Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced plans to expand biometric screening to foreign citizens entering Canada on a visa from around 150 countries on Thursday.
Who is affected?
Our map details who is already required to provide biometric details (blue), who is going to be affected under new plans (red), and who doesn’t need to worry (white).
What do you need to do?
Applicants for visitor visas, study and work permits in affected countries have to give fingerprints and photographs within 30 days of when they submit an application, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Are there exemptions?
Yes. You don’t need to give biometrics if: you are under 14 years old or over 80 years old; you are on official business as a diplomat or representative of a country, the United Nations or an intergovernmental agency involving Canada; or you are applying to move through Canada for less than 48 hours and are travelling directly from the United States.
How much will it cost applicants?
Under the current system, applicants pay a biometric fee of $85 per person, in addition to the application fee. A CIC spokesperson said this fee would be extended to people from the new countries added to the list. Families applying together pay a maximum of $170 for screening.
Will you need to provide new biometrics each time you apply?
Yes, unless you are approved for a multiple-entry visa.
Will you have to give your biometrics if you are already in Canada or already have a visa?
No. You can apply for a visa, work permit or study permit without giving your biometrics if you are already in Canada. If you already have a visa, you will not need to give your biometrics until your next application.
When will this take effect?
The identity verification measures require legislative changes and are expected to be implemented by 2018.
How much is the Canadian government paying for these new measures?
Harper said the government would contribute $313 million over five years to support the new requirement.
Immigration with WWICS 