Biometric Fee

[Dr2233]

Hi, I submitted spouse sponsorship application for PR under family class. I submitted in early November 2020. At the time when I paid the application fees, it said due to Covid 19, there is no need to pay the biometric fee of $85. So we didn't pay. Today, we received the Biometrics Fee Reminder Letter. Do I still need to pay for that? Thank you.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/coronavirus/general-measures/biometric-exemption-permanent-residence.html

 

[armoured]

Hi, I submitted spouse sponsorship application for PR under family class. I submitted in early November 2020. At the time when I paid the application fees, it said due to Covid 19, there is no need to pay the biometric fee of $85. So we didn't pay. Today, we received the Biometrics Fee Reminder Letter. Do I still need to pay for that? Thank you.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/coronavirus/general-measures/biometric-exemption-permanent-residence.html

Has your spouse previously given the biometrics? I don't think the biometrics exemption (and hence fee exemption) applies if applicant has not previously provided.

At any rate, my suggestion would be to pay the fee even if you think it is not needed.

Why do I suggest this? It's possible the fee letter was automatic; it's also possible that in their system, the lack of biometric fee being paid will cause delays (they are waiting for the fee to be paid to move to next step - and this may be automated). For $85 Cdn, it makes more sense to me to pay and avoid even the possibility of a delay.

From experience of others here, the fee has been returned. If you want to, you could write a webform, advise you have previously provided biometrics, and you believe the fee should be returned. (Worst that happens is you lose the $85).

But it's up to you.

 

[Dr2233]

Has your spouse previously given the biometrics? I don't think the biometrics exemption (and hence fee exemption) applies if applicant has not previously provided.

At any rate, my suggestion would be to pay the fee even if you think it is not needed.

Why do I suggest this? It's possible the fee letter was automatic; it's also possible that in their system, the lack of biometric fee being paid will cause delays (they are waiting for the fee to be paid to move to next step - and this may be automated). For $85 Cdn, it makes more sense to me to pay and avoid even the possibility of a delay.

From experience of others here, the fee has been returned. If you want to, you could write a webform, advise you have previously provided biometrics, and you believe the fee should be returned. (Worst that happens is you lose the $85).

But it's up to you.

Thank you so much for your advice. I agree, $85 is nothing compared to the whole application and the waiting time. I will pay the fee to avoid any delay.