Key points
- Most Canada visa applicants must provide a photo and fingerprints as biometrics.
- Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you usually only submit them once per decade.
- Children under 14, travelers over 79, and several other groups are exempt.
- Collection happens at authorized Visa Application Centres in more than 180 countries.
- iVisa does not offer the Canada Visitor Visa, but can help with the Canada eTA for eligible travelers.
Collecting biometric data is part of how Canada processes many visa applications. This guide walks through what biometrics are, who has to provide them, how the collection works, and how to prepare so you avoid unnecessary delays.
At a glance:
- Visa class: Traditional visa (a visa appointment is needed)
- Difficulty rating: Moderate (65/100)
- Visa details: Single- or multiple-entry options
- Validity: Biometrics valid for 10 years
- Processing time: 2-8 weeks on average
What are biometrics, and why are they required for the Canada Visitor Visa?
Biometric information is collected when you apply and checked again when you enter Canada. For a Canada visa, biometrics cover:
- A photo of the applicant
- Fingerprints
This applies to most Canadian visa types, including temporary resident visas. The main reasons Canada asks for biometrics are to:
- Verify your identity accurately
- Strengthen border security
- Streamline the immigration process
- Reduce identity fraud
iVisa Pro Tip: Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive your instruction letter, so it doesn’t hold up the rest of your application.
Understanding the Canada visa biometrics collection process
You generally only need to submit biometrics once every 10 years. If you’ve already provided them for a previous Canadian visa, work permit, or study permit, you usually don’t have to give them again while they’re still valid.
| Document Type | Biometrics Validity |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 10 years |
| Work Permit | 10 years |
| Study Permit | 10 years |
| Permanent Residence | 10 years |
Biometrics are collected at Canada-authorized Visa Application Centres (VACs), which operate in more than 180 countries. Once your application reaches that stage, you’ll be told where your nearest location is.
Key requirements and exemptions for the Canada visa biometrics
Some travelers do not have to provide biometrics. Common exemptions include:
- Canadian citizens and current permanent residents
- Citizenship applicants (including passport applicants)
- Visa-exempt nationals applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization
- Children under 14 and people over 79
- Heads of state and government
Essential documents and preparation for your biometrics appointment
Bring the following to your appointment:
- A valid passport
- Your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
- Your appointment confirmation
- The payment receipt for the government biometrics fee
- Any additional documents named in your instruction letter
iVisa Pro Tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and bring both digital and printed copies of everything.
Understanding biometrics processing times and tracking your Canada visa application
Processing times vary by the type of application:
| Application Type | Standard Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 2-8 weeks |
| Work Permit | 4-8 weeks |
| Study Permit | 3-7 weeks |
| Permanent Residence | 6-8 months |
Several factors can affect how long it takes:
- Overall application volume
- How complete your submission is
- Whether extra verification is needed
- The country where you apply
iVisa Pro Tip: Applications submitted early in the week often start processing sooner than those sent over the weekend.
These are general guidelines rather than guarantees, and the biometrics fee mentioned above is a government charge paid to the authorities, not an iVisa service fee. For the most current requirements and to apply, check the Canada government website. iVisa does not currently offer the Canada Visitor Visa.
If you’re eligible, you may be able to apply for the Canada eTA through iVisa instead.
Contact us for more information about traveling to Canada
Our customer service team is available by chat or WhatsApp if you have questions about Canada visas and biometrics.
