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Planning a trip to Canada, or maybe even moving there? Super exciting!
But before you hit the maple syrup dispensers, you might need to attend a biometric appointment. This implies that providing your fingerprints and a photo, which help the Canadian government verify your identity. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. This blog will be your guide to booking a biometric appointment for Canada.
Table of Content
1Biometric Appointment for Canada: Overview2How to Book a Biometric Appointment for Canada3What is the Purpose of a Biometric Appointment in Canada?4What are the Documents Required for a Biometric Appointment?5When to give your biometrics?6What are the Costs/Fees of Canadian Biometrics?7Biometrics Appointment: Photo and Fingerprint Tips8Need Help with Your Canadian Biometric Appointment? CanApprove is Here!9Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Biometric Appointment for Canada: Overview
Think of fingerprints and photos – that’s basically what biometrics are. When applying for a Canadian visa or permanent residence (PR), you might need to attend a biometric appointment at a designated center. This helps Canadian immigration officials verify your identity and make sure you’re the real you!
How to Book a Biometric Appointment for Canada
Booking a biometric appointment for Canada is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Pay the Biometric Fee (Unless Applying for a Transit Visa): This fee is usually included in your overall application fee, but double-check. There’s no fee for transit visas.
- Already Applied? Paying Later: If you applied online, you can usually pay the fee and upload your receipt through your IRCC secure account or a web form.
2. Receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL): After you apply for a visa or permit, you’ll get a BIL from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This letter will tell you when and where you need to provide your biometrics. (You have 30 days to book after receiving the BIL.)
3. Find a Visa Application Centre (VAC): Locate a VAC near you. If you’re in India, look for VACs in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bangalore.
4. Book the Appointment:
- Visit the official website of the VAC.
- Follow the instructions to book your appointment.
- Choose a convenient date and time.
5. Attend Your Appointment: On the day of your appointment, bring your BIL, passport, and any other required documents.
What is the Purpose of a Biometric Appointment in Canada?
Biometrics help Canadian authorities confirm your identity. This reduces the chances of identity fraud and helps ensure that people entering the country are who they claim to be. It also makes it easier for you to enter Canada in the future since your details are already in their system.
What are the Documents Required for a Canada Biometric Appointment?
When you go for your Canada biometric appointment, you need to bring:
- Your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
- A valid passport or travel document
- Any other documents specified in your BIL
- Proof you booked the appointment.
When to give your biometrics?
You need to provide your biometrics after you have submitted your visa or permit application and received a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The BIL will provide instructions on when and where to give your biometrics. Typically, you are given 30 days from the date of the letter to complete this step.
For Temporary Visa Applicants (Visitor Visa, Study Permit, Work Permit):
- You typically need to give biometrics if you haven’t provided them in the last 10 years.
- If your biometrics are still valid (within the 10-year window), you won’t need to give them again for a new application of the same type (e.g., visitor visa to visitor visa).
- There might be some exceptions, so always check with IRCC for the latest information.
For Permanent Resident (PR) Applicants:
- You must give your biometrics every time you apply for permanent residence, even if you’ve already given them in the past. This applies regardless of how recently you provided them.
- There are some special cases where you might be exempt from giving biometrics again, but these exceptions are rare.
- Always double-check with IRCC or refer to your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to confirm if you need to give biometrics for your specific PR application.
What are the Costs/Fees of Canadian Biometrics?
The fee for providing biometrics is generally around CAD $85 per person. For a family applying together, the fee can be up to CAD $170.
Biometrics Appointment: Photo and Fingerprint Tips
This looks like a great start to a guide on what to expect during a biometrics appointment, specifically for the photo and fingerprint portion. Here are some additional thoughts:
For the Photo:
- Neutral expression: Aim for a natural, closed-mouth smile.
- Clothing: Wear clothes with collars that don’t cover your neck. Avoid clothing with busy patterns or large logos.
- Background: The background will likely be white or light-colored.
For Fingerprints:
- Clean and dry hands: Wash your hands with soap and water beforehand and pat them dry.
- Moisturize (if needed): If your hands are very dry or cracked, a light lotion applied beforehand can help ensure a smooth fingerprint scan. However, avoid excess moisture.
- Remove jewelry: Take off any rings or bracelets that might get in the way.
General Tips:
- Arrive early: Plan to reach the appointment center 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Bring required documents: Double-check the appointment notice for any specific documents you need to bring.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you have any questions during the process.
Need Help with Your Canadian Biometric Appointment? CanApprove is Here!
Feeling the pressure of your Canadian biometrics appointment? CanApprove is here to take the stress out of the process.
Your biometrics are a vital step in your Canadian immigration journey. Being prepared ensures a smooth experience and helps us verify your identity efficiently.
The specifics can vary, but following the official guidelines is key. A successful biometrics appointment brings you one step closer to calling Canada home!
We offer more than just biometrics support! CanApprove guides you through every stage of your Canadian visa application. From initial application help to mock interviews and even post-landing services, we’ve got your back.
Don’t go it alone! Let CanApprove handle the complexities so you can focus on the exciting possibilities that await you in Canada. Relax, breathe easy, and experience the ease of Canadian immigration with CanApprove by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) is a document that informs you about the biometric collection process. It includes details such as:
- Where to give your biometrics (location of the Visa Application Center)
- When to give your biometrics (appointment date and time)
- Required documents (passport, BIL)
