Canadian visa will have the same duration as biometrics: how long will it be valid for?

In a country as busy and sought after for immigration as Canada, it is necessary to handle an important issue that has to do with the length of time the visa is valid and its relationship with the biometric data required by the IRCC. 

Both foreigners applying for a temporary visa and those applying for a resident visa must provide their fingerprints and photograph, that is, their biometrics, however, there is a valuable piece of information that must be taken into account when processing this application, since visas will now be generated with a maximum validity equal to the duration of the biometrics. Please join me in reading this topic to help you understand the importance of the use and validity of biometric technology and how it affects the duration of your visa. 

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What are biometrics?

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In the immigration environment, biometrics are the characteristic and unique data of the human being, such as physiology, behavior and everything that facilitates and guarantees their identification as a physical person, through the technology used by Canadian immigration officers. In short, biometrics refer directly to fingerprints and facial photographs.

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What is the maximum duration of biometrics and how does it relate to the visa?

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The biometrics have a continuous validity of 10 years. Some important considerations regarding the duration of biometrics and visa are as follows:

• For temporary residence: if the applicant has provided his/her biometric data before, he/she may not need to provide it again when submitting the application.

• IRCC will not be able to issue you a visa or permit for more than 10 years from the last date you provided your biometric data.
• If you want a visa or permit for longer than your current biometric data is valid, you may choose to provide it again, even if it is still valid.

• For permanent residence: the foreigner must provide his/her biometric data each time he/she applies for permanent residence, even if he/she has already provided it. 

• There are some special cases where you may not need to provide your biometric data, for example, for temporary residency, if you already provided it when you applied for permanent residency.

There are many doubts about the time period of the biometrics, so we recommend that you check in this official government site if yours are still valid, click here.

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Biometric data and rejection of your application

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While it is true that the foreigner has the right not to provide his/her biometric data, he/she should also be aware that this may lead to the rejection of his/her application. According to the official IRCC website, the following should be taken into account to avoid delays and/or rejections:

• If your application for permanent residence is rejected, you will not be able to use your biometric data for any future applications.
• You have 30 days to provide your biometric data from the time you receive your biometric instruction letter (BIL).
• Book your appointment as soon as you receive your BIL.
• If you attempt to provide your biometrics with a BIL from a previous application, there may be delays in processing your current application or your application may be rejected.
• If your application was rejected because you did not provide your biometrics, do not attempt to provide them again, you must first reapply, pay the associated fees, including the biometrics fee, and wait for your BIL to schedule another appointment to submit your biometrics.

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In this sense, it is important to take into account that the duration of the biometrics and the visa are aligned, so both processes must be carried out under informed knowledge. You can always consult an advisor regulated by the Canadian government if you have any doubts, so you will avoid wasting time and money. Immiland has a specialized team that can guide you in this regard, consult here.

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Who must provide their biometric data and who is exempt?

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All foreigners applying for a visitor's visa, work or study permit (except for U.S. citizens), permanent residence, refugee or asylum status, must provide fingerprints and a photograph.

As always, there are exceptions in immigration, so please note that you do not need to provide your fingerprints or photograph for children under 14 years of age and those over 79 years of age (there is no upper age limit for asylum seekers), accredited diplomats from other countries and the United Nations coming to Canada on official business, visa-exempt citizens coming to Canada as tourists, and heads of state and heads of government.

On the other hand, it also does not include the collection of biometric data for Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants) or those who already have permanent residency in Canada.

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Where should you provide your biometric data?

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At Canadian government authorized data collection sites, but know that before you go, you must schedule an appointment to provide your biometric data. If you are outside Canada, you should also check the location's website for their services and fees.

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In what scenarios is the verification of biometric data performed?

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In the migratory environment, biometric verification is handled categorically at the border, in this sense, the scenarios and their participants are the following:

• At the border, the Canada Border Services Agency will be able to quickly and accurately confirm whether a foreign national's identity is legitimate, allowing for more efficient and faster entry of travelers.
• At major Canadian airports, fingerprints will be automatically verified at a primary inspection kiosk.
• At other airports and land ports of entry.

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Where does the collected biometric data go?

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It is understood that once the Canadian government has obtained the biometrics at the border port, the data collected goes to the National Repository to be compared with the data already in its immigration and criminal records. This is how the government ensures that the person has a true and legal identity and is not a foreigner who wants to fraudulently obtain temporary or permanent residency or, worse, is a known criminal who may pose a threat to Canada. More information on this official link on Biometrics in Canada.

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You can verify the information in this article on the official IRCC website by clicking here. 

In Immiland, we have a team of immigration consultants specialized and registered in the CICC, College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, this certification is what guarantees that your case will be in the hands of an authorized staff to process your documentation without risks. Visit our website and learn about the services we offer to the immigrant so that they arrive safely and reliably to Canada.

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With love,

Immiland