How long can I reuse my biometrics before a new application requires fresh ones?

IRCC has a biometrics reuse policy that allows applicants who have already provided biometrics for a previous application to reuse them for a further application, rather than giving new fingerprints and a new photo every time, provided the biometrics remain within their current validity window at the time of the new application.

The exact length of that validity window is a matter of IRCC policy, and policies like this can be adjusted over time, so the current, precise period should always be confirmed directly at the time of applying rather than assumed from a previous application or from what applied in past years. Relying on an outdated understanding of the reuse window is a common and avoidable source of delay if biometrics unexpectedly need to be given again.

Anyone preparing a new application who previously gave biometrics should check IRCC's current guidance on the reuse window as part of preparing the application, so that if fresh biometrics are in fact required, an appointment can be arranged early rather than discovered as a surprise partway through processing.