IRCC requires most foreign nationals to provide biometrics — fingerprints and a photograph — as part of their immigration or temporary residence application. Biometrics are used to verify identity, screen for security risks, and manage immigration records. Biometrics are not assessed when the application is submitted but are collected separately after the application is received.

Biometric information is valid for 10 years. If a person has given valid biometrics for a prior application that are still within the 10-year validity period, they generally do not need to give biometrics again for a new application.

• IRPA s 83 — authorises the collection and use of biometric information
• IRPR regs 12.1–12.5 — the regulations specifying who must provide biometrics and in what circumstances
• IRCC: Biometrics page — canada.ca/biometrics

Who must give biometrics?

Biometrics are required for most applicants aged 14 to 79 who apply for any of the following:

• Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
• Study permit
• Work permit
• Permanent residence (through any program)
• Refugee protection

Biometrics are not required for Canadian citizens or persons who are applying from within Canada and whose biometrics are still valid from a previous application.

Exemptions

Some applicants are exempt from the biometric requirement:

• Children under 14 years of age
• Persons 80 years of age or older
• US citizens and certain other country-specific exemptions — refer to the IRCC biometrics page for the current exemption list
• Applicants whose biometrics are already on file with IRCC and remain within the 10-year validity period

The Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) process

After an application is submitted and IRCC has processed it to the point of requesting biometrics, IRCC sends a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). The BIL tells the applicant:

• That their biometrics are required
• The locations where biometrics can be collected (Application Support Centres, Visa Application Centres, or other approved collection sites)
• The deadline — applicants typically have 30 days from the date of the BIL to attend a collection appointment

Applicants must attend in person at an approved location to have their fingerprints and photograph taken. Biometrics cannot be submitted online or remotely.

Biometric validity — 10 years

Once biometrics are collected, they remain valid for 10 years. During this period, the applicant does not need to re-provide biometrics for new applications unless the 10-year period has expired. The 10-year validity period is from the date of collection, not from the date of any particular application.

When biometrics expire

If an applicant's biometrics expire (after 10 years), a new BIL will be issued when a new application is made and the applicant must attend a collection site again. If the applicant holds a valid temporary resident or permanent resident status that was granted on the basis of expired biometrics, the status itself remains valid — but new biometrics will be required for any new applications.

Applicants who fail to provide biometrics within the required time may have their application returned or refused. If the deadline cannot be met due to circumstances outside the applicant's control — for example, illness or a natural disaster affecting access to collection sites — IRCC may grant an extension if contacted promptly.

Current information on biometric fees, collection site locations, and the BIL process is available at canada.ca/biometrics.