Understanding the Canada Biometrics Requirement for USCIS Applications
As the world becomes more digitized, it’s not unusual to see countries using biometrics as a tool to strengthen their security and prevent identity fraud. Canada is one such country that has recently joined the bandwagon by introducing a biometrics requirement for all foreign nationals applying for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. This requirement has implications for those who are looking to immigrate or travel to Canada. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what biometrics are and how Canada’s biometric requirement affects United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) applications.
What are biometrics?
Biometrics generally refers to the use of physical features and characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, and iris scans, to identify an individual. Biometrics have become a popular method for enhancing security measures, especially when it comes to data protection. Biometric data is harder to duplicate, forge, or alter than traditional identifiers such as names and birthdates.
Canada Biometric Requirement
Starting from December 31, 2018, Canada introduced a biometric requirement for all foreign nationals applying for a Canadian study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. Under the new requirements, applicants are required to provide biometric information which includes fingerprints and a photograph.
Specifically, the biometric requirement applies to individuals who are from countries that require a visitor visa, a work permit, or a study permit to enter Canada. The biometric must be submitted at a Visa Application Centre. It should be noted that there are exemptions available, though they are discretionary and may be granted at the discretion of the government. Exemptions are available for those who are under 14 years of age or over 79 years of age, as well as anyone who has previously provided biometrics and are still valid.
Implications for USCIS Applications
The USCIS is a United States government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. Individuals applying for any non-immigrant visa or lawful permanent residency in the United States may be subject to biometrics collection as a part of the application process. USCIS, therefore, requires biometric information from every applicant to verify their identity.
If an applicant has already submitted biometrics to Canada in connection with an application for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa, they will not need to provide biometrics again when applying to USCIS. The biometrics provided to Canada can serve as the fingerprints and photograph required by USCIS.
On the other hand, if an applicant has not submitted biometrics to Canada, they will need to provide biometrics as part of the USCIS application process if biometrics are required. This can add an extra step and an additional cost to the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada’s biometric requirement for foreign nationals applying for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa has implications for USCIS applications. Applicants should be aware of the biometric requirements when applying to Canada and check if they qualify for any exemptions. Furthermore, applicants should also consider the potential impact of the biometric requirement on their USCIS application process. Biometrics are a crucial tool for enhancing security and preventing identity fraud, but they also add an extra layer of complexity to the immigration and travel process.
