Canada Visa Biometrics Rules for Indian Applicants require fingerprints and a photograph from most people applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or permanent residence, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Canada Visa Biometrics Rules for Indian Applicants
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), biometrics are used to verify an applicant’s identity and help assess an immigration application.
Indian students and workers applying for Canadian visas or permits therefore need to understand when biometrics are required.
For temporary residence applications, biometrics are generally required when applying for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit, unless the applicant is exempt.
Applicants for permanent residence may also need to provide their fingerprints and photograph.
Who Needs to Give Biometrics for Canada?
Indian applicants seeking a visitor visa, study permit or work permit generally need to provide biometrics.
People applying for permanent residence also have to provide them when required as part of the application process.
However, some applicants are exempt.
For example, children under 14, people over 79, Canadian citizens and existing permanent residents do not generally need to provide biometrics under the applicable rules.
Certain other categories, including some applicants who have already provided biometrics for a permanent residence application that is still being processed, may also qualify for an exemption.
Applicants who have already given biometrics for a previous Canadian temporary-residence application may not need to provide them again if the biometrics are still valid.
Canada Biometrics Are Valid for 10 Years
For temporary residence applications, biometrics are generally valid for 10 years.
If an applicant provided them within the previous 10 years, IRCC can automatically attach the existing biometrics to a new visitor visa, work permit, study permit or extension.
However, a visa or permit cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of the applicant’s biometrics.
An applicant can choose to provide biometrics again when applying if they want the new document to potentially have a longer validity period, subject to the applicable rules.
Applicants can also use IRCC’s biometrics status tool to check whether their existing biometrics are still valid.
Biometrics Fee and Appointment Process
IRCC currently charges CAD 85 for an individual biometrics submission.
A maximum family fee of CAD 170 applies to eligible families applying together, while specific rules apply to certain groups such as performing artists and their staff.
Applicants who need to provide biometrics receive a biometric instruction letter after applying.
They should follow the instructions in the letter and book an appointment at an official biometric collection location.
Outside Canada, applicants can provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
India has several designated VAC locations, including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad.
Applicants generally have 30 days from receiving the biometric instruction letter to provide their fingerprints and photograph.
Booking the appointment promptly can help avoid delays in the application process.
For Indian students, workers and other applicants planning to move to Canada, checking biometric requirements before submitting an application can help avoid unnecessary delays.
The requirement depends on the type of application and whether the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
