Permanent Residence Applicants and Biometrics
The collection of biometrics for Canadian permanent residence applications is different than that of other applications
During the current COVID19 pandemic, biometric collection worldwide has been affected. Service centres that collect biometrics have temporarily closed or operating at low capacities. Because of this, the government of Canada has taken a temporary measure that will exempt some permanent residence applicants from providing biometrics. Furthermore, if an applicant has given biometrics within the last 10 years and has applied or will be applying for permanent residence, this measure applies to them.
Biometrics for Temporary Residence Applicants
The biometric exemption also applies to temporary residence applicants that are in Canada. Those exempted must have submitted or will submit applications for:
- Visitor visa
- Work or study permit
- Extending stay or restoring status as student, worker or visitor
- Temporary resident permit
Biometric Collection
To the contrary, permanent residence applicants that have not provided biometrics before or within the last 10 years, will have to provide them. Biometrics collection at some Service Canada Centres are resuming gradually and only for permanent residence applicants. Only applicants that have received a biometric instruction letter (BIL) will receive a call from a Service Canada officer to schedule an appointment for biometrics collection. Applicants should not visit the centres without an appointment.
For more information and updates on Canadian immigration matters, visit our News page.
Greg Rosenke 
