Biometrics For IEC: What You Need To Know

Temporary residence applications submitted within Canada will now require biometrics as per regular procedures, unless otherwise exempt. The means that biometrics for IEC applicants are now needed.

What are “Biometrics” for IEC?

Biometrics are your fingerprints and a photograph. These are collected to confirm your identity and assist in processing your immigration/work permit application.

Do all IEC applicants need to give biometrics?

Not always. If you are exempt, you may not need to. Exemptions include, for example, children under 14, people over 79, certain diplomatic or official travellers, or if you’ve already given biometrics and they are still valid in the IRCC system.

Find out if you’ll need to give biometrics

When do I find out if I need to give biometrics?

After you submit your IEC application (once it is complete), you will typically receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You then have a specific period (usually 30 days) to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or other authorized biometric collection point.

The biometric process involves the collection of electronic fingerprints, a digital photograph, and personal details of applicants.There is a fee of $85 CAD for individual applicants, with families applying together at the same time paying a maximum of $170.

Why does Canada require biometrics for IEC participants?

Submitting biometrics is not only required for IEC, it’s required for applications for a work permit (including IEC applicants), study permit, visitor visa, permanent residence, or refugee or asylum status, with a few exceptions.

Where to Give Biometrics: Visa Application Centres (VACs) for IEC Applicants

You must go in person to an authorized collection point. This is commonly a Visa Application Centre (VAC), but in some cases there are Service Canada offices, IRCC visa offices, or other designated collection locations.

This table lists all IEC participating countries along with the cities where VACs are currently located.

If you are an IEC hopeful living in or near one of these cities, then your application process should not be too challenging, at least as far as biometrics are concerned. However, if you happen to be resident in a city not in close proximity to one of the aforementioned locations or worse still, a country without a VAC at all, then you are suddenly at a logistical and financial disadvantage. After all, applicants only have 30 days to submit biometric requirements following the issuing of the Biometrics Instruction Letter.

FAQs: Biometrics for IEC Applicants

How much does giving biometrics cost?
The standard fee is CAD 85 for an individual. There are different rates for families applying together, or for specific types of group applications.

What is the timeframe/deadline for providing biometrics?
Once you receive the Biometric Instruction Letter, you generally have 30 days to complete your biometrics. Missing that deadline can result in refusal or delays.

Can I use biometric data I provided earlier for another Canadian permit or visa (for example, study or another work permit)?
Sometimes yes—if your prior biometrics were done recently enough and are still valid. But note: certain policy changes mean IRCC may require new biometric data, even if you provided it before. Always check whether your existing biometrics are accepted for your specific IEC application.

What if there is no VAC in my country, or the nearest office is far away?
You may need to travel to another city or even another country that has a VAC. If there are no appointments, sometimes IRCC may grant an extension if you provide proof that you were unable to book in time. Documenting attempts to schedule helps.

What happens if I miss the deadline or fail to give biometrics in time?
Missing the deadline can lead to refusal of your application. There have been cases where applicants requested extensions via IRCC web forms (often including evidence that there were no available appointment slots) to try to avoid refusal.

How long until my IEC processing begins after giving biometrics?
Processing does not generally begin until biometrics have been submitted (if required). Delays in submitting them will delay the start of full processing. The entire timeline will depend on both your application’s completeness and IRCC workload.

How do I know the biometric status in my IRCC account?
Once you have attended the appointment, your account should update the status to show biometrics submitted/complete. However, updates can sometimes be delayed, so it can take days for the system to reflect your visit. If there’s an unusually long delay, you may contact IRCC.

Can I refuse or opt out of providing biometrics?
If IRCC requires biometrics for your application category and you don’t provide them, your application will not be processed. The provision is mandatory unless you fall under an exemption.