Suspension of Biometrics for In Canada Temporary Applications
Most people need to give biometrics when they apply for any kind of status in Canada. However, COVID-19 has disrupted the process of providing biometrics. If you are inside Canada, you need to give biometrics at a Service Canada location. Unfortunately, Service Canada does not process biometrics at this moment. Therefore, IRCC decided to suspend biometrics for in-Canada temporary applications on July 15, 2020.
What is biometrics, and where to give biometrics?
Biometrics consists of digitally registering your fingerprints and a picture of your face. If you are not familiar with the concept of biometrics, consider visiting the following pages:
- Do I Need to Give Biometrics?
- Are My Biometrics Still Valid?
- Where to give biometrics during coronavirus pandemic
Which in-Canada applications are exempt from biometrics?
The suspension of biometrics covers the following applications:
- Application for a new work permit or study permit inside Canada
- Extension of a work permit or study permit inside Canada
- Applying for a visitor record or rather extending your stay as a temporary resident
- Temporary Resident Permit applications inside Canada
- Restoration of Status applications inside Canada
Of course, you need to qualify to apply from inside Canada. Otherwise, IRCC will refuse your application, not because of biometrics, but because you did not qualify in the first place.
Which in-Canada applications are not exempt from biometrics?
Unfortunately, permanent resident applications are not exempt from biometrics. Thus, even if you qualify to apply for a permanent resident application from inside Canada, you still need to do biometrics. The following list shows some examples:
- Spousal sponsorship applications from inside Canada
- Canadian Experience Class applications
- Provincial Nominee Applicants who are already in Canada with a work permit or a study permit
- Protected people who are applying for permanent residence
Of course, this list is not comprehensive.
What about the biometrics fee?
You may have already submitted your application and paid the biometrics fee. Luckily, IRCC will review your application without the biometrics and will refund the $85 fee. However, if you are going to apply in the future, do not pay the biometrics fee. Even if you pay the biometrics fee and receive the BIL, you do not need to give biometrics. Of course, IRCC will process your application and will eventually refund the biometrics fee.
Will the suspension of biometrics for in-Canada temporary applications last forever?
The simple answer to this question is “no.” The suspension is because of the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, we expect they will resume requesting biometrics when everything goes back to normal.
Canada Immigration News: Further Resources
Consider visiting the following links for more information:
- How COVID-19 is affecting Canadian immigration
- Apply for Work Permit Inside Canada
- Applying for Study Permit within Canada
- CANADA IMMIGRATION 2020
- Purchase “88 Tips on Immigration to Canada“
- Book an appointment with Al Parsai
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Posted on July 17, 2020
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