Immigration
Studying in Canada
How can I provide my biometrics?
You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) when applying for a study permit. This helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirm your identity and process your application securely.
鉁� Who needs to give biometrics?
You must give biometrics if:
You鈥檙e applying for a study permit and haven鈥檛 provided biometrics for a Canadian immigration application in the last 10 years
You do not meet the
To check if you already have valid biometrics on file, use the .
Deadline to give biometrics
Once you receive your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) from IRCC, you typically have 30 days to complete your appointment. If you鈥檙e unable to meet the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., no available appointments), you can request an extension using the . Include:
A clear explanation of your situation
Supporting documents (e.g., screenshots of unavailable appointment slots)
Where and how to give biometrics
- Outside Canada: Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as soon as you get your BIL. Appointments are free, and you鈥檒l need your (BIL) from IRCC.
- If there's no VAC in the country or territory you're applying from, you can go to any other VAC location.
In Canada: You can give biometrics at a designated Service Canada office. Use the to schedule your appointment.
At a port of entry: Only available if you鈥檙e , you start and finish your application at the port of entry and haven鈥檛 received a BIL.