Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy regarding the collection of biometrics for permanent resident applicants.
As of June 14, anyone applying for permanent residence (PR) must submit biometrics, regardless of if they have previously submitted them for a temporary residence permit.
Additionally, applicants in the following categories are not required to give biometrics to travel to Canada:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
- 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
- Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business
- S. visa holders transiting through Canada
- 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.
