Canada Biometrics Appointment
Get help understanding your Canada biometrics appointment, biometric instruction letter, appointment booking process and requirements for Canadian immigration applications.
What Is a Canada Biometrics Appointment?
Biometrics are fingerprints and a photograph collected by the Government of Canada to help confirm an applicant’s identity and assess certain immigration applications. Depending on your application and circumstances, you may need to provide biometrics for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, permanent residence or other eligible immigration application.
If you are required to provide biometrics, you will generally receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) after submitting your application and paying the applicable biometrics fee. You then need to attend an official biometric collection location and provide your fingerprints and photograph in person.
If you are required to provide biometrics, you will generally receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) after submitting your application and paying the applicable biometrics fee. You then need to attend an official biometric collection location and provide your fingerprints and photograph in person.
Canada Biometrics Appointment Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Submit Your Application | Submit your Canadian visa, permit or immigration application and pay the applicable biometrics fee when required. |
| Receive Your BIL | If biometrics are required, you receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter explaining the next steps. |
| Book an Appointment | Book an appointment at an official biometric collection location such as an eligible Visa Application Centre or designated Service Canada location. |
| Attend Your Appointment | Attend in person with the required documents and provide your fingerprints and photograph. |
| Biometrics Submitted | Your biometric information is transmitted to the Canadian immigration authorities for processing with your application. |
How ICG Globe Can Help
- ✓ Explain whether biometrics may be required for your Canadian immigration application
- ✓ Guide you through the Biometrics Instruction Letter process
- ✓ Help you understand where and how to book a biometrics appointment
- ✓ Review the information you need before attending your appointment
- ✓ Explain the documents and identification you should carry
- ✓ Help you understand the next steps after biometrics are submitted
- ✓ Provide guidance if you experience difficulties with your appointment process
Our Canada Biometrics Guidance Process
01
Application Review
We review your Canadian immigration application and explain whether biometrics may be part of your process.
02
BIL Guidance
We help you understand your Biometrics Instruction Letter and the deadline or instructions provided with it.
03
Appointment Guidance
We explain how to identify an official collection location and arrange your biometrics appointment.
04
Document Check
We help you prepare the identification and application documents you should take to your appointment.
05
Next Steps
We explain what generally happens after your fingerprints and photograph have been collected and submitted.
What to Prepare for Your Biometrics Appointment
- ✓ Valid passport or travel document used for your application
- ✓ Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
- ✓ Appointment confirmation
- ✓ Application or immigration documents where applicable
- ✓ Any additional identification requested by the biometric collection location
- ✓ Previous biometric information or immigration correspondence where relevant
FAQS
Canada Biometrics Appointment Questions
What is a biometrics appointment for Canada?
+A Canada biometrics appointment is an in-person appointment where eligible immigration applicants provide fingerprints and a photograph. Biometrics are used to help confirm identity and support immigration application processing.
When should I book my Canada biometrics appointment?
+If you are required to provide biometrics, you should book your appointment as soon as you receive your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). IRCC advises applicants to provide biometrics within the timeframe specified in their letter.
Where can I give biometrics for a Canada visa?
+Depending on where you are applying from, biometrics may be collected at an official Visa Application Centre, designated Service Canada office or another authorised collection location. You should use the official IRCC information for the location applicable to your application.
Do I need an appointment for Canada biometrics?
+Yes. Applicants generally need to make an appointment to provide biometrics in person. Appointment procedures depend on the collection location.
How much does Canada biometrics cost?
+The standard biometrics fee for an individual applicant is currently CAN$85, while eligible families applying together may have a maximum total fee of CAN$170. Some applicants and application types may be exempt.
Can I book a Canada biometrics appointment without a BIL?
+You should generally wait for the Biometrics Instruction Letter associated with your current application before attending a biometrics collection appointment. Using a BIL from a previous application can cause delays.