If you can, make sure all family members who are applying for a visa go to the same VAC or ASC at the same time to give biometrics.Consider travel time when planning if you need to travel to visit a VAC or Application Support Center (ASC, if applying from the United States) to provide your biometrics.Give your biometrics at the same time as you apply at a Visa Application Centre, or within a few days of getting your Biometric Instruction Letter.Pay both the application fee and the biometrics fee when you submit your application.Either apply online or in-person at a Visa Application Centre. The Government of Canada provides the following advice for reducing application delays: The Government of Canada says anyone applying for permanent residence will need to give their biometrics and pay the fee regardless of whether they have provided biometrics in the past to support a visitor visa, study or work permit application or a different application for permanent residence ( provided they do not meet the requirement for exemption listed below). Click here for a full list of exemptions to the biometrics program.īiometrics for Permanent Residence Applications Travellers from visa-exempt countries who are coming to Canada as tourists with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will not be required to provide biometrics. To find the VAC that is nearest to you, consult this page.

Individuals submitting an application outside Canada for the first time will need to submit their biometrics at a Government of Canada-authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics Collection at Visa Application Centres

Canada visitor visa photo tool