Immigration Newsweek
By Atty. Henry Moyal
As of December 3, 2019, it seems that almost everyone requires to give Biometrics when submitting an application – regardless of what it is. At a fee of $85, the Canadian government is now requiring applicants to go to a designated Biometrics Collection centre to take photographs and fingerprints before any type of visa is issued. For many years, Biometrics were only required for applicants outside of Canada who wanted to come to Canada to live, visit, study or work. As well, the places where a person could actually do the Biometrics were only outside of Canada in certain offices.
Effective immediately, that has all changed. All applicants (unless exempt) must now set an appointment and pay the Biometrics fee and go to a designated office in Canada or outside of Canada to take photos and fingerprints.
In the past, visitors or workers who were in Canada were spared from additional requirements but from now on all visitor record extensions or study permit extensions or work permit extension applications from applicants inside of Canada must do Biometrics. As well, applicants applying for permanent residence ( for example inland spouse sponsorships) under the SCLP class must also do Biometrics.
It is worth noting that if you gave biometrics in the last 10 years for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit and they’re still valid, you don’t have to give them again if you’re applying to visit, work, or study. Applicants who are not sure if their Biometrics are still valid can check by using the following link:
https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/extapp/termsAndConditions?&lang=en
Finally, the following persons are exempt from Biometrics:
Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario.
The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document.
Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or call 416 733 3193
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