What You Need to Know About Biometrics Fee in Canada
Biometrics is a technological advance in identifying individuals through their unique physical traits or characteristics. Biometrics technologies are becoming increasingly important in numerous applications, including law enforcement, border control, and security. Recently, Canada introduced the biometric identification program, which requires all visitors from selected countries to submit their biometrics information, including fingerprints and facial recognition. The program has been in place since 2018, and it has been expanded to include more countries.
Biometrics Fees in Canada
If you’re planning to visit Canada, you might be wondering about the biometrics fees you’ll need to pay. The Canadian government charges a biometrics fee of CAD 85 per individual, with a maximum fee of CAD 170 per family. For instance, a family of four will pay CAD 340 for their biometric identification.
However, some applicants do not need to pay the fee, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. In addition, exempted people from visa-exempt countries travelling for short periods are also not required to pay the fee.
The payment of the biometrics fee is separate from other visa application fees, and it doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
Submitting Biometrics Information
To submit your biometrics information, you must attend a biometrics collection center and provide your fingerprints and take a digital photograph. The biometrics data is then encrypted and sent to the Canadian government for processing. The processing time varies depending on the demand, but it usually takes about four to six weeks.
As part of the biometric identification program, visitors must submit their biometric information only once every ten years. However, certain circumstances might require you to submit it more frequently. The Canadian government will notify you when it’s time to renew your biometrics data.
Conclusion
The biometric identification program in Canada is a crucial part of border control and security. Every year, thousands of visitors submit their biometric information to the Canadian government. However, it’s essential to note that the biometrics fee is a separate payment from other visa application fees, and the submission of the biometrics data doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
If you’re planning a visit to Canada and need to submit your biometrics information, ensure you pay the fee, submit the biometrics data before your visa application deadline, and understand how the biometrics program works. Finally, be sure to keep updated with the latest policies and regulations from the Canadian government.
