As of December 3, 2019, foreign nationals will now be required to submit their biometrics if applying from within Canada as
- foreign worker (including extending your work permit);
- international student (including extending your study permit);
- visa required visitor (including extending your stay); or
- permanent resident
Foreign national will be requested to submit their biometrics at any of the 58 designated Service Canada locations across the country. An appointment must be requested and can be made through an easy booking tool here.
Exemptions do apply from the biometric requirements, such as:
- Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
- US citizens (unless applying for permanent residence);
- Children under the age of 14;
- Applicants over the age of 79;
- Heads of state and heads of government;
- Applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa;
- Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit;
- Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress;
- Applicants who gave biometrics in the last 10 years for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, and the permit or visa is still valid, don't have to give them again if they're applying to visit, work, or study.
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact an immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.