Iran, applicants must visit Canadian agencies in neighboring countries.
- Submit documents, complete relevant forms, pay fingerprint fees, and await the visa response.

Canadian Biometric Exemptions

Children under 14 years old
Applicants 80 years and older
Heads of government, cabinet ministers, and accredited diplomats on official business in Canada
Canadian citizens or permanent residents
US visa holders transiting through Canada
Certain temporary residence visa applicants who provided biometrics in the last 10 years
Citizens of visa-exempt countries entering Canada as tourists with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Canadian Fingerprinting Fee

$85 CAD for an individual
$170 CAD for a family of two or more

Important Points

Specify the desired fingerprinting location within 30 days of completing the online Canadian visa application.
The applicant must attend fingerprinting within the given timeframe to avoid application cancellation.
Only the fingerprinting letter is required during the process; no need to carry case documents.
The fingerprinting process takes approximately 5 minutes per applicant.

Final Steps

After receiving a positive visa response, applicants should collect their visa in person using the original passport and embassy receipt.

Navigating the Canadian biometrics process is crucial for a smooth immigration journey. Applicants are advised to follow guidelines carefully and adhere to specified timelines for successful outcomes.