Foreign nationals now need biometrics to apply for permanent residence from within Canada

Canada has seen the emergence of service centers all over Canada that have the provision to collect the biometrics of foreign nationals who are planning to submit their applications for extending their stay in the country. Before 3rd December, the rule was that only immigration candidates who were submitting their applications from outside of Canada would have to provide their fingerprints and photo.

However, the country now has a different rule under which all foreign nationals are required to give their biometrics while applying. Unless the candidates are specifically exempt, candidates will have to provide their biometric details when they are applying for the following documents while being in the country.

• Permanent residence
• A work permit
• A study permit
• A visitor visa

This rule applies even if the candidate is applying for an extension. Biometrics will also have to be provided when the application is for extending any permit or visa while they are still in Canada. If their biometrics are not valid anymore, they will have to submit it afresh. They will be able to check the status of their biometrics if they wish to. You will be able to find more details about the 58 designated service centers across the country on the website of the IRCC or the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada, Marco Mendicino, has said that this expanded biometrics program is meant to boost the efficiency and integrity of the immigration system that exists in Canada. Since fingerprints and photos serve as reliable methods to identify people worldwide, keeping a database can be useful for the Canadian government. IRCC gives candidates access to an online tool using which candidates can figure out if to submit their biometrics.