Applicants for Canadian permanent residence must now submit biometric information

Applicants for Canadian permanent residence must now submit biometric information

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has modified its guidelines for gathering biometric data from potential permanent residents. Regardless of whether they have already provided them with a temporary residence permit, biometrics are required as of June 14 for anyone asking for permanent residency (PR).

The revised policy indicates that IRCC is going back to the application processes in place before the epidemic for permanent residents. During the COVID-19 epidemic, IRCC implemented a rule in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that exempted PR applicants who had previously submitted their biometrics with a request to become a temporary resident during the preceding ten years from having to do so again.

In an email to the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Section, an IRCC official explained, “The reuse of biometrics for a PR application was a temporary measure introduced in a pandemic situation.

Since the pandemic situation is now over, we are resuming our regular process, which requires applicants to provide their biometrics in support of any PR applications being made, regardless of previous biometrics being valid.” The changes do not apply to those applying for temporary resident status on a work, visitor, or study visa.

Temporary residents who are applying for an extension do not need to resubmit biometrics.

What is Biometrics?

As part of their initial application for any kind of permission to live, work, or visit Canada, applicants must submit their fingerprints and a photo of their face to the IRCC. The cost to submit biometrics is now $85 CAD.

The security of Canadians and the integrity of the immigration system are enhanced by biometrics. It is thought to be non-intrusive for candidates while facilitating their identification.

All immigration petitions must include these, although there are rare exceptions. For instance, citizens of more than 60 nations do not need to submit biometrics to enter Canada (but all nationalities, except Americans, need an eTA).

In addition, applicants for the following groups are exempt from providing biometric data in order to enter Canada:

1. Citizens of Canada, aspirants to citizenship (including those seeking passports), or current permanent residents; children under 14 years old;
2. applicants older than 79 (asylum seekers are not exempted based on age);
3. Those in possession of U.S. visas traveling via Canada; Heads of State and Heads of Government; Cabinet Ministers; accredited diplomats of other nations and the United Nations;
4. applicants for a study or work permit who are refugees or protected individuals who have already given biometric information;
5. applications for temporary residents who have already submitted biometrics in support of an active application for permanent residency.

For more information contact us at 8920523087/9540566315 or you can email us at eminent@eoec.in