Important Updates
Important Updates
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 21, 2025 | 🌐United States: Appeals Court Stays Postponement of TPS Terminations for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
August 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 20, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: New Salary Benchmarking Table by Sector Now Available
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 21, 2025 | 🌐United States: Appeals Court Stays Postponement of TPS Terminations for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
August 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 20, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: New Salary Benchmarking Table by Sector Now Available
August 20, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Rules Forthcoming for Board of Investment-Promoted Companies
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

New Biometrics Submission Rules Start July 31, 2018

July 25, 2018

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

Effective July 31, 2018, biometrics collection will become mandatory for nationals from Europe, the Middle East and Africa who intend to work or study in Canada, as well as applicants for visitor visas, permanent residence and anyone seeking asylum in Canada. Visa-exempt travelers from these regions who are entering Canada as a visitor under a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) and U.S. citizens are among those who are exempt from the requirement to provide biometrics at this time. The Canadian government has published additional details on the biometrics program, including validity rules and locations of biometrics collection centers for visa-exempt nationals.


The situation

The Canadian government has published additional details on the biometrics program to inform foreign nationals of key details of the process.

A closer look

  • Biometrics collection for visa-exempt nationals.
    • Visa-exempt applicants who are required to provide biometrics must do so upon entry to Canada at the airport or at a land border.
    • Fingerprint verification will be conducted at self-serve primary inspection kiosks at eight major Canadian airports.
    • At other airports and land ports of entry, discretionary fingerprint verification will be conducted by a border services officer upon referral to secondary inspection.
       
  • Biometrics collection for visa nationals.
    • Visa national applicants must first apply for the appropriate immigration document (work, study or visitor visa) online in order to receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Once received, biometrics must be submitted at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as directed.
       
  • New VACs to open. In order to accommodate additional demand, the Canadian government will allow visa nationals to submit their biometrics at any VAC globally, including the following:
    • Kigali, Rwanda; Stockholm, Sweden; and Tel Aviv, Israel starting mid-September 2018;
    • Athens, Greece; Berlin, Germany; Lyon, France; and Vienna, Austria starting early November 2018 
    • Antananarivo, Madagascar and Cape Town, South Africa starting early December 2018
    • Additional VACs will also open in 2019. These will be announced at a later date.
       
  • Temporary VACs. The Canadian government is also opening temporary VACs in the following cities:
    • For applicants from Sweden and neighboring countries: at the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden from July 31 to mid-September 2018;
    • For applicants from Greece, Germany, Austria and neighboring countries: Canadian Embassies in Athens, Greece; Berlin, Germany; and Vienna, Austria from July 31 to early November 2018; and
    • For applicants from France and neighboring countries: a VAC in Lyon, France from July 31 to early November 2018.
       
  • Fees. Biometric fees will apply as follows:
    • Individual applicants: CAD 85;
    • Families applying together at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD 170; and
    • Groups of three or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: a maximum total fee of CAD 255.
       
  • Validity rules.
    • Generally, foreign nationals only need to submit their biometrics once every 10 years.
    • Foreign nationals from one of these 29 countries and one territory with a valid visitor visa or a study or work permit are subject to the following additional rules:
      • Those who submitted biometrics before July 31, 2018 must re-submit biometrics; and
      • Those who submit biometrics after July 31, 2018 do not need to submit their biometrics again if the biometrics are valid and will remain valid for the 10 years from the date they were submitted.
         

Background

As part of biometrics collection process in Canada, a foreign national’s fingerprints and photo will be checked against immigration and criminal records. The biometric check confirms if someone applied to enter Canada before using the same or a different identity, has a previous Canadian criminal record or has been removed from Canada before and may therefore be inadmissible.

Exemptions

As a reminder, the following foreign nationals will be exempt from submitting their biometrics:

  • Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents;
  • Visa-exempt nationals entering Canada as tourists who hold a valid electronic travel authorization;
  • U.S. citizens;
  • Children under the age of 14;
  • Applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants);
  • Heads of state and heads of government;
  • Cabinet ministers and accredited diplomats of other countries and the United Nations, entering Canada on official business;
  • U.S. visa holders transiting through Canada;
  • Refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit; and
  • Temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress

 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Fragomen's Posted Worker Compliance Solutions

In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.

Learn more

Blog post

From Facilitation to Surveillance: How Digitalization Will Impact Your European Compliance Program

Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: What the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration Reforms Mean for Employers

Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Fragomen's Posted Worker Compliance Solutions

In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.

Learn more

Blog post

From Facilitation to Surveillance: How Digitalization Will Impact Your European Compliance Program

Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: What the UK’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration Reforms Mean for Employers

Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.