Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n As of July 31, 2018, nationals from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East must provide biometrics\u2014fingerprints and a photo\u2014when applying for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit, or permanent residence. This initiative ensures the safety and security of Canadians while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.<\/p>\n Biometric identification has supported Canada’s immigration screening for over 20 years. The current expansion requires biometrics from various applicants, including those seeking temporary or permanent residency. This measure helps confirm identities and streamline border procedures.<\/p>\n Using biometrics, border service officers can efficiently verify identities at major entry points. This process facilitates smoother travel experiences for legitimate travellers while safeguarding against security threats.<\/p>\n Temporary residents now only need to provide biometrics once every 10 years. Furthermore, Canada is expanding its Visa Application Centres (VACs) to enhance accessibility, with at least 157 VACs expected in 105 countries by November 2019.<\/p>\n Biometric programs are adopted by over 70 countries, including Canada\u2019s Migration 5 partners\u2014the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand. This collaboration reinforces global security measures and facilitates information sharing.<\/p>\n “Canada welcomes millions of visitors annually, understanding the vital role of immigration for economic and social prosperity. By broadening the biometrics program, we secure our borders while easing entry processes.” \u2013 The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “Biometrics are crucial for authenticating travellers’ identities. Our officers can verify fingerprints at 57 entry points, which streamlines entry and identifies potential security risks.” \u2013 The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “Since 1993, Canada has utilized biometrics for asylum claimants and other applicants. Expanding this requirement strengthens border security and deters fraudulent claims.” \u2013 The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Media Contacts<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong> Biometrics involve collecting unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and facial photos, to verify an individual’s identity, enhancing immigration security.<\/p>\n Most foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residency in Canada, excluding U.S. citizens and certain exempted individuals, must provide biometrics.<\/p>\n Temporary residents only need to submit biometrics once every 10 years, while permanent residence applicants must provide them with each application.<\/p>\n Applicants can submit biometrics at Visa Application Centres globally and Application Support Centers in the U.S. Read our immigration guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Exemptions include Canadian citizens, current permanent residents, and certain officials and diplomats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" July 30, 2018 \u2013 Ottawa, ON \u2013 The Government of Canada is committed to the safety and security of all Canadians and to the integrity of our immigration system. On July 31, 2018, all nationals from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if they are applying for a Canadian visitor visa, a work or study permit, or permanent residence. … <\/i>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5739"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5739\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}News Release Overview<\/h2>\n
Enhancing Secure Travel to Canada<\/h2>\n
Streamlining Border Security<\/h3>\n
International Cooperation and Biometric Use<\/h3>\n
Official Statements<\/h2>\n
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Key Facts<\/h2>\n
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Associated Links<\/h2>\n
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Contact Information<\/h2>\n
\nMathieu Genest, Minister\u2019s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
\n613-954-1064<\/p>\n
\nCommunications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
\n613-952-1650
\nIRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFAQs About Biometrics in Canada’s Immigration<\/h2>\n
What are biometrics and why are they important?<\/h3>\n
Who is required to provide biometrics?<\/h3>\n
How often do I need to provide my biometrics?<\/h3>\n
Where can I submit my biometrics?<\/h3>\n
Are there any exemptions to the biometrics requirement?<\/h3>\n