Biometrics collection in Canada

Biometrics collection in Canada

Permanent residence applicants who need to give biometrics – New temporary measure

 

Service Canada Centres are gradually resuming biometrics collection services by appointment only for permanent resident applicants who have received a biometric instruction letter. Service Canada will call you to schedule a biometrics appointment at the telephone number you provided in your application to schedule your biometrics appointment. There is no additional fee to pay, and you don’t need a new BIL. There is no need to go to a Service Canada Centre unless a Service Canada Officer calls you and schedules an appointment for you.

Service Canada is calling those who have been waiting the longest to give their biometrics, based on:

  • the date their application was submitted
  • where they live

If you’re in a region where there are a lot of people waiting to give their biometrics, like the Greater Toronto Area, it may take longer for Service Canada to call you. They will contact you as soon as they can.

If you miss your scheduled appointment

If you miss your scheduled appointment for any reason, including because you have COVID-19 symptoms, a Service Canada officer will call you again to schedule a new appointment.

Information you need to give the Service Canada officer

When the Service Canada officer calls, they’ll ask you to confirm your

  • IRCC application number (found on your BIL)
  • preferred appointment time and Service Canada Centre location

Not every designated Service Canada Centre is collecting biometrics. The officer will help you find the closest available location.

Do not call the Service Canada call centre, as officers won’t be able to give you any information on the status of your application.

The Service Canada officer won’t ask you for any financial information. You have already paid your biometric fee.

What to bring to your biometrics appointment

Bring your BIL and your passport or travel document with you to your appointment.

Health and safety measures

Someone will greet you when you arrive at the Service Canada Centre. You must respect physical distancing measures. Non-medical face masks are strongly encouraged, and hand sanitizer will be available. They’ll provide materials to clean the biometrics collection equipment before you use it. Service will be as contact-free as possible, for example, while documents are being reviewed.

Do not visit a Service Canada Centre if you have

  • symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing
  • had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

Extension of biometrics deadline for permanent residence applicants

No application will be refused or closed if you aren’t able to give your biometrics within the period indicated on your BIL. This applies to you, even if your BIL says you have 30 or 90 days.

You don’t have to contact IRCC or Service Canada to ask for an extension, and you don’t need a new BIL. Bring your BIL to your new appointment.

If you can’t give your biometrics yet, do not go to another biometrics collection site, including

  • Canadian ports of entry (POEs)
  • other international biometrics collection sites

When Service Canada resumes collecting biometrics for all applicants in Canada, you’ll be able to make a new appointment at a designated Service Canada Centre. You won’t need a new BIL for your appointment.