Canada Biometric Requirement and Fees Structure

Biometrics are biological measurements or physical characteristics that can be used to identify individuals. For example, fingerprint mapping, facial recognition, and retina scans etc. If you planning to visit, study or work in Canada, you need to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)

The biometric fee must be paid each time an applicant provides biometric information unless they are exempt from paying fees. But generally it is onetime fee as even the applicant submits more than one temporary residence application simultaneously, the applicant is only required to enroll their biometrics and pay the fee one time only. Nonetheless, if the applicant would like to re-enroll their biometrics again despite having valid biometrics on file, they may do so and are required to pay the biometric fee.

Before collecting your fingerprints and picture, Visa Application Centre (VAC) staff will always ask for proof that you have paid the biometric fee. Your biometric fee will also cover the cost of application process at VAC.

After arriving in Canada, their border services officer will compare you to the photograph in your passport or travel document and to the photograph taken when you provided your biometrics. You may also be asked to provide your fingerprints again to confirm your identity.

The biometric fee is not refundable in case biometrics are provided but then the application gets rejected. But if biometrics collection does not take place or collection took place even if not required, then biometric fee must be refunded.

Biometrics of the Applicant remains valid for 10 years and to be used for future temporary residence applications.

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