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CANADA: Biometrics Now Required for Certain In-Canada Applications
December 5, 2019
Effective 3 December 2019, applicants within Canada for work permit, study permit and visa extensions, as well as for permanent residence, must give their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated Service Canada location.
Background
Since 2018, Canada has collected biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) from most nationalities applying for a temporary resident visa, work permit, or study permit from outside Canada.
Now this has been expanded to in-Canada applications.
Exemptions
The following are exempt from the biometric requirements:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
- US citizens (unless applying for permanent residence);
- Children under the age of 14;
- Applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);
- Heads of state and heads of government;
- Applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa;
- Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;
- Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress.
- Applicants who gave biometrics in the last 10 years for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, and the permit or visa is still valid, don’t have to give them again if they’re applying to visit, work, or study.
Our Advice
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Canada, please email us at [email protected].
