Biometric

STEP-BY-STEP Procedure:

Once you receive IRCC's Letter to enroll for Biometrics as part of Spousal Sponsorship Application, go to

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR BIOMETRIC ENROLMENT

to book an appointment. You have FIVE ways to book appointment.

They take your:

1. Digital Photograph
2. Fingerprints (make sure your fingers are clean)

You will have to take Passport and Biometric Letter with you to VFS and note down your appointment number.

• Follow guidelines given in their website.
• Fees : CA$85 (including service charges)
• If your application package was received on 31st July 2018 and/or afterwards, you will be asked to submit biometrics.
• You MAY include CA$85 in final total of your Visa Application Fees OR pay at local VFS, however paying fees at VFS may delay your biometrics.
• Once your application is deemed complete, you will receive AOR1 along with biometric request letter to complete biometrics at your nearest VFS.
• All paper based applicants can go straight to VFS even without biometric letter.
• It usually takes around 30 minutes from the time you enter VFS to the time you come out.

Contact your local VFS Centre for more information:

-:Biometric Data Retention:-

• If Temporary Residence application is approved : 15 years
• If PR application is approved : Till your 80th Birthday
• If PR application is refused :
  • 5 years = if case is refused due to health, financial or non-compliance concerns. Also if application is incomplete or you withdraw/abandon file.
  • 10 Years = In case of misrepresentation

• For all application's refusal : Till your 100th Birthday = if refusal is based on serious security reasons, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality

Exemptions

IRCC says the following are exempt from having to provide biometrics:

• Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
• visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada as tourists who hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA);
• children under the age of 14;
• applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);
• heads of state and heads of government;
• cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, coming to Canada on official business;
• U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada;
• refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;
• temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress.