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As of January/13 29 countries and 1 territory will have to appear in person for fingerprinting and photographs, before applying for TRVs. See: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to introduce the following changes in 2013:
If you are a national of a country or territory from which Canada will need biometric information, you will need to appear in person to have your fingerprints and photograph taken when you apply for a temporary resident visa, study permit or work permit starting September 2013.
Most people will have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (VAC). CIC is adding new VACs around the world to give better access to people who need to apply for visas and give biometric information.
VACs are managed by private companies or international organizations. These organizations are contracted by CIC to give certain services to visa applicants.
Client service agents at the VACs can explain, in local languages, how to fill out forms and make sure that applications are complete. This will help you avoid having your application delayed or refused due to an incomplete application.
The Government of Canada has proposed a biometrics fee of $85 CAD per person, $170 CAD for a family, and $255 CAD for performing artists and their staff applying together for a work permit. This would be in addition to the normal temporary resident visa, work permit and study permit application processing fees. This proposed fee is similar to what other countries charge for biometrics, such as the U.S. and the U.K.
Children, the elderly, and government officials and their family members travelling to Canada on official business may be exempt from having to give their biometric information.
Over the next year, CIC will be setting up VACs with biometric collection services. If you are an affected national, you will be able to have your fingerprints and photograph taken on a voluntary basis as soon as there is one established in your area. This service will be free of charge before the biometric requirement becomes mandatory. Check this website starting in May 2013 to find out where the VACs with biometric collection services are located.
Taking biometric information would not increase the time it takes for CIC to process your application. But, if you need to travel to get to a VAC in order to give your fingerprints and photograph in person, this could add to the time it takes to prepare and submit your application. You should plan ahead for this. Check current processing times
As of January/13 29 countries and 1 territory will have to appear in person for fingerprinting and photographs, before applying for TRVs. See: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to introduce the following changes in 2013:
If you are a national of a country or territory from which Canada will need biometric information, you will need to appear in person to have your fingerprints and photograph taken when you apply for a temporary resident visa, study permit or work permit starting September 2013.
Most people will have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (VAC). CIC is adding new VACs around the world to give better access to people who need to apply for visas and give biometric information.
VACs are managed by private companies or international organizations. These organizations are contracted by CIC to give certain services to visa applicants.
Client service agents at the VACs can explain, in local languages, how to fill out forms and make sure that applications are complete. This will help you avoid having your application delayed or refused due to an incomplete application.
The Government of Canada has proposed a biometrics fee of $85 CAD per person, $170 CAD for a family, and $255 CAD for performing artists and their staff applying together for a work permit. This would be in addition to the normal temporary resident visa, work permit and study permit application processing fees. This proposed fee is similar to what other countries charge for biometrics, such as the U.S. and the U.K.
Children, the elderly, and government officials and their family members travelling to Canada on official business may be exempt from having to give their biometric information.
Over the next year, CIC will be setting up VACs with biometric collection services. If you are an affected national, you will be able to have your fingerprints and photograph taken on a voluntary basis as soon as there is one established in your area. This service will be free of charge before the biometric requirement becomes mandatory. Check this website starting in May 2013 to find out where the VACs with biometric collection services are located.
Taking biometric information would not increase the time it takes for CIC to process your application. But, if you need to travel to get to a VAC in order to give your fingerprints and photograph in person, this could add to the time it takes to prepare and submit your application. You should plan ahead for this. Check current processing times