Biometrics now required for nationals from Europe, Africa, Middle East
On July 31, 2018, nationals from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if they are applying for a Canadian visitor visa, a work or study permit, or permanent residence.
Currently, Canada already collects biometrics from in-Canada refugee claimants and overseas refugee resettlement applicants, individuals ordered removed from Canada and individuals from 30 foreign nationalities applying for a temporary resident visa, work permit or study permit.
Biometric screening has proven effective in protecting the safety and security of Canadians and the integrity of the immigration system, according to a Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada news release.
Systematic fingerprint verification allows border service officers to confirm a traveller’s identity and better manage traffic flow at the border.
“Each year, Canada welcomes millions of visitors and accepts hundreds of thousands of students, workers and permanent residents,” says Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen, noting the importance immigration and travel have to our country’s economic and social wellbeing.
“By expanding our biometrics program, we facilitate entry into Canada and protect the integrity of our immigration system by quickly and accurately establishing a traveller’s identity,” Hussen adds. “A key feature of biometrics expansion is that temporary residents will only have to provide their biometrics once every 10 years.”
Collecting biometrics for travel to Canada
To make giving biometrics easier for travellers, the federal government is increasing its Visa Application Centre (VAC) presence in the next two years. Canada already has one of the largest VAC networks in comparison with other countries; more than 97 per cent of applicants can access a VAC in their country of residence. And, by November 2019, Canada will have a network of at least 157 VACs in 105 countries. In addition, applicants living in the U.S. can use one of the 135 U.S. Application Support Centers for biometrics collection.
In advance of additional VACs opening this summer and fall, some Canadian embassies in Europe will offer interim biometrics collection service points for applicants who have applied online or by mail and have received a Biometrics Instruction Letter.
“Biometrics are a reliable and accurate tool to confirm the identity of legitimate travellers. As of 2018, biometrics-required travellers may have their fingerprints verified by border service officers during secondary examination at 57 ports of entry across Canada. This will help streamline the entry of genuine travellers, identify those who pose a security risk and stop known criminals from entering Canada,” says Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale.