Permits and Visas: After You Arrive

December 2019 Update from IRCC: Biometrics requirement for in-Canada applications

Effective December 3, 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires most individuals who apply for a study permit, work permit, visitor record, or visa from inside Canada to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the application.

Who needs to give biometrics

If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application to come to Canada, they may still be valid. To check whether your biometrics are still valid and when they will expire, visit the Check Status Tool on the IRCC website.

If you do not have valid biometrics on file with IRCC and are not exempt from the requirement, you will need to provide them as part of your next application for:

  • a study permit (including extension or restoration of your study permit)
  • a co-op work permit 
  • a post-graduation work permit 
  • an extension of your stay as a visitor
  • a temporary resident visa

Where and how to give your biometrics

Biometrics must be done in person at a designated collection point after submitting your online application (which must be accompanied by an $85 biometrics fee) and receiving an instruction letter from IRCC. The instruction letter will be sent to your MyCIC account within 24 hours after you submit your application online.

Biometrics collection in Canada is done by appointment only at designated Service Canada centres. You cannot give your biometrics at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) if you've submitted your application online.

When to give your biometrics

Processing of your application will only begin after you pay for and give your biometrics. The additional time it takes to give biometrics is not included in the processing times listed on the IRCC website. Therefore, we recommend making an appointment as soon as possible after you receive the instruction letter.

For more information

For more information about biometrics requirements, including a list of exemptions, visit the IRCC website.

For the full text of the IRCC update for in-Canada applicants, click here.

To contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist, click here.