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On June 14, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decided to revoke the temporary measure that waived the biometrics requirement for specific foreign individuals applying for permanent residency (PR). The official IRCC program delivery update confirms that as of June 14, 2023, this temporary public policy will no longer be valid for permanent residency applications submitted on or after that date.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary policy was implemented to provide an exemption for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (PR) from the requirement of submitting biometrics. This policy specifically applied to individuals who had already provided their biometrics within the past 10 years as part of any previous immigration or visa application.
From June 14, 2023, a change has been implemented regarding the processing of permanent residency (PR) applications. Previously, applicants who had fulfilled the requirement of providing biometrics within the last 10 years were exempt from this step. However, as of the aforementioned date, all foreign nationals applying for PR will be required to submit their biometrics, regardless of their application submission date. This new requirement applies to all PR applications, except for those submitted before June 14, 2023, that meet the aforementioned exemption criteria.
Why Biometrics Require for Canadian Immigration
Biometrics encompasses the unique physical attributes of an individual that can be utilized for identification purposes. Within the realm of Canadian immigration, the term “biometrics” specifically pertains to fingerprints and a photograph that is obligatory for individuals seeking Canadian immigration. These biometric data serve as a means of accurately identifying and verifying the identity of applicants throughout the immigration process.
Benefits of Biometrics for Canadian Immigration
The utilization of biometrics plays a vital role in verifying and confirming an individual’s identity. While it may not appear crucial at first glance, the Canadian government emphasizes the significance of biometrics in safeguarding the well-being of immigrants in various ways.
One key benefit is the deterrence of identity theft, as the existence of biometric data on record makes it considerably more challenging for someone to fraudulently assume, steal, or misuse another person’s identity.
Furthermore, when a person shares similar personal data with another person, such as their name, birth date, or place of birth, problems or discrepancies may occur. This is considerably facilitated by biometrics. Authorities can properly identify between people and correct any mistakes or misunderstandings that may result from such similarities by using biometric data.