When applying for a Canadian visa under any category, you are required to provide fingerprints (biometrics). The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that, upon entering Canada, border officials can verify whether you are indeed the person approved to enter the country.
Who needs to provide biometrics?
Almost all applicants applying for a Canadian visa for the first time are required to provide biometrics. The most common visa categories include:
- Visitor Visa / Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- Study Permit
- Work Permit
- Open Work Permit (e.g., accompanying a spouse who is studying or working in Canada)
- Permanent Residence sponsorship (e.g., accompanying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse)
- When biometrics may not be required again
In certain cases, applicants who have previously provided biometrics do not need to repeat the process. For example, if you already submitted your fingerprints for a Canadian visitor visa within the last 10 years, and now you are applying for another type of visa (such as family sponsorship), you may not need to provide biometrics again.
👉 You can check whether you need to give biometrics again through this official link:https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/extapp/bioStatusQuery