All Canadian permanent residence applicants must now submit biometrics

Edana Robitaille
Updated: Aug, 21, 2023
  • Published: June 20, 2023

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy regarding the collection of biometrics for permanent resident applicants.

As of June 14, anyone applying for permanent residence (PR) must submit biometrics, regardless of if they have previously submitted them for a temporary residence permit.

The update to the published policy means that IRCC is returning to pre-pandemic procedures for permanent resident applications. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC enacted a policy in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that made it unnecessary for PR applicants to resubmit biometrics if they had submitted them alongside a temporary resident application within the previous 10 years.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Regular process resuming post-pandemic

In September 2020, IRCC made it possible for newcomers to apply for PR if they had submitted their biometrics to IRCC within the past decade. This measure was in response to pandemic restrictions that saw many Visa Application Centres (VACs) forced to close temporarily.

At the time, IRCC recognized that many PR applicants already had, or previously had, status as a temporary resident in Canada and that requiring biometrics made it impossible for applicants to move forward.

Since pandemic restrictions began to ease, IRCC has been moving towards resuming pre-pandemic service standards. One of the biggest blocks, the backlog of applications, is now significantly reduced and the department is back to working at full capacity and able to process applications quickly.

In an email to the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Section, an IRCC official explained “The reuse of biometrics for a PR application was a temporary measure introduced in a pandemic situation. Since the pandemic situation is now over, we are resuming our regular process which requires applicants to provide their biometrics in support of any PR applications being made, regardless of previous biometrics being valid.”

The changes do not apply to those applying for temporary resident status on a work, visitor or study visa. Temporary residents who are applying for an extension do not need to resubmit biometrics.

What are biometrics?

IRCC requires applicants to submit their fingerprints and a photograph of their face as part of their initial application for any type of permit to live, work or visit Canada. The current fee to submit biometrics is $85 CAD.

Biometrics are used to help keep Canadians safe and protect the integrity of the immigration system. It is considered non-invasive for applicants while making them easy to identify. They are a mandatory part of all immigration applications, although there are some exemptions.

For example, nationals from over 60 countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Canada and therefore are not required to submit biometrics (although all nationalities require an eTA except U.S. nationals).

Additionally, applicants in the following categories are not required to give biometrics to travel to Canada:

  • Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
  • 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.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
What counts as eligible work experience for immigration through Express Entry?
Business people having a meeting in a tech company
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on September 20, outlining how to strengthen the integrity of the country’s international student program.
I’m coming to Canada on a TRV. Can I bring my family with me?
A happy family of three relaxing in the lounge and being playful together
Maximising your time in the Express Entry Pool
A man working in front of a laptop while looking at satisfied and content.
Top Stories
What counts as eligible work experience for immigration through Express Entry?
Getting your prescription medication as a newcomer to Canada
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on September 20, outlining how to strengthen the integrity of the country’s international student program.
Study in Canada: What we know about IRCC’s proposed Trusted Institutions Framework
trusted institutions framework study in canada
IRCC extends transition period for distance learning measures to December 2023
Student completing distance studies online.
What to do in your first month as an international student in Canada
A young woman in a school library surrounded by students.
Link copied to clipboard