All information provided are directly from IRCC Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
When to give your fingerprints and photo
You can only give your biometrics as part of an application you submit to us.
Read your instruction guide to find the steps in the application process and when you need to give your biometrics.
- Example: if you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit, you’ll need to give your biometrics before we start to process your application.
Find out how to give your biometrics.
How often you need to give your fingerprints and photo
Visitor visa, study and work permit applicants
You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years. You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.
If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they’re still valid, you don’t need to give them again.
Find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Status Tool.
Permanent residence applicants
You’ll need to give your biometrics and pay the fee each time you apply, even if you gave your biometrics in the past for another application.
Find out how to give your biometrics.
Date modified: 2019-12-05 by IRCC Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
