IEC - Provide Biometrics from inside Canada

[Bs65]

Hi, I am in the same situation right now and would prefer to use the Seattle office to complete Biometrics. On my instruction letter is states:

If you are already legally in the United States, you may go to a United States Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS), Application Support Center (ASC) or a Visa Application Center (VAC) located in the United States or its territories.

I’m wondering what it means when it says already legally in the United States? Did you travel to Seattle on implied status? Is it just as simple as getting an ESTA to travel to Seattle to be “legally in United States”?

Others can comment as well but by legally simply means you have crossed into the US through a legal entry point and been approved for entry for a specific period by US CBP. By all means get an ESTA which is generally required for air travel as means you will be in the system but as a visa exempt you could also get an i 94 at the land border which believe costs 6 dollars although may have changed as per FAQ below.

See here for FAQ
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html?execution=e1s1

Seems now can also apply for an i94 in advance although as per FAQ above an ESTA now also good, rules keep changing all the time.

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

Note there is no such thing as implied status for the IEC program.

 

[AnnaMontana]

Hi,
Did my biometrics and here is an update for interested:

So, I applied for an IEC within Canada and was asked to give biometrics. To give biometrics for an IEC application you must leave Canada. I know this because this is the second time I apply for an IEC - the first time I got rejected because not giving biometrics. I had read the same information (see above) about applicant's within Canada being exempted from giving biometrics until in-Canada service is established. This information does not apply to IEC applicants in Canada so don't do the same mistake.

This time I booked an appointment at the VAC in NYC and took the bus there. I am from a visa exempt country so I crossed the US border by land with ESTA and i94. You can apply for both online and it is very easy and doesn't cost much.

I found the bus routine simple both ways, it took 15 min to cross the borders and check all passengers. Be prepared for questions and have your documents ready - and to be sure; print everything you need (when returning back to Canada they wanted to see proof of my status in Canada and asked about the purpose of travel and my IEC).

To do biometrics at the VAC in NYC took 10 min to do; passport check, photo, fingerprints - done!

Check your status and that you have everything you need, It's always up to the border officer to let you in or not but if you have all your documents ready and legal status you should not have problems.

 

[hcueva10]

Hi,
Did my biometrics and here is an update for interested:

So, I applied for an IEC within Canada and was asked to give biometrics. To give biometrics for an IEC application you must leave Canada. I know this because this is the second time I apply for an IEC - the first time I got rejected because not giving biometrics. I had read the same information (see above) about applicant's within Canada being exempted from giving biometrics until in-Canada service is established. This information does not apply to IEC applicants in Canada so don't do the same mistake.

This time I booked an appointment at the VAC in NYC and took the bus there. I am from a visa exempt country so I crossed the US border by land with ESTA and i94. You can apply for both online and it is very easy and doesn't cost much.

I found the bus routine simple both ways, it took 15 min to cross the borders and check all passengers. Be prepared for questions and have your documents ready - and to be sure; print everything you need (when returning back to Canada they wanted to see proof of my status in Canada and asked about the purpose of travel and my IEC).

To do biometrics at the VAC in NYC took 10 min to do; passport check, photo, fingerprints - done!

Check your status and that you have everything you need, It's always up to the border officer to let you in or not but if you have all your documents ready and legal status you should not have problems.

Hi AnnaMontanna,

Did you entered the US and returned to Canada on the same day? Also, did you declare that the purpose of your travel was to provide your biometrics, and did you have any trouble with that?

Thank you!

 

[AnnaMontana]

Hi AnnaMontanna,

Did you entered the US and returned to Canada on the same day? Also, did you declare that the purpose of your travel was to provide your biometrics, and did you have any trouble with that?

Thank you!

Hi! I took the night bus to US since I had my appointment around 10 am next day. I was in NY around 8 am and went straight to the VAC. It was empty so they took care of it straight away. I spent the day in NY then took a night bus back again and was home early in the morning next day.

I didn't have any issues to enter US: the border officer asked me where I would stay in the states and for how long and I explained It was just a day visit because I had to go and give biometrics and then planning to go back. He just laughed and said "wow can't believe you have to go all the way to NY to give fingerprints!". He checked my ESTA, i94 and passport and that's it.

But, I had issues when re-entered Canada. Since I've been in Canada exactly 6 months they asked about my status and why I wanted to come back. I have extended my status as a visitor and got approved 6 more months but they wanted to see proof of that. I was prepared for this so I had printed my approval and showed my status. They asked what I did in US and I told them the same thing, about my IEC application and that NY was the closest to me to give biometrics. They checked my papers and passport and then let me in.

Since the bus have a schedule to keep they are used to the procedure and just want to make sure everybody have their documents. We were about 20 people on the bus and it took maybe 15 minute to pass the border and check everybody. Everybody was nice and helpful, they just want to do their job.

I hope this helps!

 

[hcueva10]

Hi! I took the night bus to US since I had my appointment around 10 am next day. I was in NY around 8 am and went straight to the VAC. It was empty so they took care of it straight away. I spent the day in NY then took a night bus back again and was home early in the morning next day.

I didn't have any issues to enter US: the border officer asked me where I would stay in the states and for how long and I explained It was just a day visit because I had to go and give biometrics and then planning to go back. He just laughed and said "wow can't believe you have to go all the way to NY to give fingerprints!". He checked my ESTA, i94 and passport and that's it.

But, I had issues when re-entered Canada. Since I've been in Canada exactly 6 months they asked about my status and why I wanted to come back. I have extended my status as a visitor and got approved 6 more months but they wanted to see proof of that. I was prepared for this so I had printed my approval and showed my status. They asked what I did in US and I told them the same thing, about my IEC application and that NY was the closest to me to give biometrics. They checked my papers and passport and then let me in.

Since the bus have a schedule to keep they are used to the procedure and just want to make sure everybody have their documents. We were about 20 people on the bus and it took maybe 15 minute to pass the border and check everybody. Everybody was nice and helpful, they just want to do their job.

I hope this helps!

Thanks a lot for your thorough response!

 

[vsr0722]

I have a similar issue. I am a CEC Inland applicant. I am an Indian national and I need a visa for all neighboring countries, so going to US is not an option.
On the BIL letter it specifically states that I will have to Canada, but on the cic websites exceptions are quoted for in-canada applicants.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/identity-management/biometrics/exemptions.html

 

[Shaaaazxx]

So for those who are interested in how the stuff with the biometrics ended.

I went to the USCIS in Seattle today. Walk-ins are welcome by the way no appointment needed and no
extra fee got charged for the biometrics. It took about 10 minutes incl. waiting time and everything was done.

They know exactly what to do when you provide them with the Biometrics Instructions Letter from Canada.

I also checked my IEC account a few hours later and what a surprise the biometrics where already connected with my profile.

A little note on the side: if you want to use the public parking at the USCIS. They charge 7 US$ for it and they only take cash.

Hey!

I have a similar situation where I have to go to India to give my biometrics... After giving the biometrics, could you travel to canada right then or did you have to wait to give ur passport for the Visa stamp and then travel?

 

[vsr0722]

Hey!

I have a similar situation where I have to go to India to give my biometrics... After giving the biometrics, could you travel to canada right then or did you have to wait to give ur passport for the Visa stamp and then travel?

I havent yet gone to give biometrics. I am in Canada on a WP and I am an inland applicant.

 

[Yaseminberil]

I have a spousal open work permit and I will apply to study permit within Canada.Do you also need yo give biometrics outaide of Canada ?

 

[vsr0722]

Spoke to an IRCC agent today. I was told that inland applicant will have to travel outside Canada for giving biometrics. It is what it is.

 

[visitorcanada3097]

Hi I'm from the Phillipines.

I'm already inside canada as a visitor, i entered last December and I submit my apllication for open work permit and extension for visitor.

Do i need to give my biometrics because this is what bothers me.

 

[visitorcanada3097]

Spoke to an IRCC agent today. I was told that inland applicant will have to travel outside Canada for giving biometrics. It is what it is.

Hi I'm from the Phillipines.

I'm already inside canada as a visitor, i entered last December and I submit my apllication for open work permit and extension for visitor.

Do i need to give my biometrics because this is what bothers me.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi I'm from the Phillipines.

I'm already inside canada as a visitor, i entered last December and I submit my apllication for open work permit and extension for visitor.

Do i need to give my biometrics because this is what bothers me.

Do not spam the forum with the same post. Post once and wait for an answer.

 

[21Goose]

Hi I'm from the Phillipines.

I'm already inside canada as a visitor, i entered last December and I submit my apllication for open work permit and extension for visitor.

Do i need to give my biometrics because this is what bothers me.

On what grounds did your submit the application for an OWP? A Spousal Sponsorship for PR?

 

[visitorcanada3097]

On what grounds did your submit the application for an OWP? A Spousal Sponsorship for PR?

I'm a dependant of my mother