Biometrics Update

If you are an applicant from Philippines  applying for the following type of applications :

• a visitor visa
• a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
• permanent residence
• refugee or asylum status

Staring December 31 , 2018 you’ll need to give your biometrics.

Biometrics are used at both the application and entry into Canada phases. Biometrics allow visa officers to screen applicants for prior criminal convictions orCanadian immigration infractions. A traveller'sbiometrics are also used when they enter Canada to confirm his or her identity

How to Apply for Biometrics ? 

this information is based on www.canada.ca  the official government website of Canada 

Steps to give your biometrics

1. Pay the biometrics fee

You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.

2. Get the instruction letter

After you pay the biometrics fee, you’ll get a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You need to bring this letter when you give your biometrics.

How fast you get the letter depends on how you apply and when you pay for your biometrics fees.

Exception: if you submit a paper application and pay the biometrics fee in person at a visa application centre (VAC), you can give your biometrics right away.

If you apply online

Visitor visa, study or work permit

• If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
  • You’ll get the letter in your account message box within 24 hours of applying.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
• If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
  • It can take several days before you get the letter.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.

We can only start to process your application after you pay for and give your biometrics.

Permanent residence

• If you submit a complete application and pay the biometrics fee at the same time
  • You’ll get the letter in your account message box within several days or several weeks.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
• If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
  • It can take several weeks before you get the letter.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.

If you send your application by mail

Visitor visa, study or work permit

• If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
  • You’ll get the letter by mail several weeks after we receive your application and payment.
• If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
  • It can take several weeks before you get the letter by mail.

Permanent residence

• If you submit a complete application and pay the biometrics fee at the same time
  • You’ll get the letter by mail several days or even several weeks after we receive your application and payment.
• If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
  • It can take several weeks before you get the letter by mail.

If you apply at a Visa application centre (VAC)

If you submit a paper application in person (all application types)

• You can give your biometrics right away when you submit and pay for your application at the VAC. You don’t need a letter.
• Some VACs let you book an appointment on their website. If so, we recommend you do that.

If you submit your application online at a VAC

• If you pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application
  • You’ll get the letter in your account message box within 24 hours of applying.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
  • Once you get this letter, you can go back to the VAC to give your biometrics (bring your letter).
• If you pay the biometrics fee after you submit your application
  • It can take several days before you get the letter.
    • We’ll send you an email to let you know that you have a new message.
  • Once you get this letter, you can go back to the VAC to give your biometrics (bring your letter).

3. Go to an official biometrics collection service point

You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered.

Find a collection point close to you.