Biometrics for In-Canada Applicants

Sophia is a Greek citizen who entered Canada as an international student four months ago. Luckily, she found a job with a good company.  Consequently, Sophia wants to change her status from an international student to a temporary foreign worker. However, she doesn’t know how to give biometrics while in Canada. What is the process of providing biometrics for in-Canada applicants? Asks Sophia. 

Biometrics refers to taking a digital photo of your face and giving digital fingerprints. Of course, you need to give biometrics at designated sites by the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Biometrics for in-Canada applicants

Starting from December 3, 2019, If you have applied for a work permit, a study permit, an extension of visa or immigration to Canada, you may need to give biometrics. However, if you are not familiar with the concept of biometrics read the following article first:

• Do I Need to Give Biometrics? – Canada Visa and Immigration

Where to give biometrics for in-Canada applicants

Currently, only specific Service Canada locations in Canada offer biometrics services. Nonetheless, it takes the following steps to locate a participating Service Canada location near you. Of course, the next steps could work for outside Canada applicants with some tweaks.

1. Visit the IRCC website.
2. Scroll down to locate the “Filter items” box.
   
3. Enter the name of your town. Of course, if the list does not return any names enter the closest major city to where you live.
   
4. Scroll down the list and locate the closest Service Canada centre to you. However, do not pick airports or other ports of entry. They do not take biometrics for in-Canada applicants.
   
5. Visit their website and make sure to book an appointment if necessary.
   
6. As you can see, you need to register an account. Then pick a participating location and eventually book an appointment.

Documents to give biometrics for in-Canada applicants

When you arrive at the participating Service Canada location, make sure to have the following documents with you.

• Your passport
• The letter IRCC emailed to you to give biometrics
• Proof of booking an appointment

Consider the following:

• Service Canada does not collect fees or initiate the biometrics process. In other words, you need to go through this process via IRCC first. Thus, make sure to pay the biometrics fee while you are submitting your application to IRCC.
• While not mandatory, take at least one more ID or document with you for backup. Some examples include:
  • Your driver’s licence
  • A provincial ID card
  • Your student card
  • The current study permit or work permit document

The second piece of ID does not necessarily help, but it won’t hurt if you hold one. Of course, you could use it if your facial features are different from your passport picture or if they are in doubt about the content of your passport. As the old saying claims: It is better to be safe than sorry.

The last but not least: Show up at the Service Canada location about 30 minutes early and be prepared for delays. Consequently, if you are working, take the whole day off or let your employer you could miss the entire day.

If you wish to visit or move to Canada, please fill out our free assessment form. We will review the form for free, but we will contact you only if we find an opportunity for you. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session. Consultation sessions are not free, but you will receive formal advice from a licenced practitioner.

Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada

Disclaimer:
This article provides information of a general nature only. It may no longer be current. It does not give legal advice. Do not rely on it as legal advice or immigration advice. We cannot be held responsible for the content of these articles. If you have specific legal questions, you must consult a lawyer. If you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment. All the characters in the articles are fictional, unless otherwise clearly stated. Any resemblance in names, dates, and places (whether individuals, organizations, regions, or countries) is coincidental.