- Biometrics collection means giving fingerprints (all ten fingers, scanned digitally) and having a photo taken at an approved collection point.
- Biometrics apply broadly across temporary and permanent resident applications, with limited exemptions (covered in a companion article).
- As of mid-2026, the biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person, with a maximum of $170 CAD for a family of two or more applying together — verify the current amount before you pay, since…
Most people applying to visit, study, work, or immigrate to Canada will, at some stage, be asked to give biometrics — fingerprints and a digital photo — as part of their application. It's a routine step, but the logistics can be confusing the first time: where do you go, what does it cost, and what happens to your information afterward?
This article walks through the basics of Canada's biometrics requirement so you know what to expect before you book an appointment.
What Biometrics Are and Why IRCC Collects Them
Biometrics collection means giving fingerprints (all ten fingers, scanned digitally) and having a photo taken at an approved collection point. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses biometrics to verify identity, check against criminal and immigration records, and reduce identity fraud across applications.
This isn't unique to Canada — many countries, including the United States and much of the EU, use similar systems for visa and immigration processing.
Who Generally Needs to Give Biometrics
Biometrics apply broadly across temporary and permanent resident applications, with limited exemptions (covered in a companion article). In general terms, biometrics are typically required for:
| Application type | Biometrics generally required? |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) | Yes, for most applicants |
| Study permit | Yes, for most applicants |
| Work permit | Yes, for most applicants |
| Permanent residence (most streams) | Yes |
| Refugee claims and protection applications | Yes |
| Extensions of status from within Canada | Sometimes, depending on prior submissions |
Exact requirements depend on your citizenship, application type, and whether valid biometrics are already on file — always check the specific instructions for your application rather than assuming based on a past experience.
The Biometrics Fee
As of mid-2026, the biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person, with a maximum of $170 CAD for a family of two or more applying together — verify the current amount before you pay, since government fees change periodically. This fee is separate from your application fee and is paid as part of the online application process, not directly at the collection point.
How the Appointment Works
- Get your biometric instruction letter. After submitting your application (or paying the biometrics fee where required upfront), IRCC sends instructions telling you biometrics are needed.
- Book an appointment. You'll typically book online at an approved Visa Application Centre (VAC) or, for some applicants already in Canada, a Service Canada location.
- Attend in person. You cannot send someone else or submit biometrics remotely — the applicant must appear in person.
- Bring required documents. Usually your passport, the biometric instruction letter, and any other documents the collection point specifies.
- Complete the scan. The process itself — fingerprint scanning and a photo — typically takes only a few minutes.
- Wait for confirmation. Your biometrics are sent electronically to IRCC and linked to your application file.
How Long Your Biometrics Stay on File
IRCC retains biometric data on file for a set period, during which you may be able to reuse it for a later application rather than giving biometrics again. That retention window and the reuse rules are set by IRCC policy and can change, so don't assume your last set is still valid — your application instructions will tell you whether new biometrics are required.
What Happens If You Don't Complete Biometrics
Failing to give biometrics when required, or missing your scheduled appointment without rescheduling, can result in your application being returned as incomplete or closed. If that happens to you, see our companion article on what to do after a missed biometrics appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need to give biometrics too?
Age-based exemptions exist, but the cutoff age is set by IRCC and can change — check current guidance for your child's application rather than assuming a past age threshold still applies.
Can I pay the biometrics fee separately from my application fee?
The biometrics fee is generally collected as part of the online application process alongside other applicable fees, not paid separately at the collection point. Confirm the current payment flow when you apply.
What if there's no collection point near me?
Visa Application Centres are located in many but not all cities. If travel to a collection point is a genuine hardship, check IRCC's current guidance — some limited accommodations may exist depending on your location and circumstances.
Will giving biometrics delay my application?
Biometrics collection is one step in a larger process, and overall processing times vary by application type and change frequently. Check IRCC's published processing-time tool for current estimates rather than relying on a fixed number.
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