An email to the Canadian Bar Association Immigration Section by the IRCC explains that all biometric data for permanent resident applications during the pandemic was a temporary measure. However, the department intends to resume its biometrics policy for all permanent resident applications now that the pandemic is over, regardless of previous valid biometrics.
However, these changes don’t apply to people applying for temporary resident status on a visitor, work, or study visa. Temporary residents applying for an extension don’t need to resubmit their biometrics either.
Understanding Biometrics and Its Role in Canadian Immigration
The IRCC requires that everybody applying for residency in the country submit their fingerprints and a passport photograph as part of their initial application to qualify for any type of permit to work, live, or visit the country. Residents must deposit $85 CAD to submit their biometrics. The purpose of collecting biometric data is to enhance security in the country while protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
The method itself is considered non-invasive and effective in identifying all applicants. It is a mandatory process for all immigration applicants, with some exemptions, including:
- The IRCC exempts nationals from over 60 countries from obtaining a visa to visit the country. These nationals are not required to submit their biometrics. However, they still require Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) unless they are United States nationals.
- Canadian citizens, existing permanent residents or citizenship applicants
- Heads of government and heads of state
- S. visa holders traveling through Canada
- Children under the age of 14
- Applicants over 79 years of age (there’s no upper age exemption for immigrants claiming asylum)
- Refugee claimants and protected persons who have already submitted their biometrics and are applying for a work or study permit.
- Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats for the United Nations and other countries coming to Canada on official business.
- Temporary resident applicants who have submitted their biometrics for a permanent resident application that’s still in progress.
