Biometrics

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy regarding the collection of biometrics for permanent resident applicants.

As of December 31, Canada is expanding its biometrics collection program from countries in Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will need to give their fingerprints and photo (biometrics) when applying for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or for permanent residence. This same rule has applied to applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa since July 2018.

Although all-program Express Entry draws could resume in two weeks, it may not be the end of PNP draws forever. Before the pandemic, IRCC occasionally held PNP-only draws. IRCC sees the PNP as paramount to supporting the economic development regions across Canada

As of December 3, 2019,you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) if you’re applying within Canada as a:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced today it has put in place a temporary policy measure to exempt temporary foreign workers in certain sectors from having to give their biometrics before arriving to Canada if the biometrics collection site closest to them is closed due to a coronavirus-related disruption.

A fast-track visa processing pathway for Ukrainians is now accepting applications.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), an accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war.

Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada for up to three years. Overseas applicants need to apply online for a visitor visa and provide their biometrics.
The Canadian government encourages CUAET applicants to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. This will allow them to work in Canada for any employer.

The Government of Canada is opening new Visa Application Centres and service points in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to support the expansion of its biometrics program. The new Visa Application Centres (VACs) and service points will assist in the collection of Biometric including fingerprints and a photograph for facial recognition, which all foreign nationals from Europe, the Middle East and Africa applying to visit, work, study or settle in Canada will have to provide starting July 31.

Ukrainians aged 14-17 and those over 60 are among the groups who can now complete their biometrics upon arriving in Canada.

Effective immediately, certain Ukrainians looking to move to Canada will no longer need to submit their biometrics at Visa Application Centres (VACs) overseas.

Immigration applicants who can't get certain documents due to COVID-19 closures can still ask for an extension.

Dual intent is present when a foreign national has applied, or may apply, for permanent residence in Canada but has also applied to enter Canada for a temporary period of time as a visitor, student or worker.

Starting July 31, fingerprints and a photo will become mandatory for many people applying from Europe, the Middle East and Africa for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit, permanent residence or for asylum in Canada. Known as biometrics, the fingerprints and photo will be required for identification purposes. This requirement will be extended to Asia, Asia-Pacific and the Americas on December 31, 2018.

Starting December 01, 2020, the Service Canada appointment system for scheduling biometrics appointments will resume service.

The strike that began on April 19. PSAC has instructed its members to return to work as of 9 AM Eastern Time this morning, or their next available shift.