New Visa Application Centres Launch Across Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Africa
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canadian Biometrics Expansion
Canada is broadening its biometrics collection initiative in anticipation of December 31, 2018. On this date, nationals from Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas will be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a photograph, for visitor visas, study or work permits, or permanent residence applications.
Biometric data helps Canadian officials enhance security, manage identities, streamline processing, and facilitate easier entry for legitimate travelers. In response, Canada is expanding its global network of Visa Application Centres (VACs) to improve service accessibility.
New Visa Application Centres
Recently, new VACs began operations in:
- Asia-Pacific: Bali, Indonesia; Melbourne, Australia
- Americas: Mendoza, Argentina; Porto Alegre and Recife, Brazil; Cali, Colombia; Santiago, Chile; Bridgetown, Barbados
- Europe: Lyon, France; Vienna, Austria
Phase one of the biometrics expansion rolled out successfully for nationals from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East since July 31, 2018. Following this, VACs opened in Athens, Greece; Kigali, Rwanda; Stockholm, Sweden; Berlin, Germany; and Tel Aviv, Israel, replacing temporary locations previously set up in Europe.
By the year’s end, Canada plans to have 152 VACs across 103 countries, including new centers in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Cape Town, South Africa. Additional openings will be announced later.
Biometrics Collection and Privacy Safeguards
Applicants can provide biometrics at any VAC they are eligible to enter, or if in the U.S., at one of 135 U.S. Application Support Centers. Canada is also boosting capacity at existing VACs, such as the 12 in China, 10 in India, and 2 in the Philippines, to meet demand.
Canada remains committed to privacy, incorporating robust safeguards in policies and technology, aligning with international best practices.
Insights from the Immigration Minister
“Biometrics are recognized as one of the most reliable ways to identify people and are used by more than 70 countries for immigration screening. As we prepare to roll out the next phase of biometrics expansion, which will affect our largest volume of applicants, we will continue to work closely with other governments, partners and stakeholders to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Information
VACs, managed by third-party services, provide administrative support for IRCC visa applicants globally, including biometrics collection.
VACs assist applicants throughout the process, offering support via phone, email, or in person, in local languages.
To serve clients in Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas better, biometrics appointments will be required, available within five business days of request.
Exemptions to biometrics requirements include Canadian citizens, visa-exempt tourists, minors under 14, seniors over 79, and certain officials and diplomats.
Related Links
Media Contacts
For media inquiries only:
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs on Biometrics and Visa Applications
What are the benefits of biometrics in visa applications?
Biometrics enhance security, manage identities effectively, and simplify application processing for legitimate travelers.
Where can I submit my biometrics?
Applicants can submit biometrics at any VAC they’re eligible to enter, or at U.S. Application Support Centers if legally in the U.S.
Are there any exemptions to providing biometrics?
Exemptions include Canadian citizens, minors under 14, seniors over 79, visa-exempt tourists, and certain officials and diplomats.
For more details or to start your visa application journey, read our immigration guide today.
