The short answer
Biometrics are your fingerprints and a photo. IRCC collects them to confirm your identity, and uses them to help assess your application. Most people applying for temporary or permanent residence need to give biometrics unless an exemption applies. IRCC tells you when and where, usually in a biometrics instruction letter that arrives after you apply. Book promptly and take the letter with you.
Key terms in plain English
- Biometrics: your fingerprints and your photo. They are not the same as the fingerprints you may give for a police certificate.
- Biometrics instruction letter (BIL): the letter IRCC sends when it needs your biometrics. It confirms that you must give them and explains how.
- Collection point: an approved place where biometrics are taken. IRCC lists where you can go.
- Exemption: a group of people who do not have to give biometrics. IRCC lists them, and they can change.
Who gives biometrics
According to IRCC, unless you are exempt, you must give your fingerprints and photo when you apply for temporary residence (with some exceptions), permanent residence, to extend your stay in some situations, or for refugee or asylum status. IRCC lists the exemptions on its page, including some age groups. Check that page and your own letter, because the letter is what governs your application.
For permanent residence applications, IRCC says people within a certain age range give biometrics for every application, even if they gave them before and those are still valid.
How it works
- Apply and pay. In most cases you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. If you do not, you may face delays. The official page shows the fee and the lower family rate for people applying together.
- Receive your letter. If your application is complete, IRCC sends the instruction letter. It says you must give your biometrics, and it gives a deadline.
- Choose a collection point. IRCC's page and your letter show where you can go and whether you need an appointment.
- Go in person. Take your letter and the documents it tells you to bring, usually including your passport.
- Keep any receipt you are given. It is your record that your biometrics were taken.
Checklist
- To do: Check on IRCC's page whether you or your family members are exempt
- To do: Pay the biometrics fee with your application where it applies
- To do: Watch your IRCC account and email for the instruction letter
- To do: Book an appointment as soon as you receive it, where one is needed
- To do: Take the letter and your passport to the collection point
- To do: Keep your receipt
- To do: Check that every family member on your application has their own letter
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long after the letter arrives. The letter gives a deadline.
- Forgetting the fee. Without it, the process can stall.
- Confusing biometrics with police fingerprints. They are separate.
- Assuming past biometrics are enough. For some applications you must give them again.
- Booking before you have the letter. IRCC says to wait for it.
Things that change
Who must give biometrics, the exemptions, the fees and the collection points can change. Always use the page and the letter for your own application.
Verify before you act
Read IRCC's biometrics page, which covers who needs them, the exemptions, the fee and where to go.