Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Canada is set to enhance its immigration system in 2018 by expanding its biometrics program. This initiative aims to improve screening processes, expedite application handling, and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration framework.<\/p>\n Currently, biometrics are collected from in-Canada refugee claimants, overseas refugee applicants, individuals facing removal orders, and nationals from 30 countries applying for visas and permits. Starting July 31, 2018, nationals from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East will also need to provide biometrics when applying for various Canadian visas or residence.<\/p>\n To meet the rising demand in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Canada will open new Visa Application Centres (VACs) in several locations:<\/p>\n More VACs are slated to open in 2019, with announcements to come.<\/p>\n Before these VACs launch, Canadian embassies in Europe will temporarily collect biometrics from applicants who have a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Applicants can also visit nearby VACs:<\/p>\n These temporary service points will exclusively collect biometrics, and applications will not be processed at these locations. Applicants must first apply online or by mail and receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter.<\/p>\n “Canada welcomes millions of visitors annually and hosts hundreds of thousands of students, workers, and permanent residents. Visa applicants abroad use Visa Application Centres to submit biometrics and applications. To manage increased demand, Canada is expanding its VAC presence over the next two years. By November 2019, 157 Centres will operate in 105 countries.” \u2013 The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Media Inquiries<\/strong><\/p>\n Mathieu Genest Media Relations<\/strong> The expansion enhances immigration screening, expedites processing, and maintains public confidence in immigration systems.<\/p>\n Nationals from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East applying for various Canadian visas or permanent residency.<\/p>\n Temporary biometrics collection points will be available at select Canadian embassies for eligible applicants.<\/p>\n Yes, exemptions include Canadian citizens, children under 14, and other specific categories.<\/p>\n By opening more VACs globally, ensuring efficient and accessible services for applicants.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In 2018, Canada will expand its biometrics program. Expanding biometrics will strengthen Canada\u2019s immigration programs through effective screening and will also facilitate application processing and travel \u2013 while maintaining public confidence in our immigration system. … <\/i>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5788,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5790","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\/5790","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=5790"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5790\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5790"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5790"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Strengthening Immigration Through Expanded Biometrics<\/h2>\n
New Visa Application Centres Opening Worldwide<\/h2>\n
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Interim Biometrics Services<\/h3>\n
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Minister’s Statement<\/h2>\n
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Key Information About VACs and Biometrics<\/h2>\n
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Associated Resources<\/h2>\n
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Media Contacts<\/h2>\n
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064<\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFAQ about Canada’s Biometrics Expansion<\/h2>\n
What is the purpose of expanding Canada’s biometrics program?<\/h3>\n
Who needs to provide biometrics starting July 31, 2018?<\/h3>\n
Where can applicants provide their biometrics before the new VACs open?<\/h3>\n
Are there exemptions to the biometrics requirement?<\/h3>\n
How does Canada plan to manage increased biometrics demand?<\/h3>\n