Biometrics Will Now Be Needed For All The Canadian PR Applicants

IRCC removed the temporary policy exempting biometrics requirement for certain foreign nationals applying for PR (permanent residence) on June 14, 2023. As per official IRCC program delivery update, this temporary public policy will no longer be applicable to permanent residency applications submitted on or after June 14, 2023.

This was only applicable to applicants who already have previously given their biometrics while making any other immigration/visa application in last 10 years.

PR applications submitted prior to June 14, 2023 and meeting the above requirement will continue to be processed with biometrics exemption. So all the foreign nationals applying for permanent residency (PR) will now have to submit their biometrics.

What are biometrics?

Biometrics are a person’s distinctive physical characteristics that can be used to identify them.

In the context of Canadian immigration, biometrics refers to fingerprints and a photograph, which are required for Canadian immigration.

Why does Canadian immigration take biometrics?

Biometrics are essential for establishing an individual’s identity. Despite the fact that this may not seem like an essential measure at the moment, the Canadian government advises that biometrics contribute to the safety of Canadian immigrants in multiple ways.

Having biometrics on file, for instance, makes it more difficult for someone to commit identity theft by fabricating, swiping, or using your identity.

In addition, biometrics facilitate the resolution of issues or mistakes that may arise when a person’s name, birthdate, and/or place of birth are similar to those of another individual.

I am on work permit in Canada. Do I need to give biometrics if I am applying for PR after June 14; although, I gave my biometrics 4 years ago?

If you are applying for permanent residency under family class or economic class or refugee cases after June 14, 2023 and you’re between 14 and 79 years old, then you need to give your fingerprints, even if you already gave the biometrics and they’re still valid.