Biometrics will be Mandatory for most of the Applicants from July 31

Canadian Government declares that from July 31, 2018, majority of Canadian immigration applications will require biometrics. According to the latest regulations, every person applying for a study or work permit, permanent residence or visitor visa is bound to provide biometric information including fingerprints and a photo.

For those, who travel to Canada frequently on a visitor visa, study or work permit will have to provide their biometrics only once in 10 years. These changes will be effective from July 31 for the residents of the Africa, Middle East and Europe.

Similarly, applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the United States of America, will have to give their biometrics from December 31, 2018.

Why it is Essential to Provide Biometrics?

Biometrics is necessary as it provides unique physical characteristics of each individual including facial features and fingerprints. The gathered information plays a pivotal role while verifying the identity of a particular individual. In fact, biometric verification rules out the chances of a false or mistaken identity.

Described below are the benefits of biometrics.

• Prevention of Identity theft and fraud
• To identify and prevent criminals from seeking entry into Canada
• To check the re-entrance of deportees into Canada without prior permission
• To prevent the re-entrance of failed refugee claimants into Canada

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Exemptions

Following individuals are exempted from biometrics.

• Children below 14 years of age
• Applicants exceeding 79 years of age
• Citizenship applicants, existing permanent residents or Canadian citizens
• Heads of government or heads of state
• Accredited diplomats, cabinet ministers of other countries or United Nations officials entering Canada on official visit
• Individuals (Visa-exempt nationals) with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Person holding a U.S. visa who is transiting through Canada
• Protected persons or refugee claimants are exempted if they have provided biometrics at the time of applying for a study or work permit